Enchanted Leadership: Mary Poppins and Coco Chanel’s Magical Approach

A magical introduction I do say! In the principality of leadership, the most ordinary transforms into the extraordinary and the mundane becomes a host to whimsical magic. Who doesn’t love Mary Poppins | Disney Movies, the magical English nanny, who came to life in the 1964 Walt Disney movie and the innovative elegance of Coco Chanel. Imagine if you will, a bottomless bag where dreams take flight and a fragrance made timeless and classic…with a hint of magic.

Let’s take a journey into the worlds of two remarkable women, each twirled their own unique brand of leadership enchantment (I just love magic and Chanel!). One a beloved nanny who sprinkles joy and wisdom like fairy dust, and the other is a fashion maven who is the architect of class and sculpts elegance with every stitch!

Let me formally introduce to you, Mary Poppins and Coco Chanel. These two, iconic women, though from entirely different worlds, share a propound connection in their enchanting leadership styles. Let’s take a closer look.

Mary Poppins and Coco Chanel

A very whimsical nanny, who is more than a caregiver, she’s a beacon of magic and mentorship, and rightly so! With her bottomless carpetbag, (love it!) that defies all logic and her firm yet nurturing demeanor, Mary guides her caregiving skills with Jane and Michael Banks. And she does so, through lessons that transcend the boundaries of time and space. Her leadership is a blend of enchantment and pragmatism, encouraging creativity while instilling much needed discipline in the children.

Coco Chanel, on the other hand, is a fashion genius who rewrote the playbook of elegance, in a world where corsets and constraints held sway. Chanel introduced an era of comfort and individuality.

Her innovative designs and the timeless allure of Chanel No. 5 perfume continue to inspire generations. (I got hooked at 25, haven’t looked back!). Coco’s leadership style was one of empowerment, liberating women from the constraints of the corsets, leading fashion innovation and guiding women towards self-expression.

Now that you have been formally introduced let’s dive in a bit more. Let’s look at Mary Poppins, she would want to go first, magic always wins.

Mary is very nurturing and has a firm-controlled approach to all situations. She is very likeable, sensible, and supportive. Mary Poppins made her debut in the book, “Mary Poppins” written by P.L Travers and published in 1934. Thirty years later, Walt Disney brought her to life in the movie, “Mary Poppins”, a timeless classic.

History of Mary Poppins

The story itself is set in the Edwardian-era of London (think King Edward), which corresponds approximately to the early 20th century, specifically the years leading up to World War I. More context, (I love history). The Edwardian era roughly 1901 to 1910 was characterized by significant cultural and societal shifts and changes in Britain.

This time period saw a transition from the Victorian era (think Queen Victoria) to the modern age, with advancements in technology, the arts, and women’s rights. It was a time of optimism and growing social consciousness, but it was marked by class distinctions and the looming shadow of an impending global conflict, World War I.

Relevance to Mary Poppins

Mary herself embodies a sense of tradition and discipline, reflecting the Edwardian era. The story’s setting in London (Love London!) does provide the backdrop for both nostalgia and a changing world. I believe this adds depth to the characters and the theme of the story.

Mary Poppins’ magical abilities can be seen as a form of escapism during a societal and political uncertainty. Overall, this historical context of the Edwardian era plays a crucial role in shaping the world of Mary Poppins and influencing the character themes within the story. The story captures both the charm and challenges of the early 20th century in Britain. Let’s grab into Mary’s bottomless bag and bring up documents of her leadership style.

Mary Poppins Leadership Style

“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and – SNAP – the job’s a game!” – Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins leadership style is a unique blend of firmness, creativity, and a touch of magic.

Art of Imagination

1. The Clean-up Game (From “Mary Poppins”). In the original movie in 1964, Mary Poppins leads Jane and Micheal in a fun and magical clean-up game in their bedrooms. She combines discipline and creativity by making chores fun, enjoyable, and engaging. (I’d love to have my clothes fly to their proper place!). This showcases her ability to instill a sense of responsibility and order while maintaining a playful atmosphere.
2. The Tea Party on the Ceiling (From “Mary Poppins”). As she takes the children on an adventure to visit her Uncle Albert, they have a fantastic tea party on the ceiling! Her willingness to embrace whimsy and imagination demonstrates her leadership in expanding their horizons and encourages creative thinking.
3. The “Spoonful of Sugar” Lesson (From “Mary Poppins”). Mary teaches Jane and Michael how to approach a seemingly dauting task, like cleaning their room, with a positive attitude! The famous song, “A Spoonful of Sugar” shows emphasis to her ability to turn mundane activities into opportunities for growth and learning.
4. Dealing with Mr. Banks (From “Mary Poppins”). Mary Poppins subtly challenges the traditional views of Mr. Banks by showing him the importance of spending quality time with his children. Mary’s indirect way of leading Mr. Banks towards a more balanced life demonstrates her wisdom and her ability to influence others positively.
5. We can’t forget BERT, the chimney sweeper and Mary’s friend! Throughout the entire movie Mary, Bert, and the children explore London and meet interesting people along the way (magically of course!). This inclusive leadership style encourages teamwork and collaboration, as she values each person’s unique talents and their perspectives.

These instances highlight Mary Poppins’ leadership style. She leads by example and fosters, a sense of wonder and possibility in the children’s lives.

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” – Mary Poppins

Who is Coco Chanel

She no doubt, was a trailblazing “queen” in the fashion industry. She is known for her innovative approach to design and her distinctive leadership style. An icon we bow to and give high praise. Let’s take a look at the design era she was in, and how she led her style to infamously timeless couture and defined the word “class” in modern times.

“Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.” – Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel in History

Born in 1883, Chanel came of age during the late Victorian era (think Queen Victoria) and the Belle Epoque in France. She started her fashion career in the 1910s and 1920s. This time of course was known as the “Roaring Twenties”. This time was characterized by partying, social and cultural upheaval, and this included changing roles for women. Coco Chanel’s career continued through the 1930s, and the period of economic challenges due to the Great Depression, and well into the 1940s during World War II.

Coco Chanel’s Leadership Style

Not only was she a fashion icon, but she was also tough and has the confidence too lead and excepted nothing less than excellence. Her leadership style has several traits:

• Innovation: She was a pioneer queen of modern fashion, constantly pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms. Her designs were revolutionary for their time.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Chanel was a shrewd businesswoman who understood the commercial aspect of fashion. She successfully built a global brand, which includes clothing, accessories, and perfumes, and more (Shoes! Shoes!).
• Confidence and Independence: Her strong sense of self and fierce independence was evident in her own personal style and the way she conducted her business. She often wore her own designs, setting the example for her customers.
• Attention to detail: Meticulous she was! Ensuring every element from fabrics to accessories, contributed to the overall aesthetic and function of the garment. Elegance with comfort.

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – Coco Chanel

Chanel Designs

• The Little Black Dress
• Chanel No.5
• Use of Jersey Fabric
• Nautical Influence
• Pioneering Pants for women

Coco Chanel’s legacy in the fashion world is marked by her ability to transform women’s fashion. She made them comfortable, elegant and accessible. Her style, and innovative spirit continues to inspire designers today.

Parallels in Leadership Styles

1. Creativity and Innovation: Both Mary Poppins and Coco Chanel were innovators in their chosen fields. Mary Poppins brought a touch of magic and imagination to her leadership, while Chanel introduced groundbreaking fashion designs (magic too!). They shared a commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.
2. Balance of Discipline and Playfulness: Mary Poppins balanced firmness with a sense of playfulness in her leadership. She used creativity to engage and educate the children. Chanel combined classic elegance with comfort and practicality. She offered women a sense of freedom (from Cosets) in their clothing while maintaining a reserved classy aesthetic.
3. Empowerment through Individuality: Both women empowered those around them to embrace their individuality. Mary Poppins encouraged the children to think independently and creatively. Chanel designs allowed women to express themselves through fashion. Furthermore, liberating them from confined and restrictive clothing, giving them a sense of self-expression.

Reception in Historical Context

I love history, so adding this little piece will help you get a better understanding of how the times were affected by both women. Mary Poppins’ character was introduced during the early 20th century and during a great time of change in the world. With her introduction by P.L Travers to children and parents during this uncertain time, her magic resonated with parents and children alike and became a source of comfort during turbulent times.

Coco Chanel emerged during the Roaring Twenties and continued her influence through both the Great Depression and World War II. Her designs were a breath of fresh air to all women seeking freedom and individuality. Her practical approach and elegant styling were embraced globally. She represented resilience and adaptability during challenging and changing times.

Leading to Success

Mary Poppins leadership style, coupled with the enduring appeal of her stories and character, led to the success of the Mary Poppins Franchise. Her ability to inspire and educate through storytelling made her a household name and loved all over the world. Don’t we all wish we had a bottomless carpet bag, and we could fly!

Chanel’s innovative designs and her focus on women’s comfort and individuality contributed to her success. The iconic fragrance Chanel No. 5, her introduction to pants for women, and using jersey fabric for women’s clothing catapulted her to influential status globally. She lives on through her brand, her symbol, elegance, and classic style.

Summary of Comparison

Mary Poppins and Coco Chanel, despite their different fields, shared remarkably similar leadership qualities.

• Both were innovators, blending creativity with practicality.
• Balanced discipline with playfulness in their leadership.
• Their influence was received positively in both historical contexts, offering empowerment and inspiration.
• Their success was rooted in their ability to adapt to changing times and empower others to embrace their own individuality.

Lessons for Modern Leaders

1. Embrace Creativity: Incorporate creativity and innovation into your leadership style! Just like Mary, use imagination to engage and inspire.
2. Balance Discipline: Find time to play, have a sense of playfulness, balance the two. Create a positive and effective work environment.
3. Empower Individuality: Encourage others to be themselves, create a work atmosphere to invite this attitude. Just like Coco Chanel, encourage self-expression.
4. Adaptability: Adapt. There will be changes, there will be challenges and uncertainty. Just like Mary and Coco experienced in their respective historical eras.

“Anything can happen if you let it.” – Mary Poppins

In conclusion, Mary Poppins and Coco Chanel, two iconic women from different realms, illuminate the path to leadership success. Like Mary’s magical-infused nurturing and Coco’s elegant practicality, today’s leaders can blend creativity with structure, and empower self-expression and individuality, while remaining adaptable in an ever-changing modern world.

Lead with the whimsy of Mary Poppins and the elegance of Coco Chanel, and you’ll find the magic in empowering others to soar with their own unique brilliance. ~Ellen Garrett

Let’s chat soon!