Anna Wintour

She'd sit in on meetings, shaking her head, obviously disagreeing with Mirabella, playing a longer game than office politics.

When Mirabella was fired, Anna was ready.

When you know what you want, the strongest form of positioning is preparation."

Nine, be a talent collector.

Anna championed unknown photographers who became legends and built a three-assistant system that created Fashion Magazine's most powerful alumni network.

Her projects run fashion globally.

They learned by watching her negotiate with billionaires and shape culture daily.

Your legacy isn't just what you build, it's who you build with.

And you can't buy good company.

10, overmatch.

Anna didn't just go into detail.

She forced the entire industry online in 1988, making Vogue.com the platform every designer needed.

She didn't compete with other magazines.

She built the infrastructure they'd have to use.

The Met Gala wasn't improved.

It was weaponized into a $12 million annual event of cultural dominance where she controls the guest list, seating charts, and cultural relevance itself.

Don't play fair games.

Build the game itself and then charge admission.

11.

Win by not losing.