Anna Wintour

What she didn't want at all was any guidance or tips on how to manage her career.

That certainty at 16?

Most people don't even have that at 40.

Willie Landels at Harper's Bazaar hired Anna because of her father's reputation.

Anyone connected to such a respected newspaper was worth a shot, he figured.

Here's where privilege meets performance.

Yes, her name opened the door, but what happened once she walked through?

That was all Anna.

The real advantage isn't the door that opens, it's knowing exactly what to do once you're inside.

Harper's operated on a skeleton crew.

Three people running the fashion pages.

No budget for coffee fetchers.

Everyone did everything.

I was thrown into my career, frankly, with ignorance.

I knew nothing, Anna later admitted.

Perfect.

While her peers at bigger magazines were filling in expense reports and grabbing coffee, Anna was learning the entire business.

I learned how to go into market and choose clothes.

I learned how to choose talent.

I learned how to collaborate.