episode 93 - the word is clothes

About this episode

This episode explores how leaders present themselves and shape their leadership identity through the metaphor of clothing.

This week’s random word - clothes- invites a fresh look at how leaders present themselves, and more importantly, how they shape their leadership identity. Inspired by the classic sayings “the clothes maketh the person” and “the emperor’s new clothes,” this episode explores the visible and invisible layers of leadership. From Savile Row insights to the difference between off-the-peg, tailored, and bespoke suits, we uncover a metaphor for how leaders grow: from imitating others to customising their style, to ultimately creating leadership that fits them and inspires others. True leadership isn’t about the uniform. It’s about what’s been made for you, and by you. What kind of leader are you?

People in this episode

Host: Emmanuel Gobillot

Topics covered

• leadership identity
• self-presentation
• clothing metaphor
• personal style
• leadership growth

Keywords

• leadership
• clothes
• identity
• style
• Savile Row
• metaphor
• personal growth

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: the emperor’s new clothes, the clothes maketh the person

Places: Savile Row

More episodes of the word is leadership

• episode 100 - the word is disperse · December 14, 2025 · 22 min
• episode 99 - the word is chipper · December 7, 2025 · 19 min
• episode 98- the word is predecessor · November 30, 2025 · 19 min
• episode 97 - the word is panther · November 23, 2025 · 18 min
• episode 96 - the word is nim · November 16, 2025 · 18 min
• episode 95 - the word is parent · November 9, 2025