By #12: Angelina Jolie
Lesson: Personal generosity can be more important than professional accomplishment.
Angelina Jolie is arguably the most famous actress in the world right now. Why? She’s been in so many of the best films of the decade, like Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Alexander, and…oh wait…
For someone who normally stars in some of Hollywood’s worst movies, how is Jolie such a megastar?
She is the quintessential master of personal PR. Jolie’s movies are incidental–they are mere backdrop to the brand that is Angelina. Celebrity cum International Relations wonk.
Beauty and the Adopter-of-Disadvantaged-Children. If you can turn your personal brand into such gold, any professional foibles matter a lot less. Florence Nightingale was an extraordinary activist. Seize the opportunity to get involved with a nurse-supported cause.
