The ultimate in sophistication and class: Lauren Bacall.
Today the world lost one of its most beloved actresses, the peerless Lauren Bacall. During the 1950s, Bacall rose to prominence as an actress, appearing in a number of popular films and marrying icon Humphrey Bogart.
However, there was another aspect to Bacall that most people didn’t really take into account — she wasn’t just an iconic actress, but a successful business woman. After her early modelling career and period as a Hollywood superstar, Bacall became a celebrity speaker, designed a jewellery line and became a prominent campaigner for the Democratic Party. As in her movie roles, she invariably presented class, style and grit in real life. Here are a few inspirational quotes from the screen legend that we all can apply to our everyday lives and careers.
‘I am not a has-been. I am a will-be.’
This is the kind of attitude every businesswoman should have: don’t think that after one, or even a few, successes that you can’t have anymore. Like Bacall, always be sure of yourself and know your worth.
‘I find that through the sad times, work is what made my continuing , not breaking down, possible. In work, I was always someone else and I subconsciously reveled in that.’
For many businesswomen, Bacall included, working is what helps them through difficult times. They’re able to put all their energy into their work and produce something amazing. And of course Bacall managed to endure difficult times while still publicly displaying extreme class and sophistication.
‘It’s inappropriate and vulgar and absolutely unacceptable to use your private life to sell anything commercially.’
This is something every woman should understand. Lauren Bacall understood that your private life is exactly that – private – and as much as other people will talk about it, you never should.
These are only a few ways in which Lauren Bacall showed the principles that laid the foundation for her being not only a great actress, but a businesswoman as well. And she deserves to be remembered as one.
p.s. We just love this picture too, with her dog and reading the newspaper.
