Platon's Dialogue with Madeleine Albright

Описание: Madeleine Albright was the first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. She used her platform to advance progress for women and girls globally.
She was the subject of my first DIALOGUE film back in 2016. When she arrived on set, I gave her a copy of my book of world leaders. As she turned the pages, she smiled and said, “I know him, I know him, I know him—this is fun…I know him.” The ice was broken between us. But when she sat in front of my camera, our conversation became more serious. I asked her why so many leaders fall from grace. She replied, “I think what happens is you have people around you who are constantly telling you how brilliant you are—you get so completely isolated.” She continued, “I think compassion is essential. If you don’t have compassion, you shouldn’t be in any leadership role. Diplomacy depends on putting yourself in the other person’s shoes, but it’s also fundamentally important in human relationships.”

Our dialogue then shifted to women’s empowerment. “I think every woman I’ve ever met has had the same experience—you’re in a meeting where you’re the only woman, and you think to yourself, ‘Well, I won’t say anything because somebody will think it sounds stupid’ and then some man says it, and everybody thinks it’s brilliant. And you’re really mad at yourself.” She paused, looked down at the floor, then lifted her chin and said, “There’s plenty of room in the world for mediocre men. There is no room for mediocre women—and so you have to work very hard.”

Years later, I was invited to attend Madeleine Albright’s funeral in Washington, D.C. After the service, there was a small gathering for friends and family. As I walked into the reception, I was surprised and deeply moved to see my portrait framed on an easel. I had given her the print years before. One of her family members came over to say hello and whispered in my ear, “It was her favorite picture—she always used to say you caught something special in her eyes.” Madeleine Albright, I salute you.

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