Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Building Confidence Through Personal Style

In this episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, Jessica welcomes Robin Fisher, a personal stylist and image coach, to discuss the impact of personal style on confidence and leadership. Robin shares insights from her 16-year career as the CEO and founder of Polished Image and Style, an image consulting and styling firm based in DC. Listeners will learn about the importance of showing up authentically, building a capsule wardrobe, and working within budgets to enhance their professional presence. Robin also offers practical tips for leaders on how to refine their personal style, including the significance of key wardrobe staples and understanding one's personal taste. This episode is filled with valuable advice for anyone looking to elevate their style and confidence in their professional life.

The Power of Image in Leadership

Confidence is at the heart of effective leadership, yet so many leaders struggle with it. As Robin explained, our style is one of the most immediate and visible expressions of that confidence. “Seventy-five to eighty percent of our bodies are covered in clothing at any given time,” she shared. “It’s the largest communication tool we have.”

For Robin, this realization began early in her career. She noticed the shift in how people treated her once she dressed with more intention: “My life changed the day I put on a suit. People started talking to me differently, treating me differently—and I definitely took notice.”

Lessons from a Mentor

Robin credits much of her leadership approach to her first boss, Diane Berger. Diane modeled a balance of warmth and authority that left a lasting impression. Instead of perpetuating competition among women in the fashion industry, Diane encouraged Robin to learn from her and then lift others up in turn.

That mentorship shaped Robin’s philosophy: success doesn’t require seeing other women as competition. Instead, she views peers as collaborators and sources of learning—an approach she now passes on to her own clients.

The Polished ID Method

Robin’s signature process, the Polished ID Method, is designed to help leaders align their authentic selves with their outward appearance. It includes four stages:

1. Define – Get clear on who you are, what drives you, and how you want to show up.

2. Refine – Understand the fabrics, colors, and fits that highlight your unique strengths.

3. Create – Build outfits that authentically express your style.

4. Edit – Regularly assess and adjust your wardrobe as your life and career evolve.

This method ensures leaders don’t just follow trends or meet dress codes—they cultivate a wardrobe that supports their goals, industry expectations, and personal confidence.

Style Tips for Leaders

Robin offered practical advice that every leader can put into action:

• Invest in quality basics. A great pair of slacks, a classic blazer, and versatile accessories go further than fleeting trends.

• Think cost-per-wear. Spending more on pieces you’ll wear often is smarter (and more sustainable) than splurging on one-time outfits.

• Dress for presence. Leaders shouldn’t blend in. Your wardrobe should help you stand out in a way that feels authentic and approachable.

• Honor your lifestyle. From high-level boardrooms to casual family time, your wardrobe should flex with the different roles you play.

As Robin reminded us, the goal isn’t to be someone else—it’s to feel fully yourself in what you wear. “Confidence comes when you put on the right things that make you tick,” she said.

Moving Beyond Trends

One of the most liberating takeaways from our conversation was Robin’s reminder that it’s not about “keeping up” with every fashion trend. Instead, it’s about knowing your personal style profile—whether that leans classic, natural, dramatic, artistic, or a mix—and curating a wardrobe that reflects it.

This clarity helps leaders save time, reduce stress, and focus on what really matters: showing up with confidence and clarity in their roles.

Connect with Robin

Robin works with leaders across industries—government officials, entrepreneurs, executives, and rising professionals—helping them use image as a tool for success.

You can connect with her on her website and take her Polished ID Quiz to discover your style stage. She also shares insights regularly on Instagram, LinkedIn, and through her newsletter, where she breaks down trends straight from Fashion Week and translates them into actionable tips for everyday professionals.

Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can connect with and follow her on LinkedIn.