Like the rest of the world, we too are completely fascinated by Amal Clooney. The always-poised London-based barrister is a superhero of a woman with an elite career as a human rights lawyer, a passion for activism and an always on-point sense of style. Oh, and a trophy husband at home at the end of the day (we’re just playing, George). In other words, she’s the ultimate #Girlboss. So, in honor of her 37th birthday, we’re celebrating Amal by gushing over some of her major accomplishments. Scroll through to learn all about your new famous role model.
1. She’s Got an Insanely Impressive Resume: Just incase you missed Tina Fey and Amy Poehler ripping on George Clooney by listing Amal’s accolades during the Golden Globes, here’s a very brief summary of her jaw-dropping career: Since receiving her Masters of Law degree from NYU, where she worked as a student law clerk under now-Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Amal has played a role in some of the biggest legal cases of our time. Her client list includes Enron and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, and she has been a part of several expert commissions tasked with looking into major international human rights issues, including possible violations of the rules of war — and all before she’s turned 40. Oh, she’s fluent in Arabic, English and French too. (via The Daily Beast; Photo via Pool/Getty Images)
2. She’s Got an Even More Impressive Work Ethic: Amal had no problem trading in her couture wedding gown for her barrister robes shortly after she officially became Mrs. George Clooney last September. Fresh off her Venetian nuptials, Amal flew to Greece to meet with political officials and discuss the country’s effort to reclaim a collection of ancient Greek sculptures that have long been displayed at the British Museum in London. (via People; Photo via Pool/Getty Images)
3. She’s Also a Maker: Apparently Amal *has* had time in between her jam-packed schedule to master Sewing 101. George revealed that she DIYed her now-famous opera gloves that she wore to the 2015 Golden Globes along with her caped Dior Haute Couture gown. We assume it’s just one of many style hacks she has up her sleeves (and we’re keeping our eyes open for them all). (via Brit + Co; Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
4. She Helped Spark the #AskHerMore Movement: Amal’s first major on-camera red carpet appearance was full of awkward gags. Ryan Seacrest presented her and George with “Game Over” t-shirts and Guiliana Rancic flagging down the couple to take a shot of tequila (which they politely declined) instead of the E! co-hosts actually getting to know the notoriously private Amal or spotlighting her accomplishments. This and other majorly misguided red carpet interviews, mostly which focus on women’s appearances versus their work, inspired her to launch the #AskHerMore campaign to highlight more than what leading ladies are wearing. Let’s hope the hashtag sinks in before Oscar time. (via Mic; Photo via Andrew Goodman/Getty Images)
5. She Knows How to Dress like a Boss, Even When She’s Flying: We have major respect for a woman who can kick ass and look good while doing it, and Amal does just that with an enviable amount of grace. Even when she’s at the airport — with large carry-ons in tow — she has the style savvy to appear impeccably polished. (via Refinery29; Photo via Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)
What #Girlbosses do you look up to, famous or otherwise? Tell us in the comments below.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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