Superheroic Leadership Vol. I * No. 3
All the World’s Waiting for You
Superheroic Leadership is a light-hearted examination of what superheroic figures have to teach about leadership and what I have learned from their adventures.
It is very difficult to remember that, before Wonder Woman was released this past summer, the movie was considered something of a gamble. I will not delve too deeply into the sociological impacts of these concerns, but they were clearly related to the fact that films starring women in lead roles and films directed by women simply do not draw wide audiences. Add to this the fact that superhero movies have been specifically designed to feature men and one can understand that concerns.
They were for naught.
Wonder Woman became the hit of the summer, grossing more than any other film and becoming one of the biggest hits Warner Bros has ever had.
Very cool.
But let us not lose the thread here: the character has an over 75 year publishing history, is one of the most recognizable characters in the world and, most importantly, stands for something.
Wonder Woman’s roots are in peace. She is a character designed to bring peace. And, as imagined in the movie, she also brings joy.
This was an amazing film. It presented a character – a woman – who is powerful, intelligent and strong. She is the driving force of the movie and she is devastated by her perception that humanity does not want to be better, to be joyful, to be peaceful. She is terrified by the idea that people wallow in their situations without being thankful, without being grateful, without being joyful.
And, when she is about to turn away from that society, when she is faced with the reality, she chooses instead to overcome her preconceptions and to fight for justice and peace.
What is amazing about this is that, in the hands of a lesser director than Patty Jenkins and a lesser actor than Gal Gadot, this could all seem naïve and silly.
It does not.
Wonder Woman stands as a reminder that we can see the world in a positive light. We can look up to strong, confident women. We can strive for peace.
What an inspiring message to this world at this time.
And, if you want to smile, give the below a listen!