Empathy Is Clio Knowles’s Most Important Leadership Trait

How do you start your day?

With a cup of Yorkshire Gold Tea every day with milk and sugar.

Do you try to dress for the country or city that you’re in?

To some extent. I mean, we do have look books that I try and stick to for the brands, but the key to packing just on a carry-on is to limit your shoes. So I also try and plan my outfits around one, maybe two pairs of shoes, but I can do up to 10 days with one pair if I really have to, and a pair of running shoes.

How do you typically deal with rejection in your field?

I don’t ever really let it get to me, but again, I’ve only worked for three companies. But as an actress, we were taught to deal with rejection constantly because you’re going to auditions and not getting the role. I usually assume, Okay, that wasn’t meant to be. I think that the universe guides me where I’m supposed to go.

What’s the best way to relay difficult news to employees in a way that doesn’t make them get on the offensive or be defensive, or anything else?

If you’re honest with the team member, and if you’re showing up with care and empathy, conversations go much better. I mean, in 2008 I was kind of the real life version of George Clooney in Up in the Air and I had to travel around and eliminate positions during the recession. A lot of people say to me that, “If I was going to be fired by anyone, I’m glad it was you,” because they knew that I was on their side and I was making sure they knew about all of the benefits that were out there for them.

What’s a key piece of career advice that has stuck with you?

What my mom always used to tell me: “You’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Not everyone’s going to like you and that’s okay.” I accept that I’m not going to be everybody’s favorite person so I won’t waste time trying to make everybody like me.

How about financial advice?

My parents didn’t have very much when I was a child, and they saved a lot to be able to send me to boarding school, so I think I’ve always been quite thrifty because of that. My grandmother used to say, “If you look after the pennies, the pounds will follow.” So not being frivolous. Of course, I’m lucky enough that I’m in a position where if I want to buy an expensive drink at the airport, I can, and it’s not going to break the bank. This is embarrassing, but I have a spreadsheet that goes back to 2002 with every credit card expenditure I’ve ever made.

What’s your favorite low-stakes treat after a productive day?

I live on South Beach, down near the south point of Miami, so it’s like two minutes to get to the waterfront and there’s this beautiful park. My favorite thing to do is to go for a long walk with my boyfriend along the waterfront and either watch the sunset or watch the lights of the city, and we just catch up on each other’s days. It’s really nice to get some physical activity, get some fresh air, and some time together that’s totally focused on each other.