In a recent LinkedIn post, Ani Filipova shares a personal reflection on how her perspective has evolved regarding leadership and professional dedication, drawing parallels from her re-watching of The Devil Wears Prada. Filipova begins by recounting her initial reaction to the film years ago, stating:
“I never want to work for someone like Miranda Priestly.”
She elaborates on her youthful perception of figures like Miranda Priestly as merely “difficult,” “unreasonable,” and “obsessed.” However, upon re-watching the film recently, Filipova experienced a significant shift in understanding.
The Evolution of Understanding Leadership
Filipova highlights that her own professional journey has led her to a deeper appreciation for the drive behind such demanding personas. She explains that the “pursuit of perfection,” coupled with “high standards,” is often rooted in a genuine care for the work itself.
“And how much they actually care.”
This realization, according to Filipova, is crucial for professional development. She advocates for looking beyond initial judgments of a person’s demeanor to understand their motivations.
Embracing the Craft of Work
A pivotal moment in Filipova’s reflection comes from Miranda Priestly’s simple yet profound statement: “I love working.” Filipova connects this sentiment directly to her own feelings about her career.
“I love working. I love building. I love the craft of getting things right.”
She expresses a wish for everyone to experience this level of job satisfaction, noting that while “nothing is so perfect 100% of the time,” the reward of loving one’s work is immense. This sentiment underscores a mature understanding of professional commitment and passion.
Generational Differences in Perspective
Filipova adds a poignant, often humorous, generational contrast to her insights. She recounts her 16-year-old daughter watching the film with her and offering a starkly different take: “I’d totally work at Runway if it were real.” This observation, Filipova notes, highlights how perceptions of demanding environments can change dramatically across generations, with her daughter even aligning with Miranda Priestly’s potential approval due to her plans to study engineering design.
Filipova concludes by emphasizing the transformative power of personal growth and evolving perspectives, suggesting that understanding and empathy are key to appreciating the dedication and passion that drive many leaders.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ani Filipova on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →