As ‘Emily in Paris’, kept the intrigue for the past month waiting to release Part 2 of the season, people on TikTok went insane about Sylvie Grateau creating 19M videos on the platform with her and googling her 282% more in the past month. Everyone is obsessed with her style, attitude, and immediate witty comebacks when somebody tries to insult her.
According to Nadya Movchan, a personal branding expert and founder of the communications and growth firm Movchan Agency, “Sylvie Grateau is the definition of a powerful, no-nonsense leader who knows exactly how to get what she wants while staying effortlessly chic. That’s why she is so loved by the audience of the show.”
She then adds: “As the sharp and mysterious head of Savoir, she represents a leadership style that’s unapologetic yet deeply effective. The good news is that you can become such a leader too by following these 5 simple steps.”
1. Use silence as a leadership tool
Sylvie often controls conversations by saying less. She doesn’t rush to fill silence with unnecessary words or explanations. Her ability to pause, listen, and leave room for others to speak makes her presence more commanding. When she does speak, her words carry weight. Practice strategic silence. In meetings, resist the urge to jump in with an answer right away. Let others speak first, and when you do respond, keep it concise.
2. Don’t be afraid to be contrarian
Sylvie doesn’t shy away from going against the grain. She’s comfortable making unpopular decisions and pushing back against what’s expected. This contrarian approach sets her apart as a leader who’s not afraid to challenge norms, even when it makes her the outlier. Don’t always play it safe or follow the crowd. Sometimes, pushing a new idea or taking an unexpected stance can lead to breakthrough moments. Being a leader isn’t about pleasing everyone — it’s about moving things forward, even when it means ruffling feathers.
3. Master the art of understated power moves
Sylvie is a pro at making power moves that don’t come off as overtly aggressive but still assert dominance. From subtle glances to the way she phrases her words, she knows how to establish her authority without being loud about it. Power isn’t always about big gestures. Small, deliberate actions can be just as effective. Leaders who control the tempo of their environment, rather than reacting to it, naturally command respect.
4. Stay detached but engaged
Sylvie keeps an emotional distance that allows her to stay objective, but she’s always fully engaged in her work. This creates a sense of mystique that makes people want to work harder for her approval. She’s not cold—she’s just not overly invested in pleasing everyone, which gives her the upper hand. Your role isn’t to be everyone’s friend; it’s to lead with clarity and purpose. When you strike the balance between distance and engagement, people will respect your decisions more.
5. Use criticism to sharpen your edge
While Sylvie doesn’t shy away from giving tough feedback, she’s also smart enough to take criticism and use it to her advantage. She’s aware of how people perceive her and leverages that to continuously evolve, without bending to every critique. Sylvie doesn’t see criticism as a weakness — it’s information she can use to refine her leadership. Use feedback, even negative feedback, as a tool for self-improvement. Pay attention to how others perceive your leadership, but don’t let it define you.
6. Use your flaws as strengths
Sylvie doesn’t try to hide her imperfections or smooth out her rough edges — in fact, she leans into them. She’s fully aware of her flaws, whether it’s her bluntness or her stubbornness, and she uses them to her advantage. By being unapologetically herself, she creates an authentic leadership style that commands both respect and loyalty. Don’t try to mask your weaknesses; instead, find ways to make them part of your leadership identity. When you stop trying to fit into a standard leadership mold, you’ll create a style that’s unique, memorable, and powerful.
