What Melania Trump Knows About Leadership (And What We Can Learn From Her)
The First Lady of TikTok and ultimate Gen Z icon, Melania Trump has mastered the art of intrigue, so much so that her name usually appears with the word mysterious in headlines. A new study reveals that 1 in 6 Gen Zers even believe she’s the true power behind Donald Trump, silently pulling the strings. As the world waits for her Amazon documentary to uncover the truth, many believe that Melania’s mystique isn’t accidental — it’s a calculated strategy and a masterclass in quiet power. Here’s what you can learn from her.
1. Master the power of silence
Melania Trump’s quiet behavior is a deliberate strategy. While most public figures fight for airtime, she lets silence do the work, making people lean in rather than tune out. Her rare but deliberate statements land with more impact because she doesn’t overuse her voice. She understands that excessive talking can dilute authority.
Key takeaway: Practice the “less is more” rule in meetings and discussions: avoid speaking just to fill the silence and ensure every word adds value. Limit your commitments — don’t feel the pressure to attend every meeting or event you’re invited to. Set clear boundaries to protect your time and focus on what truly matters.
2. Defy expectations
First Ladies are often expected to be the President’s silent, supportive shadow, but Melania Trump didn’t play by those rules. She refused to be just an accessory to her husband’s administration. And while Trump’s policies often clashed with diversity and inclusion efforts, Melania stated in an interview that differences create a more fascinating and innovative world, and that we should learn from one another, showing she wasn’t afraid to stand apart.
Key takeaway: The ability to speak up for your beliefs only helps your reputation. Don’t let anyone define who you should be or how you should act—always challenge the conventional. No one will hand you a leadership role that feels authentic to you, so take it for yourself.
3. Lead with presence
Melania’s posture, facial expressions, and wardrobe communicate just as much (if not more) as her speeches. 15% of Gen Z believe she communicates secret messages through her fashion choices, which are always a hot topic — from the iconic “don’t kiss me” hat at the inauguration to the menswear, becoming her signature style for this term. Leadership isn’t all verbal communication — on the contrary, it’s about how you present yourself in every aspect.
Key takeaway: Maintain steady eye contact, practice your power posture, and keep your face neutral to maintain authority during tense moments. Use your clothes to reinforce your message: straight, geometric silhouettes exude power, while softer fabrics and colors convey warmth and approachability when needed.
4. Stay unfazed by criticism
Melania’s approach to public backlash is straightforward: she rarely reacts. Every controversy over her fashion choices or conspiracy theories about her whereabouts, she ignores it and just keeps moving. She doesn’t care about other people’s opinions and doesn’t try to be liked by everybody.
Key takeaway: Focus on your goals, not opinions. When criticism hits, ask yourself: Is this feedback aimed at helping me improve, or is it rooted in misunderstanding or jealousy? Own what others criticize, because that’s often what makes you stand out. It’s how Melania went from the least popular first lady to becoming a Gen-Z icon.
Written by Avery Morgan, Chief Human Resources Officer at EduBirdie