2013 Honoree

Trudie Styler

Producer, Co-Founder Maven Pictures, Actress, Co-Founder Rainforest Fund

“Power is having choices in life, which I never take for granted. I don’t really focus on my successes. I’m always hungry for the next project, but I don’t think that’s hunger for success for its own sake. I’m hungry for the work, for the chance to change things or make an impact.”

What city best describes your personality?

My first thought was Rome–old and decrepit like me! But seriously, I moved to New York because I feel so free and so at home here. I am like it in some ways: tireless, cosmopolitan, always looking for the next new thing. Maybe a little tough around the edges, but at heart in touch with nature and essentially green (in the ecological sense anyway)!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever ignored, and the worst advice you’ve ever taken?

I think the advice I’m most glad I ignored was when I was 16 and my Dad said I should work in the local factory…I ran away to become an actor instead. And the advice I wish I hadn’t taken…Well, I try not to blame other people for decisions I’ve taken myself.

What is your Best Read? What book would you want to be a character in?

Hilary Mantel’s books about Thomas Cromwell: Wold Hall and Bring Up the Bodies.

How do you define power? Do you enjoy it? How do you live with your success?

Power is having choices in life, which I never take for granted. I don’t really focus on my successes. I’m always hungry for the next project, but I don’t think that’s hunger for success for its own sake. I’m hungry for the work, for the change to change things or make an impact.

When do we stop asking questions about gender equality? When will it be Power People instead of Power Women? Is gender more important than politics?

Gender is still hugely important in our wolds. Women are severely disadvantages in so many countries, and it’s bizarre to me that half the global population don’t have more power within society than they do. Only when all men accept the intellectual equality of women will it be “Power People.” Until then, we have to keep shining a spotlight on gender injustices everywhere.

What do you think of social media?

I think it’s a great opportunity for people to speak for themselves instead of relying on journalists to tell the world about their own realities.

What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit on your travels?

Nepal, and then I went there. It didn’t disappoint.

When sending a child out to see the world for the first time, where would you send them?

An unspoiled rainforest. It’s a magical place to be and gives you a huge respect for nature.

What advice would you give to a young woman starting out?

Don’t let anyone patronize you.