From Lab Coat to Leadership: How Style Helped One Scientist Land the Role She Wanted

24th June 2025

When Lara (not her real name) reached out to me, she was ready for the next step in her career. She’d built a solid reputation as a scientific researcher and was starting to explore senior leadership and management roles. She had the experience, the expertise, and the drive but there was one thing holding her back — her wardrobe.

For years, she’d dressed for comfort and practicality like many professionals after COVID, her style had settled into jeans, jumpers, and running trainers. It made sense as she was living in central London, working in a demanding field, and prioritising function over fashion.

But now, the opportunities she wanted, the kind that involved leading a department, managing people and being seen as a senior voice, required her to show up differently.

Your Clothes Speak Before You Do

Lara realised something important: when you walk into an interview or a high-stakes meeting, people don’t just listen to what you say, they’re taking in the whole picture.

She knew she was capable but would others see her as someone ready to lead?

That’s where I came in.

We worked together to create a style strategy, which simply means helping you overcome your limiting beliefs, choosing clothes that support your goals, reflect your personality, and help you feel confident in any situation. It’s not about fashion trends, it’s about showing up as the version of you that matches where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.

Finding Her True Style (Not a New Persona)

Lara didn’t want to dress like someone else, she just wanted to feel more put-together and to know her clothes were helping her, not holding her back.

During her Style Transformation we focused on:

  • Outfits that looked polished but still felt like her
  • Pieces that balanced authority with approachability
  • A wardrobe that worked for interviews, team meetings, and day-to-day leadership

And something shifted.

She started walking into interviews with more ease. She felt clearer, more grounded. She didn’t have to overthink how she looked, she just felt like she belonged in the room.

Soon after, Lara was offered a senior leadership role with a global company. She relocated to France, took on a new team, and stepped into a role that came with more responsibility and a significant pay rise.

Did her wardrobe get her the job? Not exactly.

But did it help her show up with the kind of confidence and presence that made decision-makers say yes? Absolutely.

A lot of people think they’ll get noticed if they just keep doing great work. And yes, results do matter but when you’re aiming for bigger roles, people aren’t just looking at what you’ve done. They’re asking:

  • Does this person look ready to lead?
  • Can I picture them representing this company?
  • Do they seem confident, capable and credible?

Your clothes answer those questions before you open your mouth.

Ready to dress for where you’re headed?

If you feel like your wardrobe no longer fits who you are (or where you’re going) you’re not alone. Many people outgrow their style without even realising it. But with the right support, your clothes can become a tool that helps you move forward, not something that holds you back.

👉 Let’s talk. I’ll help you find a style that reflects the next-level version of you, one that feels authentic, powerful, and completely aligned with your goals.

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