When leading a complex, member-driven institution like the IMF, the primary responsibility is not to impose one's personal beliefs. Instead, effective leadership involves understanding and serving the collective needs of the membership, even in a world with increasing complexity and divergent interests.
The International Monetary Fund isn't just a lender of last resort for countries in crisis. A core, often overlooked, function is proactive: preventing crises by providing data, building strong financial institutions, and offering preventative financial support before markets close on a country.
Despite growing up with material poverty and political disadvantage (her family were not Communist Party members), IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva attributes her success to her family's emotional support and encouragement, which fostered a "never give up" attitude and a focus on education.