Ancient Power. Modern Wisdom.

She Spoke 9 Languages and Raised a Nation: A Mother’s Day Reflection

Happy Mothers’ Day 2025.

Sharing this special edition about historic moms you may not think about as reference.

I've been thinking about powerful women in history lately and was drawn to Cleopatra. Not the Hollywood version with the heavy eyeliner and seductive poses, but the actual ruler who outsmarted everyone around her.

Let me tell you, the real story is SO much better than the movies!

When I dug into her actual life, I was blown away. Here was a woman who became co-ruler of Egypt at just 18 years old, was forced into exile by her own brother, and then orchestrated one of history's greatest comebacks.

That famous carpet scene? It wasn't some sexy ploy like the films portray (she smuggled herself in a carpet to gain a private meeting with Julius Caesar when her brother had forced her into exile). It was a brilliant tactical move to get face time with Julius Caesar when her enemies blocked access. She needed a powerful ally, assessed her options, and executed a bold plan. That's not romance, that's strategic leadership at its finest.

What struck me is how Cleopatra's true power had nothing to do with her looks. Her strength came from her mind. She spoke NINE languages, including Egyptian. She was educated in everything from astronomy to philosophy. While men around her swung swords, she built alliances and maintained Egypt's independence through diplomatic genius.

A few things you may not know about Cleopatra:

She probably didn't look anything like the movies depicted. Coins from her reign show strong features, and she was commanding and powerful. She was actually of Greek descent, not Egyptian, though she embraced Egyptian culture more deeply than any ruler before her.

She was a published scientist! She wrote medical transcripts and created experiments, especially in toxicology and women's health.

She was an economic innovator who opened royal storehouses during droughts to feed her people. She diversified Egypt's economy and established new trade routes during difficult times. This wasn't just compassion, it was smart governance.

As Egypt's last active pharaoh (for almost three decades), Cleopatra built infrastructure, steadied the economy, and kept Egypt independent longer than anyone thought possible. She likened herself to the living embodiment of the goddess Isis while making practical decisions about trade and governance. Talk about work-life integration!

She had 3 children and took her own life in order to spare theirs - a deal with her conqueror, Octavian.

The leadership lessons here are gold:

• Be authentic

• Choose your alliances carefully and strategically

• Learn the language and culture of those you lead

• Stay adaptable when circumstances change

• Never underestimate the power of education, emotional intelligence, and love

We're still conversing about women in leadership facing bias and double standards 2,000 years later! The truth is women have been in power, in great power, for centuries, and women leaders today have as great an impact on our society.

Cleopatra, the strategist, scientist, economist, wife, friend, leader and mom - her most heroic role - protected her nation and her family. She reminds us that authentic leadership transcends gender, time, culture, and circumstance. It emerges from self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to serving others.

Great leaders inspire through example, adapt to challenges with resilience, and create spaces where diverse voices thrive. Cleopatra is a great example of whole leadership, whole woman, whole life.

What powerful woman from history has inspired your leadership and life journey? I'd love to hear your comments!