Abstract:
This case covers formative events and influences in Christine Lagarde's childhood and her trajectory from studying political science and law to heading the world's largest law firm. As she prepares to transition back to practice in 2005, the new Prime Minister of France calls to offer her a ministerial position in the new Cabinet. She has to decide whether she wants to take on a role in the public sector. For coverage of her career from 2005 to 2011, see Christine Lagarde (B): Being a Public Servant (2137.0). For coverage of her career from 2011 to 2018, see Christine Lagarde (C): Managing the IMF (2138.0). For comprehensive coverage of her evolution and career, see Christine Lagarde (Extended) (2135.0).
Video:
This case includes a 13-min. video with excerpts from an interview with Christine Lagarde where she talks about her early years in the private sector, her experience with gender discrimination, her particular leadership style, and her relationship to power, among other topics. The video is chapterized and can be used as an assignment or played in class.
