Abstract:
This case covers the career of Christine Lagarde from 2011 to 2018 as she takes the helm of troubled multilateral organization during a time of deepening economic turmoil. As the first female leader of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and as a non-economist, she overcomes early challenges to gain her footing with the multiple constituencies she must serve. She also focuses the IMF on "macro-critical" issues including gender, socioeconomic inequality, and climate change. In 2016, she is reelected to serve another term as Managing Director and considers how to ensure that the IMF remains relevant. For coverage of her childhood to 2005, see Christine Lagarde (A): A French Prime Minister Calls (2136.0). For coverage of her career from 2005 to 2011, see Christine Lagarde (B): Being a Public Servant (2137.0). 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.
