Six Lessons Every Leader Can Learn From RuPaul’s Drag Race
As the most famous drag queen in the world, RuPaul brings Executive Realness to every element of his hit show. Two media executives explain how TV’s best-dressed CEO delivers a masterclass in management.
By Chris Linn and Marissa Ronca
Even if you’ve never watched RuPaul’s Drag Race, surely you’ve heard of VH1’s reality competition series in which contestants compete each week to be crowned America’s next “drag superstar.” Currently in its 13th season, RPDG is a juggernaut that has spawned 5 All Star Seasons, 5 international Seasons, hit music, a line of merchandise, and RuPaul’s DragCon (the world’s largest expo of drag culture that brings out thousands of attendees).
At the center of this phenomenon is RuPaul Charles, who Fortune has called “easily the world’s most famous drag queen” (not to mention the longest-reigning; now 60, RuPaul was sashaying long before drag went mainstream.) But he’s far from just a pretty face — he’s also the creative force behind every aspect of the show. Audiences adore him, contestants eagerly capture every pearl of wisdom he drops, and the industry has shown him plenty of love: The show has won 25 Emmys, the highest honor in television, and RuPaul holds the Guinness World Record for most wins for a competition reality host as well as most wins for a person of color.
In short, RPDG is an enviable trifecta: a massive success and a well-oiled machine run by an effective boss. Here are just a few examples of the unlikely leadership lessons we can all learn from this one-of-a-kind show and its fabulous host.
Set Clear Goals & Expectations
At the start of each episode, RuPaul clearly details the challenges the contestants will face and the theme for the final runway presentation. Nothing moves forward until all stakeholders fully understand the goals, the timeline and the metrics on which they will be judged. This may seem obvious — after all, it’s a key element of every competition-based TV show — and yet failing to “set clear expectations that actually evoke maximum performance” has been cited by author and influential business consultant Robert H. Schaffer as the number one leadership mistake a manager can make.
Provide the Tools
To achieve success, you need the right tools. Each week, RPDG contestants are given access to the materials they need to win the challenge at hand. This can mean physical supplies (shoes, fabric, accessories) or access to experts who help teach new skills (choreographers, photographers, acting coaches). Failing to empower employees with the tools needed to succeed is listed as one of the top two drivers of turnover. The Work Institute 2021 Retention Report cites lack of training opportunities as the number one reason employees leave their jobs. When you invest in training, and give employees the tools they need to be successful, they are more likely to rise to the challenge and achieve their goals.
Be Available
RuPaul checks in with the “racers” halfway through each episode to provide feedback and guidance. While not being overly accessible — he has a global media empire to run, after all! — RuPaul makes the most of the time by truly listening and providing thoughtful, honest feedback (even if it’s sometimes hard to hear). He treats these meetings like performance reviews, highlighting strengths, identifying potential pitfalls and offering helpful creative guardrails. Ultimately it’s up to contestants to integrate his insight into their final project, but this check-in is critical because it ensures that no one is flying blind. Accessible leadership coupled with fair but firm feedback, builds trust and creates an environment of accountability.
Be Inclusive
As a respected trailblazer in the LGBTQ community, RuPaul encourages every contestant to be their most authentic selves by showcasing their “charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.” He creates an environment of respect and mutual support, which encourages the participants to be open with one another and often results in bonding over their underdog status in society. The show is fueled by competition, to be sure, but by sharing their stories of overcoming adversity, contestants are able to root for each other (and the audience roots for them, too). Bitchy banter and minor conflicts aside, contestants treat one another with a surprising amount of compassion. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness but rather a way for leaders to create meaningful connections in the workplace. It’s now considered a top leadership trait and, according to a World of Work Project report, brings benefits like increased creativity, innovation and deeper relationships which help employees both professionally and personally.
Acknowledge Missteps and Own the Responsibility to do Better
CEOs make mistakes and RuPaul is no exception. He came under fire in a 2018 interview with The Guardian regarding whether the show would allow ‘bio-queens,’ biological women performing as drag queens, to compete. “Drag loses its sense of danger and its sense of irony once it’s not men doing it, because at its core it’s a social statement and a big f-you to male-dominated culture,” he said. After backlash from the trans community and former contestants, RuPaul acknowledged his evolution on the subject. He offered a genuine apology and a promise to do better, as evidenced by transgender performer Kylie Sonique Love’s recent win on season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. His long track record of being a positive and vocal force in the LGBTQ community has earned him the permission to make mistakes, apologize and move on rather than being cancelled. He accepts the responsibility that comes with his high profile, so he stays in touch and continues to evolve. Public apologies are risky, highly visible and bring great vulnerability. Ultimately, if a leader issues an apology for the right reasons, he or she will retain the respect of and relationships with employees, fans and business partners.
Be Decisive
At the end of every show, RuPaul watches the final performances and hears feedback from his panel of judges — a select group of trusted advisors. A healthy debate typically rages, but ultimately it’s RuPaul who makes and clearly delivers the final decision. Because he’s set clear expectations, checked in along the way and provided context for his final judgment on who stays and who goes, there’s really nothing to argue with. A difficult exit is made easier by the clarity of his leadership. Even when it’s time to “sashay away,” RuPaul ensures that the runners-up leave the competition with their wigs held high and a true sense of accomplishment.
