Marie Claire's Power Players
Tuesday 8th February 2011
From the charts to the catwalk, the boardroom to the House of Lords, all our inaugural Marie Claire Inspire & Mentor cover stars excelled in their chosen field. Having pledged their support to the Inspire & Mentor campaign, they share the personal and professional challenges that have shaped their careers.
Leona Lewis
The X Factor winner and multi-platinum-selling artist, 25, on staying focused
'Before The X Factor I'd already recorded two albums, so it wasn't like I just woke up one day and decided to sing. I hadn't really thought about the fame side of things - I'm incredibly private to the point where I don't even like having security - but the book-signing incident [where Leona was assaulted] changed everything and now I have a bigger team. I don't court the paparazzi but it's amazing what the press will print - stories about how lonely I am in LA when the truth is I don't even live there, and how I'm this diva who will freak out if my tofu's not well-grilled. If there's one thing I've learned it's that you have to stay true to yourself and your dreams.'
The best advice I've been given:
'"Follow your gut instinct." It was one of the first things Simon Cowell said to me and he's right - every time I've ignored it I've regretted it.'
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