Table to Empire
Ready — Ruth Handler didn’t set out to build a toy empire. She was a creative businesswoman, helping her husband Elliot run a small picture frame company from a table in their garage. But when Handler began using leftover scraps to make dollhouse furniture as a side project something clicked. That side project led to the founding of Mattel and the launch of one of the most iconic toys in history: the Barbie doll.
Set — Founded in 1945, Mattel began as a small business with a big imagination. Handler noticed her daughter, Barbara, loved pretending with paper dolls. But there were no 3D adult-like dolls for girls to imagine their future. That sparked an idea: a doll that wasn’t just a baby to care for but a woman to become. In 1959, Barbie made her debut. The rest is toy history.
Along her journey, Ruth Handler . . .
Noticed What Others Missed: Handler paid attention to how her child played and saw a gap no one else had filled.
Turned Scraps into Strategy: Leftover materials became a product line as she saw possibility in the ordinary.
Stayed the Course: The Barbie doll faced criticism, but Ruth stood by her vision and succeeded.
Led with Purpose: Barbie was more than a toy, as it encouraged young girls to dream beyond traditional roles and imagine bold futures.
Built a Platform: Under Handler’s leadership, Mattel became a powerhouse of creativity, innovation, and global influence.
Grow! — Take a cue from Ruth Handler: Big things often start small. Pay attention to the needs around you. Trust your vision. Stand firm in the face of criticism. And remember, leadership isn't about what’s “big” now but about planting seeds to inspire the next generation.
Two Questions
Do you have a small idea that might be the seed of something significant?
What bold vision are you pursuing?