In the high-stakes environment of modern leadership, competence is the baseline. But what separates a manager from a true leader is often intangible: Presence.
Before a leader speaks a word or presents a slide, they are being evaluated. Clients, boards, and teams are unconsciously scanning for visual cues: Is this person steady? Are they authoritative? Can I trust them with high-value decisions?
If a leader’s visual signal contradicts their professional capability, a "trust gap" is formed.
This is the precise problem that Palette, led by Principal Image Consultant Prajakta Bhujbal, solves. Moving beyond generic fashion advice, Palette uses a proprietary framework the Personal Style Scale to turn personal style into a measurable leadership tool.
The Science of Styling: The Personal Style Scale
Most professionals dress based on habit or comfort. Prajakta Bhujbal argues that at senior levels, dressing must be based on strategy.
The Personal Style Scale is a diagnostic tool that helps leaders align their external image with their internal authority. It operates on a two-axis system:
Axis 1: The Personality Spectrum (Yin–Yang)
Authenticity is key. If a creative, high-energy leader dresses in a stiff, boring suit, they look uncomfortable. If a reserved, analytical leader wears loud prints, they look chaotic.
Palette identifies the leader's natural "energy"—whether they are Classic, Romantic, Dramatic, Sporty, or Delicate. This ensures that the image strategy feels like a genuine extension of the person, not a costume.
Axis 2: The Authority Ladder (Levels 1–4)
This is where leadership hierarchy meets wardrobe. The scale categorizes clothing by the level of authority it commands:
- Level 1: Untailored (Low Authority)
- Examples: T-shirts, flowy dresses, collarless kurtis.
- Signal: Relaxed, casual, behind-the-scenes.
- Level 2: Casual Tailored (Moderate Authority)
- Examples: Collared shirts, smart-casual dresses, structured tops.
- Signal: Approachable, ready for work, team-focused.
- Level 3: Softly Tailored (High Professionalism)
- Examples: Blazers over chinos, jackets, structured layers.
- Signal: Credible, expert, client-facing.
- Level 4: Tailored (Maximum Authority)
- Examples: Full suits, sharp cuts, dark neutrals.
- Signal: Boardroom ready, formal, in command.
The "Misalignment" Trap
In her consulting work, Prajakta frequently identifies a common error: The Senior Role, Junior Look.
Many leaders rise to the C-Suite but remain stuck at Level 1 or 2 in their dressing. They prioritize comfort over command. While they may feel good, they unintentionally signal that they are not ready for high-stakes negotiation. Conversely, some leaders copy-paste a generic "corporate look" that clashes with their personality, making them appear inauthentic.
The Palette Approach: From Diagnosis to Design
Palette does not offer "makeovers." It offers Strategic Alignment.
When a leader engages with Palette, the process is clinical and structured:
- Decoding the Personality: Prajakta first identifies the individual's natural style DNA so the change is sustainable.
- Mapping the Goal: Palette analyzes the leader’s stakeholders. Do they need to impress investors (Level 4)? Or manage a creative team (Level 2)?
- Building the Cluster: Instead of a stuffed closet, Palette builds a "Leadership Cluster"—a concentrated set of pieces that work across board meetings, town halls, and video calls.
- Holistic Integration: Finally, the style is synced with behaviour and communication. The suit, the handshake, and the LinkedIn profile must all tell the same story.
Why It Matters
Prajakta Bhujbal’s background as a fashion designer turned Image Consultant gives her a unique edge. She understands the fabric, but she also understands the psychology.
For organisations and leaders, the Personal Style Scale offers clarity. It removes the guesswork from dressing and replaces it with intention.
In a world where attention spans are short, Palette ensures that a leader’s first impression isn't just "nice"it is strategic, authoritative, and aligned with their ambition.
