Why Samoa's First Female PM is a Lioness — The Collaborator Archetype Explained by Rose Odette

Rose Odette
Sep 7
2 min read

Introduction

Today’s global headlines spotlight Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa, Samoa’s first female Prime Minister, who just lost her re-election bid after months of political infighting, energy crises, and budget clashes. While the news focuses on the loss, I see something more powerful: her embodiment of the Collaborator archetype leader. In my book Lead Like a Lioness, I define this archetype as the leader who doesn’t roar alone—she builds coalitions, raises voices, and keeps her pride together in the storm. Fiame’s story proves that collaboration isn’t soft; it’s strategy Collaborator Archetype Explained by Rose Odette

The Five Ideals of the Collaborator Archetype

Community First – Lionesses prioritize the pride, not personal prestige.
Bridge Builders – They lean into dialogue, even with opponents.
Resilient Grace – They model calm under fire, never letting setbacks define them.
Inclusive Leadership – They expand the circle, pulling in more perspectives.
Authentic Courage – They lead transparently, even when unpopular.

Five Action Items for You Today - Collaborator Archetype Explained by Rose Odette

Name Your Collaborators – Identify three people who elevate your leadership.
Reopen a Dialogue – Call one person you’ve been avoiding and build a bridge.
Empower Instead of Control – Give someone else ownership of a decision today.
Shine the Spotlight – Publicly credit a peer, partner, or team member.
Practice Resilient Grace – When challenged, choose openness over defensiveness.

Conclusion

Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa may be leaving office, but her leadership shines as an example of lioness energy in action. She showed the world that collaboration is not weakness—it is power harnessed through unity, resilience, and courage. That’s the essence of the Collaborator archetype I teach in Lead Like a Lioness.

When disruption hits, remember this: a lioness doesn’t just survive the storm—she gathers her pride and leads them through it.

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