She 's one of the most famous and successful magazine editors in the world , legendary for her frosty manner , trademark bob and wearing sunglasses at all times - even during the Oscars ceremony . But what makes American Vogue editor Anna Wintour , 65 , so successful ? In an interview with Alistair Campbell for his new book Winners And How They Succeed , she shared the secrets of her success . Anna Wintour shares the traits that have taken her to the top including being decisive and resilient . In a book extract in the Sunday Times ' Style magazine , Wintour , who became American Vogue 's editor in chief in 1988 , reveals that being decisive , delegating and recovering fast from setbacks have taken her to the top - and kept her there . Having been fired from her role as a junior fashion editor at Harper 's Bazaar after just nine months in 1975 , she said : 'Everyone should be sacked at least once in their career because 'perfection does n't exist ' . She added : 'It 's important to have setbacks , because that is the reality of life . ' The most powerful woman in fashion and editor of Vogue for almost 30 years is rumoured to have been the model for Miranda Priestly , the terrifying magazine editor who hires Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada . But her analysis of her own strengths is far more human and surprisingly humble than the film character as she asks whether 'journalist ' is even the right word to describe what she does . Yet her most surprising trick is pretending to be sure of herself , even if she does n't feel it . Anna Wintour , second left , sitting next to her daughter Bea Schaffer , earned admiration for wearing her signature dark glasses indoors during the Oscar ceremony . She said : 'It makes it clearer for everyone else . Most people prevaricate . I decide fast . ' With the nickname 'Nuclear Wintour ' owing to her frosty demeanour Wintour , was made artistic director of Conde Nast by her employer in 2013 and editorial director in July 2014 . She attributes being organised and a good delegator to her success , and says there 's no need to double and triple check what her staff are doing . 'People work better when they have responsibility , ' she said . She also revealed that she has no idea how to make a dress , could n't create an image from a photo shoot and ca n't write , and instead responds to other people 's talents . Her other tips for getting to the top include getting up early - she rises at 5am everyday - and 'turning off ' at the weekend . Alistair Campbell has interviewed the most successful people in the world for his new book Winners And How They Succeed .
Fearsome editor says making decisions fast is vital . Thinks being fired from job at Harper 's Bazaar helped her career . Tells Alistair Campbell in new book that everyone should be fired once .