Ten years ago you would probably barely know who or what Burberry is.  You might recall that it’s the old British clothing company noted for its signature scarfs and maybe trench coats.  Today, Burberry is a leading luxury brand with flagship stores.  (You should see the one on Michigan Ave. in Chicago!)

The person and vision behind this transformation is Angela Ahrendts, CEO.  Ms. Ahrendts is a rather unassuming, smart, poised woman from rural Indiana.  She made her foray into the fashion world through Donna Karan and then, ultimately, to Burberry.  And the latest on Angela?  She’s been recruited by Apple to lead its somewhat sluggish retail division, taking the helm late Spring.

Here are at least six things that I like about her and why I believe she’s worth watching:

• She’s what Jim Collins would call a Fifth Level Leader.  That is, she has a rather humble way about her and couples it with a dogged determination and incredible business sense.  Collins found this combination to be a critical success factor for CEOs and even named it.

• She’s incredibly techno-savvy.  For example, if you try on an item at Burberry and walk up to the mirror, images of your exact garment show up in the mirror with models wearing them. She also has her eye on the growing trend of “wearable” technology.  All of this will serve her well at Apple.

• She engages in self-care.  Articles I’ve read about her describe someone who takes care of herself spiritually, physically and emotionally.  If you can’t take care of yourself, how can you effectively take care of (aka, “lead”) a company?

• She knows what she stands for and can articulate it.  She studies leadership and models it…..no pun intended!  People follow her.

• She is willing to take a “lesser” move.  So, she’s currently CEO of a leading luxury brand.  She is now becoming a division lead (admittedly at one of the most recognizable global brands).  Not everyone would do this.  They would have to go from CEO to CEO, or higher.

• She groomed her successor.  Why do so few leaders do this?  Not Angela.  She helped poise Christopher Bailey to follow in her steps.  Apparently it was a no-brainer for the Burberry board.

Stand by…..I’m betting on great things to come!