Sadie Robertson & Leadership
Did the producers of A&E’s Duck Dynasty know how prophetic the title would be? Whether or not they knew it at the time, a dynasty has certainly developed.
Starting with the Duck Commander founder, Phil Robertson, the whole family boldly and graciously promotes their faith in their own ways. Now, the third generation of Robertsons has taken flight and is already making an impact in their own right. The most outspoken duckling is 17-year old Sadie, the oldest daughter of Duck Commander CEO Willie Robertson and his wife Korie.
She burst into the national spotlight as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars last year and displayed her family’s infamous competitive spirit by nearly winning the competition. In the finals, she scored 118 points out of a possible 120 to finish second to actor Alfonso Ribeiro. Throughout the competition she maintained a positive attitude and never missed an opportunity to promote her faith.
Additionally, she has collaborated with leading women’s fashion designer, Sherri Hill, to develop her own line of young women’s fashion wear. To introduce her new line, Sadie walked the runway during fashion week in New York City with the top names in the fashion industry. Last fall she also released her first book, Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values. She makes no secret about how important her family is to her and wanted to inspire teen girls to treasure the time that they have with their own families and to develop their own relationships with God. Another business venture she has developed is a line of faith-based school supplies. The products include items such as binders, journals, folders, book bags, etc. to help kids reinforce their connection to God with cheerful and inspirational messages and scriptures.
Even at the young age of 17, Sadie maintains a grueling schedule. From filming for Duck Dynasty and speaking at women’s events across the country to promoting her business ventures, it’s hard to believe she is still in high school. Sadie took the time from her busy schedule to share some of her insights as a member of one of America’s most famous and loved families.
TwoTen
The entrepreneurial gene runs deep in your family. What did you learn about Leadership from your family?
Sadie Robertson
Our family is full of leaders on both my mom and dad’s side. The biggest thing I take from them is not worrying about what people are saying about you, because if people aren’t stopping you, then nothing can.
TwoTen
You seem so well grounded in your faith. Has your family taken any special measures to protect you and your siblings from all of the distractions and the lure of fame and fortune?
Sadie Robertson
I think the beauty of my family is not what they protect us from but the way that they lead by example. They are open and honest about their faith and about the mistakes they have made. They teach me so much by the way the live their lives.
TwoTen
I understand you are designing prom dresses that pass the Dad test and also have your own lines of school supplies. How did those business ventures begin? Will you be expanding into new markets? What is the mission and vision of your business with Sheri Hill and Dayspring?
Sadie Robertson
We had an episode of “Duck Dynasty” where I went shopping for prom. After that episode, Sheri Hill contacted me, and I was so thrilled! I love being a part of their team. They are such loving people. I feel the same about Dayspring. They really capture the concepts of living original.
TwoTen
You were an incredible model of Christian faith when you were on DWTS. How did you decide to do it? You had to leave the comfort of your home and your support system and go where people were different from you. How did you remain true to yourself and to God during your time there? How was it behind the scenes? What surprised you about the experience? Would you do it again?
Sadie Robertson
I am a Christian wherever I go. It doesn’t matter where I am, whom I am with, or who is watching me, I am child of God. I cannot just pick and choose when I want to live it. Because of this, when I was asked to be on Dancing with the Stars, I didn’t have to think, “Who am I going to be?” I knew I was just going to be me. If I could give advice to anyone going on the show, it would be not to let people define who you are going to be at the beginning. That’s where, in my opinion, celebrities get “lost.” They allow their fans to decide who they are. If I could do it again, I think I would. However, it was very hard work. I was surprised at how many hours we practiced for a minute- and-a-half-long dance. I felt like America could relate to me, which made it even more fun. It was an all-around great experience. I’m really glad I was able to do it.
TwoTen
When you need advice and wisdom, who do you go to?
Sadie Robertson
That’s easy; my Mom!
TwoTen
What are the advantages and disadvantages of growing up a “Robertson?”
Sadie Robertson
I don’t think growing up in the Robertson family has any disadvantages. We are just a normal family, like any other family. The advantages would be how close we all are to each other and how everyone is so supportive of one another. Honestly, though, I don’t even feel right to use the word “advantage” because any family can be like that just by keeping God on top. We are very blessed.
TwoTen
What would you like most people to know about you?
Sadie Robertson
I kind of feel like America knows everything about me. I guess something that I never want Americans to forget is I am just a normal teenager growing up in a great family. I enjoy getting to live my life out with America. It is actually pretty fun. I feel like in a way we are all family, and I hope Americans feels the same way about me.
TwoTen
What advice would you give to parents who are trying to raise Godly children?
Sadie Robertson
I would say my main advice is to live out what you want your kids to live out. If you want your kids to be Godly, then be kind, be patient, be prayerful, be loving, be joyful, and use encouraging words. The more they see you acting it out, the more natural it will be for them. Also, be approachable. That is one of the biggest things I admire about my mom. She is a mom and a friend. I have the utmost respect in the world for that woman, and I can tell her anything and know I will get her help, not hate. Your kids need to know they can come to you without fear of judgment.
TwoTen
What advice would you give to other young Christians when they find themselves surrounded by the influences of the world and trying to make their way?
Sadie Robertson
When you find yourself surrounded by the world, instead of trying to make your way, allow God to make the way. Sometimes you can’t do it all by yourself. Seek God. Also, I think it is so important to have friends that have the same morals. It just makes the tough moments a whole lot more manageable.
TwoTen
You’re about to turn 18 years old, a time when young men and women are at a crossroad in their lives. Do you have any long-term plans?
Sadie Robertson
Two years ago, I could never have guessed I would be in the position I am in right now. I am just going to pray and wait to see what new doors God opens for me.
TwoTen
We have to ask; do you hunt ducks?
Sadie Robertson
Not very much. I prefer to hunt deer.
"When you find yourself surrounded by the world, instead of trying to make your way, allow God to make the way. Sometimes you can’t do it all by yourself. Seek God. Also, I think it is so important to have friends that have the same morals. It just makes the tough moments a whole lot more manageable.” - Sadie Robertson
By: Mark Whitaker
Mark Whitaker is the Executive Editor of TwoTen Magazine. He is inspired daily by his God, his wife Kim and his three daughters Hannah, Sarah, and Rhea.
Read More Articles by Mark Whitaker
