Which Enneagram Type are You?

Find out which Enneagram matches your personality type, and gain deep insight on how to enrich your life, relationships, career and more.

Famous Enneagram 1 Personalities

enneagram 1

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart is an American television personality, former fashion model, and business magnate. Known for her ventures in lifestyle, cooking, and home improvement, she has built an empire around her name. Her attention to detail and commitment to perfection make her a typical Enneagram Type 1. She aims for an ideal version of life in both her personal and professional endeavors.

Stewart’s career began in the world of fashion but quickly expanded into the realms of cooking, home decor, and domestic life. Her magazines, television shows, and products offer a carefully curated sense of domestic perfection that millions aspire to emulate. This desire to create and present a perfect lifestyle is a classic Type 1 characteristic.

She faced a major setback in 2004 when she was convicted of charges related to insider trading. Despite the fall from grace, she demonstrated her Type 1 resilience by making a comeback. Her ethical dilemma and subsequent imprisonment only served to refocus her commitment to her brand and personal ethos.

Martha Stewart has also ventured into partnerships and collaborations that align with her ideals of quality and perfection. She has done this while staying true to her desire for a well-ordered life, a signature of her Enneagram type. Her collaborations have often emphasized natural products, quality craftsmanship, and timeless value—features that resonate with the Type 1 preoccupation with integrity and quality.

In summary, Martha Stewart embodies the Type 1’s quest for perfection, not just in her own life but in the lifestyles she projects through her media empire. Despite legal and professional setbacks, she has stayed committed to her principles, making her a textbook example of an Enneagram Type 1.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States until her passing in 2020. Known for her tireless advocacy for gender equality and civil rights, Ginsburg exhibits many of the qualities associated with an Enneagram Type 1, including a strong moral compass, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legal career was a series of calculated moves aimed at dismantling discriminatory practices. Her work both as a lawyer and later as a judge was marked by meticulous preparation and a keen understanding of the law. Her propensity to focus on details and work diligently aligns well with Type 1 characteristics.

One of the defining traits of Enneagram Type 1s is their advocacy for fairness, a trait Ginsburg demonstrated throughout her life. Whether it was arguing for gender equality or voting rights, she stood steadfastly on the side of what she believed to be morally and ethically correct. Her dissents, often in cases where she felt justice was not served, became legendary and were a platform from which she furthered her advocacy.

Another Type 1 trait that Ginsburg exhibited was her commitment to personal discipline and routine. Well into her eighties, she maintained a rigorous workout routine and was disciplined in her work habits. This commitment to physical and mental well-being is something that many Enneagram Type 1s share.

In sum, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and career were emblematic of the Enneagram Type 1’s quest for justice, order, and moral integrity. Her work ethic, commitment to fairness, and personal discipline make her a quintessential Type 1, serving as a role model for others who share this Enneagram type.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, is another public figure who exhibits characteristics of an Enneagram Type 1. Known for her advocacy in areas such as healthy living, education, and military families, she aims to make systemic changes through carefully planned initiatives. Her focus on improvement and a better future resonate deeply with Type 1 attributes.

From her “Let’s Move!” campaign aimed at solving the problem of childhood obesity to her support for military families, Michelle Obama has always sought to make a lasting, positive impact. Her initiatives are meticulously researched and planned, mirroring the Type 1 focus on detail and a strong ethical foundation.

Her time as First Lady also showed her commitment to protocol and tradition, further underscoring her Type 1 tendencies. Whether it was adhering to fashion etiquette or maintaining the decorum expected from someone in her position, Michelle Obama demonstrated a level of poise and orderliness that many Type 1s would appreciate.

Michelle Obama has also been open about her own struggles and how they have shaped her. Her autobiography, “Becoming,” provides insight into the disciplined upbringing that laid the foundation for her later achievements. This self-reflective nature and the desire to continually improve oneself is a strong Type 1 trait.

In conclusion, Michelle Obama’s focus on systemic improvement, attention to detail, and commitment to ethical principles make her an archetypal Enneagram Type 1. Her work, both during and after her time as First Lady, serves as an example of how Type 1s can use their unique qualities to make lasting changes for the better.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa, is often cited as an example of an Enneagram Type 1. His lifelong fight for justice and equality aligns closely with the Type 1’s ideal of a fair and moral world. His leadership was marked by an unwavering commitment to these principles, even in the face of immense personal and political challenges.

Imprisoned for 27 years for his role in fighting apartheid, Mandela showed an incredible degree of resilience and maintained his focus on the larger goal of racial equality in South Africa. This long-term vision and steadfastness in the face of adversity are classic Type 1 traits.

Mandela’s time as President was marked by an intense focus on reconciliation, another core Type 1 trait. Rather than seeking revenge on the architects and enforcers of apartheid, he sought a peaceful transition to a more equitable society. This demonstrated an adherence to his moral compass, a defining feature of Enneagram Type 1 personalities.

His leadership style was consultative and considered, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome for all involved. He displayed the Type 1 qualities of meticulous planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical decision-making. These were evident in how he led South Africa through a time of tremendous upheaval and change.

In summary, Nelson Mandela embodies the Enneagram Type 1’s ideal of creating a more just and ethical world. From his resistance against apartheid to his presidency, his life was a manifestation of the Type 1 characteristics of resilience, moral integrity, and a deep commitment to justice.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow, an American actress and businesswoman, shows characteristics that align with the Enneagram Type 1 personality. Known for her acting talent as well as her lifestyle brand Goop, she has a propensity for detail and a continuous search for self-improvement and perfection, hallmarks of Type 1 individuals.

Paltrow’s Goop is not just a lifestyle brand but a manifestation of her desire to present a life that is both aesthetically pleasing and holistically healthy. The brand is known for its rigorously selected products and practices, which she argues can help people lead a better and more balanced life. This pursuit of the ideal resonates strongly with Type 1 characteristics.

While she has often faced criticism for promoting what some consider to be controversial wellness practices, she remains steadfast in her convictions. This is reflective of the Type 1’s strong belief in their moral compass and their willingness to stand by it, regardless of public opinion.

Notably, Paltrow’s career in acting also showed signs of her Type 1 nature. She meticulously prepares for her roles and has often spoken about her perfectionist tendencies. Her quest for an ideal performance is reminiscent of a Type 1’s need for order and righteousness in their chosen field.

In summary, Gwyneth Paltrow’s career choices, lifestyle brand, and even her controversies reflect the classic attributes of an Enneagram Type 1. Her determination to offer a path to a “better life” shows her commitment to the ideals that Type 1s hold dear.

Tina Fey

Tina Fey, the American comedian, writer, and actress, embodies many Enneagram Type 1 qualities, including a keen sense of responsibility and a deeply ingrained ethical compass. Known for her wit and satire, she uses humor as a tool for critiquing societal norms and behaviors, a typical Type 1 trait of seeking improvement in the world around them.

Fey’s work often deals with issues such as gender equality, social justice, and self-improvement. Her long-running show “30 Rock” was praised not just for its humor but also for its sharp social commentary. The commitment to portraying ‘rightness’ even within the comedic arena highlights her as a Type 1.

Professionally, Tina Fey is known for her discipline, hard work, and attention to detail. Whether writing scripts, acting, or producing, she brings a level of meticulousness to her projects that is characteristic of a Type 1 personality.

Her autobiography, “Bossypants,” offers an insight into her own personal struggles with the societal norms and the pressure of conforming to them. This self-awareness and the journey toward self-improvement align well with Type 1 attributes.

In conclusion, Tina Fey exemplifies the characteristics of an Enneagram Type 1 through her work and personal ethics. Her comedy is a vehicle for social commentary, aimed at critiquing and improving the world, a cause close to the heart of many Type 1s.

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement against British rule, is often categorized as a Type 1 in the Enneagram system. His life-long commitment to the principles of justice, non-violence, and moral integrity make him an archetypal Type 1 personality.

Gandhi was known for his meticulous planning and strategic thinking, which he applied to both the political and social aspects of his campaigns. This focus on careful planning and a deep concern for ethical implications aligns closely with Type 1 tendencies.

One of the defining aspects of Gandhi’s philosophy was his belief in the concept of “Satyagraha,” or “truth force.” His conviction that moral rightness could bring about societal change shows the Type 1’s fundamental belief in the power of ethical action.

Moreover, Gandhi was not just focused on societal issues; he was equally committed to personal self-improvement. His disciplined life, vegetarian diet, and practice of celibacy were all rooted in his quest for personal purity and moral righteousness.

In summary, Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work offer an inspiring example of the Enneagram Type 1’s potential for making meaningful change. His unflinching commitment to his ideals, his strategic and ethical mind, and his devotion to self-improvement embody the quintessential attributes of this personality type.

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., displayed several characteristics that align with an Enneagram Type 1. Known for his perfectionism and attention to detail, Jobs had a vision for what technology should be and how it could improve people’s lives. His relentless pursuit of these ideals sets him firmly in the Type 1 category.

Jobs was not just interested in technology for its own sake; he was committed to creating products that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This dual focus on utility and beauty resonates with the Type 1’s aspiration for a more ideal world.

He was known for being incredibly demanding of his employees, driven by his belief in the transformative power of perfecting even the smallest details. While this sometimes made him difficult to work with, it was also reflective of his Type 1 desire for order and perfection.

Jobs was also focused on ethical considerations, particularly later in his career. Apple’s various social initiatives, as well as efforts to minimize the environmental impact of their products, reflect this concern for doing the right thing.

In conclusion, Steve Jobs encapsulates the Type 1’s quest for perfection and the belief that their work can improve the world. His impact on the technology sector, and society as a whole, demonstrates the far-reaching implications of this personality type’s core motivations.