The leadership definition has changed over the past few years and so has the gender of leaders. There is an increasing number of female being placed in leadership positions, but still underrepresented in most levels of decision-making. The rise to top is tough especially for women leaders as the support to reach there is not enough. These inspiring and riveting quotes on leadership can help in changing the perspective on that.
25 most inspiring leadership quotes by women
Listed here are the top leadership quotes from women, who are role models for all. They have excelled in every position be it a CEO of company, entrepreneur, entertainer, author, or even a politician. Their quotes shall motivate and inspire us to achieve whatever we aspire.
Delve into few of the most uplifting quotes on female leadership from prominent female leaders who are transforming the world and creating a huge impact.
Michelle Obama
Obama the United States’ first African American First Lady.
“No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.”
- Melinda Gates
Influential in her role as a philanthropist, businessperson and global advocate for women and girls.
“The more you can be authentic, the happier you’re going to be, and life will work itself around that.” — Melinda Gates
- Kamala Harris
Known as the first woman and first woman of color to serve as the Vice President of the United States.
“There will be people who say to you, ‘You are out of your lane’. They are burdened by only having the capacity to see what has always been instead of what can be. But don’t you let that burden you.”
- Indra Nooyi
The fantastic former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo
“Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different.”
- Oprah Winfrey
A media mogul, talk show host, and philanthropist
“The world’s most prominent women leaders show the importance of honesty, courage, impact, and decisive action in leadership.”
- Beyoncé
A 32 times Grammy award winning musician
“Power’s not given to you. You have to take it.”
- Estée Lauder
The make-up mogul know for personal touch with customers
“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”
- Greta Thunberg
The youngest social activist
“You are never too small to make a difference.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
The former First Lady of the United States
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.”
- Arianna Huffington
An author, syndicated columnist and co-founder of Huffpost
“’Restore connection’ is not just for devices, it is for people too. If we cannot disconnect, we cannot lead.”
- Dolly Parton
An author, singer, actor
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”
- Abigail Johnson
Chairman and CEO of Fidelity Investments
“No matter how senior you get in an organization, no matter how well you’re perceived to be doing, your job is never done.”
- Leah Busque
Founder of TaskRabbit
“I wake up every morning and think to myself, “How far can I push the company forward in the next 24 hours?'”
- Melanie Perkins
One of the youngest Co-founder and CEO of design software platform Canva.
“Every time we got a knock back and understood why people wouldn’t invest, we changed and revised our pitch. Failure was never an option.”
- Sara Blakely
A business mogul and creator of Spanx, a female shapeware manufacturer.
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”
- Queen Victoria
Former Queen of the United Kingdom
“We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat; they do not exist.”
Writer, actor, producer and author Amy Poehler says of a term most people hate: “I just love bossy women. I could be around them all day. To me, bossy is not a pejorative term at all. It means somebody’s passionate and engaged and ambitious and doesn’t mind leading.”
- Iyanla Vanzant
An inspirational speaker, spiritual teacher a lawyer,
Motivational speaker on focusing your energy on the positive: “The only way to get what you really want is to let go of what you don’t want.”
- Kendra Scott
An entrepreneur and a fashion designer named the Ernst & Young’s National Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017.
“I’m always looking for new mentors and asking people, ‘Hey, if you were in my shoes, what would you do?’ It’s pretty amazing what you can get from that.”
.Jacinda Ardern
The former Prime Minister of New Zealand
One of the criticisms I’ve faced over the years is that I’m not aggressive enough or assertive enough, or maybe somehow, because I’m empathetic, it means I’m weak. I totally rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.”
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Only the second woman ever to sit as a justice on the US Supreme Court
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
- Marillyn Hewson
Former President and CEO of Lockheed Martin and one of the most influential women in the world.
“Good leaders organize and align people around what the team needs to do. Great leaders motivate and inspire people with why they’re doing it. That’s purpose. And that’s the key to achieving something truly transformational.”
- Ayn Rand
A very successful novelist
“Professional intellectuals are the voice of a culture and are, therefore, its leaders, its integrators and its bodyguards.”
- Shonda Rhimes
A screenwriter, producer of many popular television shows
“[D]reams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.”
- Mother Teresa
Founder of the Missionaries of Charity who devoted her life to serving the poor and destitute around the world
“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”
- Katherine Johnson
An American mathematician whose work helped send astronauts to the Moon.
“Like what you do, and then you will do your best.”
The inspirational quotes from the above trailblazing women underscores the multifaceted journey of leadership that is both demanding and rewarding. The motivational quotes from women leaders give insights into crucial leadership traits such as mental strength, grit and innovation. For all the women who are leaders and who aspire to be one these quotes from those who were in similar situation and were able to thrive can be inspirational.
Hoping you get inspired and motivated by the quotes and help in leading with self-assurance and gusto!
