50 Motivational Quotes From Disruptive, Trailblazing, Inspiring Women Leaders

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The climb to the top can be tough going — for anyone.

But as women, there are particular hurdles that can make the journey upward toward positions of power and influence — in myriad spheres — especially challenging.

Here, in 50 inspiring quotes, businesswomen, role models, activists, entertainers, authors, politicians and more share their thoughts on leadership and success — and what exactly those mean to them.

Whether we’re forging our own paths or following in the footsteps of those who’ve gone ahead, these trailblazers, innovators, explorers and disrupters can encourage, motivate and push us to reach new heights — in business and in life.

Related: 6 Innovative Women to Watch

1. “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes… and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” — Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady
2. “’Restore connection’ is not just for devices, it is for people too. If we cannot disconnect, we cannot lead. Creating the culture of burnout is opposite to creating a culture of sustainable creativity. This is something that needs to be taught in business schools. This mentality needs to be introduced as a leadership and performance-enhancing tool.” — Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post
3. “The only safe ship in a storm is leadership.” — Faye Wattleton, Alvarez & Marsal
4. “Strategic leaders must not get consumed by the operational and tactical side of their work. They have a duty to find time to shape the future.” — Stephanie S. Mead, CMOE
5. “The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first.” — Iyanla Vanzant, speaker
6. “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.” — Dolly Parton, singer-songwriter
7. “There are two kinds of stones, as everyone knows, one of which rolls.” — Amelia Earhart, aviator
8. “I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” — Estée Lauder, Estée Lauder companies

9. “If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.” — Maya Angelou, author

10. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead, cultural anthropologist

11. “We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat; they do not exist.” — Queen Victoria, Former Queen of the United Kingdom

12. “Leadership should be more participative than directive, more enabling than performing.” — Mary D. Poole

13. “Leadership is a series of behaviors rather than a role for heroes.” — Margaret Wheatley, writer

14. “My father had a simple test that helps me measure my own leadership quotient: When you are out of the office, he once asked me, does your staff carry on remarkable well without you?” — Martha Peak, AMA magazines

15. “We treat our people like royalty. If you honor and serve the people who work for you, they will honor and serve you.” — Mary Kay Ash, Mary Kay

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