A true woman leader is one who not only helps other women but also guides their way toward success. Women are known not only for succeeding in business but also for inspiring and helping their colleagues to do the same. In 2024, approximately 14 million businesses in the U.S. are owned by women. In fact, they make up 39.1% of all businesses, showing a 13.6% increase from 2019 to 2023. These achievements highlight the importance of women leadership quotes that inspire and empower future generations of female leaders.
Let us glance through the 20 most propelling women leadership quotes:
1.“The world’s most prominent women leaders show the importance of honesty, courage, impact, and decisive action in leadership.” —Oprah Winfrey, (Media Executive and Philanthropist)
—Women leaders with their feminine energy manage to guide people.
2.“Power’s not given to you. You have to take it.” —Beyoncé, (Award-Winning Musician)
—You are not born with power, you have to be in-charge and take power.
3.“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”—Sheryl Sandberg, (American tech executive, writer and philanthropist)
—True leadership involves uplifting others and creating a lasting positive impact even when the leader is no longer present.
4.“You are never too small to make a difference.” —Greta Thunberg, (Social Activist)
—your age and size doesn’t matter when you intent to make a good difference.
5.“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.” —Eleanor Roosevelt, (Former First Lady of the United States)
—Instead of following the society’s rules, you can follow what your heart wants. You might be criticized for this as well.
These women in leadership quotes highlight the power of honesty, courage, and forging your own path. From Oprah to Beyoncé, they show that leadership is about taking action and staying true to yourself, even when facing challenges.
6.“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.” —Maya Angelou, (Civil Rights Activist and Poet)
—A woman who has a vision will refuse rivalry and be a passionate leader.
7.“I decided I can’t pay a person to rewind time, so I may as well get over it.” —Serena Williams, (Badminton Player)
—Embrace the present and let go of the past; moving forward is more empowering than dwelling on what can’t be changed.
8.“’Restore connection’ is not just for devices, it is for people too. If we cannot disconnect, we cannot lead.” —Arianna Huffington, (Author)
—Once in a while it is good disconnect from the reality to find yourself and reconnect to achieve the desired result.
9.“I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy.” —Marie Curie, (Physicist)
—To progress consistency is a must. You shouldn’t just give up because of a minor setback.
10.“As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” —J.K. Rowling, (Author)
—What determines you is how much you impact someone’s life and not how long your life is.
The above set of female leadership quotes emphasizes wisdom, perseverance, and making connections. Leaders like Maya Angelou and Marie Curie remind us that progress requires patience and impact comes from understanding yourself and others.
11.“I don’t go by the rule book. I lead from the heart, not the head.” —Princess Diana, (Princess of Wales)
—Following the rules will not get you what truly want. Doing things for the heart is more important.
12.“I tell my daughters to have their voice in this world, and it became clear I needed to role-model that.”
—Melinda Gates, (Co-Founder, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
—Raising females to have a voice in the current century is a must.
13.“I wouldn’t ask anyone to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.” —Indra Nooyi, (CEO, PepsiCo)
—Why ask favors for the things that can be done all by oneself?
14.“My mother told me that fear was not an option. I was always told that women are stronger, so I believed it.”
—Diane Von Furstenberg, (Fashion Designer)
—Dealing with things fearlessly is the best way as women are much strong to stay a coward.
15.“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.” —Michelle Obama, (Former ‘First Lady of the United States)
—For a country to flourish, the women should be given an equal opportunity as that given to the men in the country.
These leadership quotes by women focus on empathy, fearlessness, and leading by example. From Princess Diana to Michelle Obama, they inspire women to trust in their strength and lead with compassion and conviction.
16.“If you have an idea, you have to believe in yourself or no one else will.” —Sarah Michelle Gellar, (Entrepreneur and Actress)
—Self-belief can take you to the stars and help you fulfill your dreams.
17. “As a leader, you have to have the ability to assimilate new information and understand that there might be a different view.” —Madeleine Albright, (Former US Secretary of State)
—A leader should be adaptable and open to different perspectives.
18. “Like what you do, and then you will do your best.” —Katherine Johnson, (American Mathematician)
—Passion fuels excellence in your work.
19. “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.” —Mother Teresa, (Founder of the Missionaries of Charity)
—Take initiative, as strength comes from small, impactful actions.
20. “As a leader, you need to set the right direction, make sure that we’re getting the right answer, and not having people all doing something that’s wrong – that’s the analytical me.” —Jessica Tan, (Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore)
—Leadership requires clarity in direction and problem-solving.
The above women leadership quotes stress adaptability, passion, and initiative. Leaders like Madeleine Albright and Mother Teresa show that small actions, driven by purpose, can lead to great change.
In conclusion, all these 20 Women Leadership Quotes highlight the strength and compassion of female leaders. They inspire young minds to embrace their potential and lead with courage. By learning from these remarkable women, we can create a future where leadership is defined by impact and empowerment. Let these quotes motivate you to lead with confidence!
Read more: 10 Quotes Inspiring Your Next Business Idea