Strong women have always led with courage, heart, and wisdom. In this blog, you will find Inspirational quotes on leadership by women that can spark your journey. These words remind us that true leaders lift others, stay true to their values, and face challenges with strength. Read on to feel inspired and motivated by voices that have shaped the world.
Below are thirty of the most powerful and unique Inspirational quotes on leadership by women, along with the names of the women who spoke them and how each applies in real life.
Here Are the 30 Inspirational Quotes on Leadership by Women
1. “Do not wait for leaders. Do it alone, person to person.”
Mother Teresa
This quote by Mother Teresa calls for personal initiative. Instead of waiting for someone else to lead, she encouraged direct action. In workplaces, this means taking ownership, even without a title.
2. “I raise my voice-not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.”
Malala Yousafzai
Malala speaks of advocacy. Leadership is not about volume. It’s about intent and impact.
3. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence.”
Sheryl Sandberg
Sandberg focuses on influence. Great leaders lift others.
4. “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
Louisa May Alcott
This quote highlights resilience. Alcott used the storm as a symbol for challenges. When leaders share such messages, they motivate others. That’s why Inspirational quotes on leadership by women have lasting value.
5. “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”
Coco Chanel
Chanel’s quote urges independent thought. True leadership requires original thinking, even when it’s unpopular. People recall Inspirational quotes on leadership by women like Chanel’s because they stand for bold, clear direction.
6. “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Justice Ginsburg spoke for inclusion. Leadership should reflect diversity.
Example: A female engineer displayed this quote outside her office. She became the first woman on her company’s executive board. Later, she started a program to mentor girls in tech.
7. “I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.”
Audre Lorde
This line has become one of the most repeated Inspirational quotes on leadership by women among activists and nonprofit leaders. This quote blends intention with bravery. Lorde’s words inspire direct and fearless action.
8. “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Shirley Chisholm
Chisholm addressed exclusion with creativity. Her quote teaches persistence. This is showing how to create opportunities rather than wait for them.
9. “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.”
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah brings dignity to failure. Leaders who embrace setbacks grow faster.
10. “Power’s not given to you. You have to take it.”
Beyoncé
This quote stresses self-empowerment. Leaders must step forward and claim their space.
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11. “Define success on your terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.”
Anne Sweeney
Leadership requires personal vision. Sweeney reminds us that fulfillment comes from authenticity.
12. “I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”
Estée Lauder
Lauder speaks of dedication. Work, not wishful thinking, drives success.
13. “I’m not going to limit myself just because people won’t accept the fact that I can do something else.”
Dolly Parton
This quote dismantles stereotypes. Leaders defy narrow expectations.
14. “It’s hard to lead a cavalry charge if you think you look funny on a horse.”
Adlai E. Stevenson (popularized by Geraldine Ferraro)
Self-belief is vital. Leaders must feel worthy of the role.
15. “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”
Shirley Chisholm
This is another bold reminder that inspirational quotes on leadership by women often come with calls to action.
16. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Maya Angelou
Angelou highlights emotional resilience. Leaders rise beyond setbacks.
17. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
A classic quote about self-respect. Confidence is central to leadership.
18. “When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us.”
Helen Keller
Keller teaches optimism and opportunity recognition—qualities good leaders embrace.
19. “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”
Ayn Rand
This quote is fierce. It redefines leadership as an unstoppable vision.
20. “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”
Oprah Winfrey
Energy attracts followers. Passionate leaders ignite movements.
21. “My coach said I run like a girl. And I said if he ran a little faster, he could too.”
Mia Hamm
Hamm challenges gender bias with wit. Inspirational quotes on leadership by women use humor to empower.
22. “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
Michelle Obama
Obama delivers an inclusive vision. Real leadership has no ceilings.
23. “Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.”
Maggie Kuhn
This quote promotes brave communication. Leaders speak up despite fear.
24. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
Simone Sinek (often paraphrased and used by female leaders)
Care-based leadership reflects emotional intelligence.
25. “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.”
Florence Nightingale
Nightingale was disciplined. Inspirational quotes on leadership by women draw from real-world integrity.
26. “Don’t compromise yourself. You’re all you’ve got.”
Janis Joplin
This reminds leaders to remain whole, no matter the pressure.
27. “People respond well to those who are sure of what they want.”
Anna Wintour
Clarity is power. Leaders need direction to inspire trust.
28. “I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
Ginni Rometty
Risk fuels leadership. Comfort zones are limiting.
29. “You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.”
Rosalynn Carter
Confidence plus perseverance equals real leadership.
30. “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.”
Ingrid Bergman
This quote blends ambition with contentment. Leadership includes both.
Conclusion
The world needs more voices like these. Leadership grows stronger when it reflects many perspectives. Quotes help pass on what works, what inspires, and what transforms. Inspirational quotes on leadership by women carry timeless strength. They lead people to think better, act wisely, and speak boldly. That is why they will continue to guide leaders in every field for generations to come.
