Women have come a long way in the workplace — now more than ever they are demanding more from their employers, taking on more leadership roles and responsibility, and serving as advocates for equality in the labor market. At the same time, they continue to face challenges at work, being more susceptible than their male colleagues to harmful microaggressions, and having their opinions questioned and judgement challenged. Plus, women still earn an average of 82 cents for every dollar earned by men.
At the same time, women are also outpacing men in earning Bachelor's degrees today, paving the path for more women to enter into male-dominated industries and change the game forever with new perspectives and ideas. And there is no shortage of female powerhouses to aspire to who have succeeded in their careers and become a voice for female empowerment due to their strengths and passions. To inspire and motivate you through your career search and as you embark on your professional journey, here are 20 quotes from strong females who have changed the future of multiple industries, and life as we know it:
Quotes on embarking on something new
"Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it." - Katharine Whitehorn, British journalist, columnist, author, and radio presenter.
"Whatever you do, be different – that was the advice my mother gave me, and I can't think of better advice for an entrepreneur. If you're different, you will stand out." - Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop.
"I learned to always take on things I'd never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist." -Virginia Rometty, first female CEO of IBM
Quotes to keep you motivated
"A woman alone is power — collectively, we have impact." - Shelley Zalis, a pioneer for online research, movement leader, and champion of gender equality.
"Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you." - Hillary Clinton, former First Lady, U.S. Secretary of State, and U.S. Senator in New York.
"Do what you love, and success will follow. Passion is the fuel behind a successful career." - Meg Whitman, former CEO of Hewlett Packard, eBay, and Quibi.
Quotes on dreaming big and following your passions
"The most important journey of our lives doesn't necessarily involve climbing the highest peak or trekking around the world. The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams." - Oprah Winfrey, American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist.
"Stay true to yourself and your vision. Don't let any one person's opinion move you; listen, but be confident." - Amanda Kahlow, CEO & Founder 6Sense.
"Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve." - Mary Kay Ash, CEO and Founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Quotes on making a difference in women's equality in the workplace
"If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room." -Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop.
"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud." – Coco Chanel, French fashion designer, and CEO of Chanel.
"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." -Ruth Bader Ginsburg, American lawyer and associate justice of the Supreme Court.
Quotes on leadership in the workplace
"If you want to lift the performance of the organization, you have to lift yourself. My message to my team was always meet my bar, and that bar would constantly be moved up." -Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo.
Regardless of the level of experience you might have, every woman has the power to make a difference in their field and in the lives of others. And the more you learn on the job, the more powerful you will become to initiate real change. Let your ambition be your compass as you draw inspiration from these inspiring quotes and incredible women as you set out to build a meaningful career.
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