100+ Inspirational Leadership Quotes by Women – Motivational & Empowering

Sometimes the smallest words have the power to have a big impact on our lives. Sometimes, it might be a line from a book, a quote in a movie, or something a friend says. At Workast, we proudly support women in the workforce. That's why we've put together a list of   powerful leadership quotes by women to inspire and motivate them during their journey to become successful.

Powerful Women Leadership Quotes by Women 

Chart your map with multiple routes, and build in the time and resources to meander, stretch, and explore. Let your curiosity lead you; chance encounters and experiences enrich our professional and personal lives.”  Ami Danoff | Co-owner, National Women’s Soccer League Boston, SM ’93

Just because you are young or early in your career doesn’t mean that you can’t add value. Speak up! Be confident, curious, and persistent.” Marla Shapiro | Founder, HERmesa, MBA ’97

Others don’t control your career — you do.” Dawn Zier | Board Chair, Hain Celestial Group, SM ’90

Great leaders are people who don’t seek power but take responsibility because they have the capability and empathy to help others.”

Theodora Lai | Director of Business Development, Tembusu Partners, Global MBA ’16 

I wish more people would lead with their heart. ... If everyone could start by assessing their experiences using questions like ‘What’s this bringing up in me?’ and ‘How would the person I want to be communicate about it?’ we’d be off to a great start.” Amy H. Kimball | Executive and Leadership Coach, Amy Kimball Coaching LLC, EMBA ’19

When you are trying to motivate people — within a company or out in the world — expressing clear and simple ideas that make sense and create progress toward your goal is critical.” Robin Chase | Chairperson, Tucows, SM ’86

What matters is whether you get back up and keep going. (It's a) lesson drilled in from an early age by my mother. It's served me well, and it's universal." - Hillary Clinton

I think realizing that you're not alone, that you are standing with millions of your sisters around the world, is vital. -  Malala Yousafzai

Self-awareness and self-love matter. Who we are is how we lead. -Brené Brown

As a child growing up, I dreamt big. Most people would have looked at an Aboriginal girl from the Territory, where the statistics point to every reason why I should not succeed. But I was determined to be successful. - Nova Peris

We can't pray or wish for diversity. We need intervention, attention, mentoring, and development of those minorities to ensure all are represented in our organizations. - Indra Nooyi

Great Leadership Quotes by Women

"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.” – Golda Meir, first female prime minister of Israel

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt, former first lady of the United States, diplomat and activist

If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, first female head of state in Africa

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel, French fashion designer

I want little girls to grow up knowing they can do anything, even play football.” – Jen Welter, first female coach in the NFL

Famous Leadership Quotes by Women

I hope you will find some way to break the rules and make a little trouble out there. And I also hope that you will choose to make some of that trouble on behalf of women.” – Nora Ephron, American journalist, writer and filmmaker

As a leader, it’s a major responsibility on your shoulders to practice the behavior you want others to follow.” – Himanshu Bhatia, founder and CEO of Rose International

Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.” – Maya Angelou, American poet, memoirist and civil rights activist

Inspirational Leadership Quotes by Women

The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me. - Ayn Rand

I tell my daughters to have their voice in this world, and it became clear I needed to role-model that." - Melinda Gates

Well, hear me now. Using my voice amongst a growing chorus of voices that will not be silenced. Let's make some noise, Australia." - Grace Tame, Australian of the Year.

Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence." - Sheryl Sandberg

Motivational Leadership Quotes by Women

If you are committed to creating value and aren’t afraid of hard times, obstacles become utterly unimportant. A nuisance, perhaps, but with no real power. The world respects creation; people will get out of your way.” —Candice Carpenter Olson.

“We may encounter many defeats, but we may not be defeated.” —Maya Angelou

 “Contrary to popular belief, the best way to climb to the top of the ladder is to take others up there with you.” —Maria Eitel

 “Don’t follow the crowd; let the crowd follow you.” —Margaret Thatcher

Every job I took, I was deeply uncomfortable in terms of feeling unqualified. Every step, every risk I took, built confidence.” —Amy Hood

Inspiring Leadership Quotes by Women

What I want young women and girls to know is, You are powerful, and your voice matters.” Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States

“In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” 

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” Mother Teresa, saint 

“When you can’t find someone to follow, you have to find a way to lead by example.” Roxane Gay, American writer and professor