So Maybe You Can’t Have Michelle Obama or Oprah Winfrey as Your Mentor, But You Can Be Inspired by Them

A woman’s journey to success is often paved with challenges and obstacles that can seem insurmountable. To navigate these challenges, it’s important to have powerful inspiration from women who have come before us and blazed a trail for us to follow. The quotes of remarkable women leaders such as Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Sheryl Sandberg, and others can be just the motivation we need to reach for greatness.

In this article, we’ll showcase 50 inspiring and empowering quotes from activists, entertainers, authors, politicians, and more. Each quote is a celebration of wisdom, authority, and motivation from women who have achieved remarkable things.

Women often hold themselves back from reaching their full potential, living their lives as if it’s a dress rehearsal. As Mikki Taylor states, “Ladies, the curtain is up and you’re on.” It’s time to realize that we’re not in competition with other women, but with everyone around us. We need to embrace that we’re capable of greatness and seize the opportunities we have.

Roseanne Barr reminds us that empowerment is something we create ourselves, “The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.” Marie Skłodowska-Curie adds, “We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”

Helen Keller encourages us to see the world through the lens of optimism, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” Barbara Corcoran tells us that the difference between successful people and others is that successful people don’t waste time feeling sorry for themselves.

Michelle Obama tells us that as women, we must stand up for ourselves, each other, and justice for all. Madeleine Albright takes it a step further, proclaiming that there is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women. Jamie Farsnel tells us that we shouldn’t let being a woman hold us back from our potential to become leaders.

Kathleen Schafer defines leadership not as an external status but as something that should be part of our daily lives, “Leadership is not about men in suits. It is a way of life for those who know who they are and are willing to be their best to create the life they want to live.” Katherine Miracle tells us that we don’t have to wait for someone else to lead us towards greatness, “Do not wait on a leader…look in the mirror, it’s you!”

Sheryl Sandberg reminds us that true leadership is about building up others and making them better even when we’re not around, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” Diane Mariechild tells us that within each woman is the power to create, nurture and transform.

Anne Sweeney reminds us to define success on our own terms, achieve it by our own rules, and build a life that we’re proud to live. Oprah Winfrey advises us to think like a queen and not be afraid of failure. As Ayn Rand puts it, “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”

Audre Lorde shares that being powerful doesn’t mean not feeling afraid but using our strength to serve our vision. Maya Angelou encourages women to take courage and to “go out and kick ass.” Yekaterina Alexeevna takes it a step further and tells us that a brave soul can mend even disaster.

Mary Anne Radmacher reminds us that courage doesn’t always roar but can be a quiet voice saying “I will try again tomorrow.” Dolly Parton tells us that if our actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then we are excellent leaders. Princess Diana reminds us that sometimes, we need to lead from the heart and not from the head.

Madonna acknowledges that being tough and ambitious may come with being called a bitch, but that’s okay. Anaïs Nin further empowers women to choose a partner who doesn’t doubt their courage or toughness and treats them like a woman.

Oprah Winfrey tells us that success is not a dream but something that requires hard work and being in the best place for the next moment. Hillary Clinton encourages us to take criticism seriously, but not personally. She tells us to learn from it when there is truth, and let it roll off us when there isn’t.

Ellen J. Kullman tells us that leadership is about listening and learning how to influence, just like we need to do with our children. Lynda Barry encourages us to expect the unexpected and whenever possible, be the unexpected. Madam C.J Walker admits that success is challenging and usually requires hard work.

Amelia Earhart advises us that the most effective way to achieve our goals is to do it. Maya Angelou reminds us that nothing will work unless we do, and Estée Lauder states that she never dreamed about success but worked for it.

Caterina Fake emphasizes that the key to success is working on the right thing, not just working hard. Iyanla Vanzant tells us that the way to achieve our own success is to help someone else get it first. Alison Pincus shares that surrounding ourselves with a trusted and loyal team is essential.

Margaret Mead proves that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world. Mary Kay Ash advises us to honor and serve those who work for us, and they will do the same for us.

Rosalynn Carter reminds us that a leader takes people where they need to go, even if they don’t want to go there. Rebecca Woodcock advises us to move forward as fast as we can and not to waste a single second.

Helen Keller helps us to see that one door may close, but there’s always another waiting to be opened. Barbara Corcoran tells us that her best successes came on the heels of failures. Mother Teresa advises us to be faithful in small things because our strength lies in them.

Whoopi Goldberg reminds us that we’re here for a reason and should lead others out of the dark. Cassandra Sanford encourages us to keep moving forward, and Virginia Rometty admits that growth and comfort don’t coexist.

Sara Blakely reminds us not to be intimidated by what we don’t know as that can be our greatest strength. Marissa Mayer tells us that doing something we’re not ready to do is how we grow, and Ellen DeGeneres advises us to connect with love and compassion as it leads to unfolding greatness.

Abigail Johnson cautions us not to keep pushing at something that’s not working but instead, grind it to a halt to make room for something better. Michelle Obama impresses that no country can truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of half its citizens.

In conclusion, these 50 inspiring quotes from remarkable women leaders encourage us to take charge of our own destinies and not wait for others to lead the way. We must surround ourselves with a trusted and loyal team, take criticism seriously but not personally, and expect the unexpected. We must also embrace the qualities of courage, resilience, and optimism to create, nurture, and transform ourselves and the world around us.