Mar 20, 2017 | People

I’m taking some time off writing new blogs this month to enjoy Women’s Leadership Month. In honor of the theme, I’m reposting some of my favorite blogs to celebrate women in leadership. Today’s post is to recognize women who have served as strong leadership role models. Their insights can motivate both women and men to set aside their fears and become better versions of themselves. I hope that they will inspire you too.

“It’s sometimes surprising to discover the cumulative progress women have made in recent times. Just think. What field has not been enriched by females – in art, theatre, finance, politics, law, entrepreneurship, science? The list is as impressive as it is enlightening. To realize that we are no longer pioneers. The startling exception. The first to fly, or swim, or sail prodigious distances in bad weather. No longer the first to be elected, the first to discover cures in medicine, or the first to untangle problems in science, math or physics. No. We are multitudes, and society is clearly the better for our peaceful invasion. There is no modernity and no justice without the talent, passion, and the steely intelligence of women.” – Toni Morrison

No matter what your political views are, the question of women in power was brought to the international stage during last year’s election season in the U.S. Below are insights from six women driven by their inner strength, passion, and drive to make a difference. Their examples can serve to motivate both women and men to set aside their fears and become better versions of themselves.

 

alicia_keys1. Alicia Keyes, 15-time Grammy award winner

Her experience: Strong women like my mother showed me that you can claim what you want out of your life. I loved the concept of rebel – of challenging the mainstay.

Her advice: When you erase fear from your vocabulary, you can’t fail.

 

.

 

 

aimeemullins2. Aimee Mullins, Record-breaker at the Paralympic Games in 1996 and fashion model

Her experience: I am a double amputee, but whether or not I am disabled is a subjective opinion. I determine what I am capable of doing.

Her advice: Adversity isn’t an obstacle that we need to get around in order to resume living our life. It’s part of our life.

 

.

 

LOS ANGELES - JULY 3: Attorney Gloria Allred during a portrait session for attorney Gloria Allred and daughter television anchor Lisa Bloom on July 3, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

3. Gloria Allred, Discrimination attorney and feminist lawyer

Her experience: In civil rights, we are not politicians, but attorneys. What we seek is often not popular at the moment, but later it is. I have a duty to help victims win change.

Her advice:  If people call you names, see that as a victory, because you know they don’t have a good argument on the merits.

 

.

 

"I've always been an introverted person," Shonda Rhimes says, and she found the fame that came with her television successes to be "daunting."

4. Shonda Rhimes, Producer of 3 Emmy-nominated shows and author of The Year of Yes

Her experience: I was dictating stories into a tape recorder when I was 3 years old. After college, I moved into my sister’s basement and tried to figure out what I wanted to do. There was no plan. It was both breathtaking and terrifying.

Her advice: Dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.

 

.

 

sarablakely5. Sarah Blakely, American businesswoman and founder of Spanx.

Her experience: I had $5,000 in savings, an idea, and some cellulite. The moment you have an idea, that is when it’s very vulnerable. It’s also the moment that we want to turn to a friend, a co-worker, a husband or wife, and share it. And out of love and concern, million dollar ideas get squashed.

Her advice: Be willing to make mistakes. The worst thing that can happen is that you become memorable.

 

 

 

madeleine-albright6. Madeleine Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State

Her experience: When I became Secretary of State, the challenge was not so much how foreign leaders would regard me. They knew that I represented the United States (and I arrived in a big plane). In some ways, I had more problems with the men in our own government.

Her advice: It’s a wonderful time of opportunity, but don’t forget how hard it’s been for women. We need to respect each other, and we need to help each other.

 

Question: What women have inspired you to become a better version of yourself?

 

 

Interested in getting more content like this? Subscribe to CEE News!

CEE News is designed to help you with the challenges you face every day by sharing infographics, white papers, best practices, and spotlighting businesses that are getting it right. I hope you’ll subscribe to CEE News and it becomes a resource that continually adds value to your walk as a leader. If I can be of assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Archives

Categories

Related Posts

5 TED Talks for Leaders Who are Lifelong Learners

5 TED Talks for Leaders Who are Lifelong Learners

I’m kicking off August a two-week vacation in Amsterdam, a city that effortlessly merges history with innovation, art with technology, and tradition with progress. As I wander through picturesque canals and vibrant streets, I find myself reflecting on the importance of lifelong learning, especially for leaders.

read more

LET’S GET CONNECTED

 

Preferred method of contact:

*Required fields. By submitting this form you agree to receive emails from Center for Executive Excellence and can unsubscribe at any time.

Share This