90+ Women’s Leadership Innovation Quotes: Pioneering the Future

Did you know that for every additional woman leader in a company, it is 25% more likely to financially outperform the competition? This surprising statistic underlines the transformative power of women’s leadership in business. Women leaders are driving-let’s say, shaping-industries and redefining what leadership looks like as we struggle through the complexities of the 21st century.
The innovative thinking, expertise, and experiences women bring to leadership positions have triggered unparalleled heights of innovation in all sectors. Today, we will delve into 95 Quotes That Show the Depth of Power from Pioneering Women Leading the Future of Business, Technology, and Society at Large. These words of wisdom provide a glimpse into the facets of leadership, innovation, and stunning impact of the women in these authoritative positions.

Let’s dive into this treasure trove of inspiration and learn from the voices that are shaping our future!

1. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Sheryl Sandberg
2. “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” – Jim Rohn
3. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” – Sheryl Sandberg
4. “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” – Dolly Parton
5. “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart

These opening quotes set the tone for our exploration, highlighting the essence of innovative leadership and the impact it can have on others. They emphasize the balance of qualities needed in effective leadership.

6. “I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.” – Ginni Rometty
7. “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” – Rosalynn Carter
8. “Leadership is hard to define and good leadership even harder. But if you can get people to follow you to the ends of the earth, you are a great leader.” – Indra Nooyi
9. “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand
10. “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” – Sara Blakely

These quotes emphasize the importance of pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and having the courage to lead people towards necessary change. They highlight the power of determination and unique perspectives in leadership.

11. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” – Sheryl Sandberg
12. “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on.” – Sheryl Sandberg
13. “I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.” – Marissa Mayer
14. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker
15. “The difference between successful people and others is how long they spend time feeling sorry for themselves.” – Barbara Corcoran

This set of quotes encourages leaders to embrace opportunities, push their limits, and recognize their own power. They emphasize the importance of resilience and a growth mindset in leadership.

16. “The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first.” – Iyanla Vanzant
17. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
18. “A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.” – Arnold H. Glasow
19. “As a leader, it’s a major responsibility on your shoulders to practice the behavior you want others to follow.” – Himanshu Bhatia
20. “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan

These quotes highlight the servant aspect of leadership, emphasizing the importance of empowering others and leading by example.

21. “Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way.” – Tom Freston
22. “There’s a way to do it better – find it.” – Thomas A. Edison
23. “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat.” – Steve Jobs
24. “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” – Albert Einstein
25. “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” – Theodore Levitt

This collection of quotes focuses on the essence of innovation, encouraging leaders to think creatively, embrace change, and constantly seek improvement.

26. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
27. “If you’re not failing every now and again, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything very innovative.” – Woody Allen
28. “Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship… the act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.” – Peter Drucker
29. “Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.” – William Pollard
30. “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” – George Bernard Shaw

These quotes emphasize the importance of embracing failure, initiating change, and thinking differently to drive innovation and progress.

31. “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” – Melinda Gates
32. “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
33. “We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.” – Beyoncé
34. “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
35. “I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” – Malala Yousafzai

This set of quotes celebrates women’s voices and their potential to lead and make a difference. They emphasize the importance of women’s participation in decision-making processes.

36. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart
37. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
38. “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” – Margaret Thatcher
39. “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand
40. “Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.” – Anne Sweeney

These quotes emphasize action, impact, and self-definition. They encourage women to take charge of their own success and make their mark on the world.

41. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” – Sheryl Sandberg
42. “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” – Jim Rohn
43. “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” – Rosalynn Carter
44. “Leadership is hard to define and good leadership even harder. But if you can get people to follow you to the ends of the earth, you are a great leader.” – Indra Nooyi
45. “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” – Sara Blakely

This collection revisits some key leadership principles, emphasizing the balance of qualities needed in effective leadership and the importance of unique perspectives.

46. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs
47. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
48. “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” – Theodore Levitt
49. “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat.” – Steve Jobs
50. “If you’re not failing every now and again, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything very innovative.” – Woody Allen

These quotes focus on the relationship between leadership and innovation, emphasizing the importance of creativity, foresight, and embracing change and failure.

51. “Women in leadership roles can help restore balance and wholeness to our communities.” – Wilma Mankiller
52. “Women have always been the strong ones of the world.” – Coco Chanel
53. “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
54. “I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life’.” – Maya Angelou
55. “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel

This set of quotes celebrates the strength and resilience of women, encouraging them to think independently and make a meaningful impact.

56. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
57. “The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” – Ralph Nader
58. “Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader… they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role – always about the goal.” – Lisa Haisha
59. “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan
60. “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch

These quotes emphasize the servant aspect of leadership, focusing on empowering others and making a difference rather than holding a position of power.

61. “Innovation is seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.” – Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi
62. “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” – Albert Einstein
63. “There’s a way to do it better – find it.” – Thomas A. Edison
64. “Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way.” – Tom Freston
65. “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” – George Bernard Shaw

This collection of quotes focuses on the essence of innovation, encouraging leaders to think creatively, challenge the status quo, and constantly seek improvement.

66. “I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.” – Ginni Rometty
67. “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” – Dolly Parton
68. “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart
69. “I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.” – Marissa Mayer
70. “The difference between successful people and others is how long they spend time feeling sorry for themselves.” – Barbara Corcoran

These quotes emphasize the importance of pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and having the courage to act despite uncertainty.

71. “A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.” – Arnold H. Glasow
72. “As a leader, it’s a major responsibility on your shoulders to practice the behavior you want others to follow.” – Himanshu Bhatia
73. “The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first.” – Iyanla Vanzant
74. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” – Sheryl Sandberg
75. “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on.” – Sheryl Sandberg

This set of quotes highlights the importance of leading by example, empowering others, and seizing opportunities in leadership.

76. “Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.” – William Pollard
77. “Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship… the act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.” – Peter Drucker
78. “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” – Theodore Levitt
79. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
80. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs

These quotes emphasize the crucial role of innovation in leadership and entrepreneurship, encouraging leaders to be proactive in creating change and driving progress.

81. “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” – Melinda Gates
82. “We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.” – Beyoncé
83. “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
84. “I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” – Malala Yousafzai
85. “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama

This collection of quotes celebrates women’s voices and their potential to lead and make a difference. They emphasize the importance of women’s participation in decision-making processes and their unlimited potential.

86. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart
87. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
88. “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” – Margaret Thatcher
89. “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand
90. “Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.” – Anne Sweeney
91. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” – Sheryl Sandberg
92. “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” – Sara Blakely
93. “I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life’.” – Maya Angelou
94. “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel
95. “Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader… they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role – always about the goal.” – Lisa Haisha

These final quotes encapsulate various aspects of women’s leadership and innovation – from the importance of action and self-definition to the power of unique perspectives and the ultimate goal of making a difference.

Now that we have reached the final leg of this great tour of quotes, so rich in inspiration from highly resourceful women leaders, it seems fitting to pay due respect to the invaluable impact their contribution makes toward changing the course of innovation and progress. Certain themes rise to the top of this wisdom: embracing challenges and testing boundaries, unique vantage points, inclusion of women in decision-making processes, and innovative leadership with the power to change.

These quotes collectively bring out the fact that true leadership is not a question of holding a position of power but actually empowering others, effecting positive change, and leaving a mark. They remind us that often the best ways to innovate require questioning the status quo, viewing failure as an opportunity for learning, and finding possibilities within obstacles.

Contemplating these strong words, it truly beckons us to think about leadership and innovation through a much more inclusive framing of the question. The voices of these pioneering women served to remind us that there is more to diversity in leadership than simple questions of equity, as this very diversity serves as a catalyst toward creativity, progress, and success.

Whether you happen to be a current leader, a future leader, or simply anybody intent on making a difference in your own circle of life, may these quotes bring out the best of your unique perspective and let the era of boundary-pushing leadership done with purpose begin. Take heed that, just like so many of these quotes allude to, the future is not something for which we wait; it is something we create. Let us, therefore, internalize it and be those innovative leaders the world is waiting for-a future that has no limits.