10 Incredible Business Leaders. 10 Inspiring Quotes
Seek wisdom and actionable advice from some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.
1. Steve Jobs on the importance of Passion:
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
There’s a good chance you’re reading this on a device first imagined by the late Founder of Apple. And without pride and passion, it’s unlikely that Jobs could have ever left such an impressive thumbprint on our world!
2. Ursula Burns on What It Takes To Succeed:
“Dreams do come true, but not without the help of others, a good education, a strong work ethic, and the courage to lean in.”
Over the course of 30 years, Burns climbed the ranks of Xerox, going from intern to CEO. Your dreams won’t come easy, but don’t be afraid to chase them!
3. Jeff Bezos on Going After Goals:
“I knew that if I failed I wouldn’t regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.”
There’s an alternate reality where Jeff Bezos lived a boring, safe, regrettable life. Don’t let that be you!
4. Indra Nooyi on Setting the Bar:
“As a leader, I am tough on myself and I raise the standard for everybody; however, I am very caring because I want people to excel at what they are doing so that they can aspire to be me in the future.”
The former CEO of PepsiCo continues to be considered one of the most powerful business leaders in the world. Now we know how she’s been able to command such a compelling influence!
5. Phil Knight on Competing to Win:
“Play by the rules, but be ferocious.”
Leave it to this Nike co-founder to give us a quote that fits on a T-Shirt! Business is a game. Be fair, be competitive, and leave nothing on the court.
6. Henry Ford on Mindset:
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.”
You don’t have to be a woo-woo manifestation nut to see the point Ford is making here. If you don’t believe in yourself… who will?
7. Elon Musk on Mission:
“When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.”
Do we need electric cars to reverse the impact of climate change? Absolutely. Do we need a plan to get humanity to Mars? We hope not (but it’s always good to be prepared). Even the most “impossible” problems can be solved when we recognize the severity of inaction.
8. Mary Barra on Responsibility:
“Do every job you’re in like you’re going to do it for the rest of your life and demonstrate that ownership of it.”
Barra’s first job at GM was to inspect fender panels. Without taking pride and responsibility in this small task… would they have made her the company CEO 34 years later?
To those who have, more will be given.
9. Steve Cohen on Taking Risks:
“One of the questions I ask [potential employees] is: “Tell me some of the riskiest things you’ve ever done in your life?”
As one of the leading hedge-fund managers… Cohen lives in a world where multi-million dollar mistakes are “just another Tuesday.” Risk-taking IS a skill that’s necessary for success. Make peace with the idea of losing, or you may never win!
10. Madam C.J. Walker on Taking Action:
“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”
For this last quote, we went back over 100 years, to an entrepreneur who really should be a household name. Walker was the first child in her family born after the Emancipation Proclamation and went from destitute poverty to a haircare empire. She is on record as America’s first self-made millionaire. Emphasis on self-made.
There we have it — 10 inspiring quotes from 10 incredible business leaders. Which one resonated with you the most? Which one will you act on today?
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