Once upon a Victorian era, it seemed like all women were allowed to do was looking pretty and looking after the children. Nowadays, not only is the value of a homemaker being recognized, but women are also being seen in other varied roles. The concept of “division of labor” doesn’t stick to its traditional boundaries anymore, and both men and women do what interests them. They go after what they feel more comfortable doing, rather than what their gender dictates.
The entrepreneurial role that was in most patriarchal societies taken by men is now equally sought after by women. However, Women in The Workplace, especially since the boss, have their share of problems. Most of these problems stem from years of gender discrimination. Other men may harass them, criticized by other women, and also suffer from subtle forms of discrimination. They may be passed up for promotions or spend longer hours to get there despite their qualifications.This is so common that there is even a term for it: The Glass Ceiling Effect. This hasn’t stopped many women entrepreneurs from becoming successful and making their unique mark.
For instance, Indra Nooyi, chairperson, and CFO of PepsiCo is an inspiring Indian entrepreneur who was awarded the Padma Bhushan for her leadership. Another Padma Bhushan awardee, Naina Lal Kidwai, is the Group General Manager and Country Head of HSBC India. These women transcended barriers and did not let any norm or person stop them from being who they were meant to be.
In fact, studies show that female entrepreneurs have some traits that differ from their male counterparts. These features are very helpful in enhancing the productivity of an organization. Women entrepreneurs are more likely to be value-driven, are less afraid to ask for help and tend to look at their company as a living, breathing system to be nourished rather than as a cutting machine that has to keep running. They are also said to place the welfare of the organization above fame and their role in it. The most successful women entrepreneurs are those who embrace these virtues that come so quickly to them, rather than “aggress” and “demand” power. A positive attitude, honesty, long-term vision and persistence beyond all the obstacles that come their way goes a long way toward helping them climb the ladder.
Here are some quotes from fruitful and inspiring women who dazzled the world within their respective fields:
“If people doubt how far you’ll go…Go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.“
-Michele Ruiz
“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”
― Ayn Rand
“ I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations….I have built my factory on my ground.”
– Madame C.J. Walker
“ I’m tough, ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.”
– Madonna
Define success on your terms, achieve it by your rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.”
– Anne Sweeney (President of Walt Disney)
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
– Maya Angelou
“The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.”
– Roseanne Barr
“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, founder of Spanx
“Life-fulfilling work, is never about the money when you feel true passion for something, you instinctively find ways to nurture it.”
-Eileen Fisher, fashion designer
Some More Inspirational Entrepreneurship Quotes For Successful Female
- “It was a risk. I had my husband, and I was pregnant with my oldest son. But I don’t look at risk the way other people do. When you’re an entrepreneur, you have to go in feeling like you’re going to be successful.” — Lillian
Vernon - “We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes — understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.” -Arianna Huffington, editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post
The world around us is becoming more globalized and open, and with that, so are the opportunities. Only the sky is the limit. An increasing number of women now manage to do it all. The only thing for them, and for anyone to watch out for, is the responsibility to look after oneself even after making it big. It is important, once a person does get past the pitfalls, to make sure they now aren’t drained and made slave to their work. It is important to have an equally flourishing personal life, as that’s where social support and reassurance comes from when the work stress piles up. Good luck to all of the aspiring women entrepreneurs out there!
