10 Women's Wise Words for Motivation and Inspiration

To quote one of Rupi Kaur poems: “I stand on the sacrifices of a million women before me, thinking what can i do to make this mountain taller, so the women after me can see farther - legacy”

Like many of you, I often listen to podcasts or watch youtube videos of women I admire - who inspire action, creativity or to just get my a** in gear. I am always suspicious of people who are professional motivational guru types, or forever selling things, or overuse slogans (ie. ’girlboss’), or claim to be leaders without saying anything original, or people preaching one thing while causing damage in real time (see Sheryl Sandberg). I like people with guts, knowledge, originality, pov, curiosity, empathy and integrity - and above all, stay true to themselves. So here are just a few talks, clips and moments that offer inspiration and motivation from unique, authentic, trailblazing women leaders I admire. I need them, you need them, we all need them.

1. Gloria Steinem (Feminist journalist, social political activist) - As timely as ever, I return to videos of Gloria often for inspiration, and to keep pushing forward for the generation of women behind us.

2. Michelle Obama (Previous First Lady, attorney, author) interviewed by Oprah: There are so many incredible speeches of hers to watch, but I enjoy her relaxed interviews the most, and her words of wisdom on action and integrity.

3. Kara Swisher (Tech Journalist, Podcast host): Whenever I need a dose of straight talk and a no nonsense approach, I like to listen to Kara’s podcast takes on media and tech.

4. Bozoma Saint John (CMO hall of famer): I have always been a big fan of her drive, authenticity and being unafraid of making changes, from life to work (I was lucky to have the opportunity to interview her on stage at the WeWork global summit a few years back). Here she is speaking on the creative power of the intuition

5. Shonda Rhimes (Producer, screenwriter, author): An entertainment juggernaut, hear her speech on her year of saying yes to everything, which later became a book.

6. Tracee Ellis Ross (Actress, activist, entrepreneur): I admire her energy, style and unafraid authentic nature. Here she is speaking on living for herself (I can related to this a lot, we are similar ages and have made similar life choices)

7. Mel Robbins (Lawyer, author, motivational speaker): I am not always big on motivational speakers, but I am a fan of Mel’s messages and content (she is very active across social media streams), to just keep going and take action now

8. Elizabeth Gilbert (Writer, Author): I think her book “Big magic” and her speeches on creativity are tremendously helpful. The writer in me appreciates this.

9. Melinda Gates (philanthropist, computer scientist, general manager at Microsoft) Melinda Gates is inspiring for so many reasons, and there are multiple videos of her speeches and interviews that I would recommend. This is one of many, on her book and hope for women & girls

10. Mindy Kaling (actress, writer, author, producer, director): She often speaks on the topic of self-motivation, creating, and ‘Why not me?’ - just go for it, what’s the worst that could happen?