10 Phenomenal Female Leaders and Their Lessons on Making It

You have the talent to pursue your dreams and ambitions. Don’t let your gender inhibit you from achieving them. Ask Hillary Clinton, a one-time US Secretary of the State and a candidate for the 2016 US presidential elections, who has proved her mettle every step of the way.

“Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world” - Hillary Clinton

For a lot of women, the pressures of family life and corporate responsibility seem a lot to handle, but not to worry say these pioneers.

“I urge all women to believe in themselves and that they are capable of running a successful professional life, as well as successful family life.” - Chanda Kocchar

A regular on ‘Most Powerful Women’ lists, Chanda Kochhar is the CEO & MD of ICICI Bank, India’s largest private bank, and heads its Corporate Centre. She balances her hectic work schedule with a fulfilling family life with her husband and 2 children.

“The moment you tell yourself that your family and career are equal, you will make time for both.” - Neelam Dhawan *’Back in the Reckoning’ Business Times, 31st August, 2014.

Heading India’s top PC vendor is no easy task, but Dhawan is a strong believer in grabbing opportunities; and lives her home life with equal panache.

The president and CEO of Yahoo!, Marissa has learnt the value of calculated risks.
Starting something of your own is definitely a calculated risk, but its rewards can be far more than financial. From a personal standpoint, increase in self worth and confidence, and developing judgment are just a few to name.

“If you push through that feeling of being scared, that feeling of taking risk, really amazing things can happen” – Marissa Mayer

“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everybody else.” - Sara Blakely

When Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, came upon the idea to make this incredible hosiery, she was working in Sales and had no background in the field. However, her perseverance, spirit and want to make the best possible product kept her going. Believe in what you want to achieve and then give it your best, no holds barred.

Take in the moment, savour the experience of having your own business. And, every once in a while, appreciate all that you have achieved and don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back!

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough” – Oprah Winfrey

You will be setting the standards at your salon, how you behave will mould your business’ work culture. A good leader influences employees to be the best version of themselves.

“As a leader, it’s a major responsibility on your shoulders to practice the behavior you want others to follow” – Himanshu Bhatia

"Leadership is about making others better, as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence."

- Sheryl Sandberg

"Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you are proud to live."
- Anne Sweeney

There’s no formula to success, neither is there a benchmark. Set your goals based on what you want to achieve, and then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

”A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt

And to end on a funny note, the strength of a woman is truly incomputable. Channel your inner goddess and nothing will come in your way!