The world is changing, you can either be part of this change or watch it from the sidelines, it’s here nonetheless. The 21st century has witnessed the rise of many strong women from diverse backgrounds. As we accept the beauty of this diversity let’s celebrate the words of some of the most iconic women we know.
Halima Aden
Aden is the first hijabi supermodel. She was a breath of fresh air paving the way for inclusiveness within the fashion world. She has since decided to quit modeling but continues to advocate for her successors exposing the dishonesties within the industry. Having been a young refugee, she has also long been an advocate for the rights of refugee children and continues on the path to serve her community and the world.
“How boring would this world be if everyone was the same?”
Aden encourages us to be ourselves, find power in our uniqueness.
Oprah Winfrey
A self-made billionaire, Winfrey’s childhood was far from a dream having been born to a teenage mother. She is not only a rags to riches story but an inspirational talk-show host with a desire to change the world with one act of kindness at a time. From her dynamic talk-show personality to her humanitarian efforts to educate impoverished girls in Africa, Winfrey has led the way for significant change in the world.
“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”
Struggles are part of our journeys and Winfrey admits that who she’s become as a result of the strength she’s shown despite hardships - revealing that struggles are there to teach us lessons that successes cannot.
Greta Thunberg
Thunberg became an environmental activist from the age of 15 but her age isn't the only thing phenomenal about her. Thunberg’s resilience for change started a global movement. She shows that age is truly just a number, what matters more is the passion and vision for what you do.
“We can’t save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change – and it has to start today.”
Thunberg’s emphasis on immediate change can teach us all a lesson on how short and valuable life really is.
Susan Wojcicki
Wojcicki is the CEO of Youtube, our safe haven of a free digital library for entertainment, education, and all concepts imaginable. Arguably one of the most influential people and women in tech, Wojcicki achieved her goal to have people watch 1 billion hours worth of videos a day, just 2 years after becoming the CEO.
“I have had a lot of setbacks that I have learned from.”
Wojcicki’s willingness to learn especially from her setbacks offers us a powerful perspective into a successful mindset - one that finds learning opportunities even in failures.
Deepika Padukone
Padukone is the highest-paid Indian actress whose openness about her struggles with depression has helped break stigmas associated with mental health in India. She’s since become a strong advocate with her foundation Live, Love, Laugh Foundation set to help those struggling with their mental health.
“I meditate. I breathe out what I can't control and focus on the positives.”
She teaches us that a healthy mind is not one in perfect harmony but one that is worth paying attention to.
Kamala Harris
Harris breaks a big political wheel by becoming the first female, first Asian-American, first black Vice President of the United States. She’s consistently shown appreciation for the women who paved the way for her.
“My mother would look at me and she’d say, 'Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last,'”
Harris has lived up to her mother’s words and with her work in politics continues to pave the path for millions who look up to her.
Melinda Gates
The co-chairperson of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates remains the most influential woman in philanthropy. Her progressive strategies focusing on the rights of women and girls are increasingly tackling the social as well as economic gender inequality gap of yesterday and today.
“You are indebted to life until you help some less fortunate person, just as you were helped.”
She supports the need for asking and accepting help, which is the most phenomenal aspect of her successful persona. As most people can only admire the self-made title, she finds strength in humility. There is always some help behind every success.
From all the inspiration we've gathered today one that remains pertinent in all the stories uncovered is accepting hardships as part of your journey. Accepting this can make us more open to asking and receiving help.
If you have the same passion and determination but struggling with your career contact us at contact@408consultancy.com
Seeking help is only the beginning of new heights of success.
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