The Most Powerful Statement I Heard This Year

Throughout your life, you would have read or heard hundreds of inspiring words from those around you. Some you have forgotten and others, you still carry at the back of your mind.

Then there are those rare statements that have enough brilliance to light your path ahead. Every one of us has one or more of these statements that we can whip out at a moment’s notice.

woman with drive asked a few of the women featured here for the most powerful statement they heard this year. This is what they said.

Torah Bright, Australian snowboarder and Olympic gold medallist

“Life either expands or shrinks in proportion to one’s courage – Anais Nin. I love that quote. And I really believe it because we can sit in our safety zone and just be there. Nothing is too hard when you do not branch outside. But if you are really willing to look outside and have courage then your life can really be expanded by new experiences or knowledge.”

Also read: Torah Bright: If It Is Not Fun, Then It Cannot Be Serious

Angelique Kerber, World tennis No. 1 and Olympic silver medallist

“One of the most powerful statements for me personally was when (former world No. 1) Steffi Graf said before the Olympic Games in Rio that she believed I was going to win a medal. I thought if she says so, there must be some truth to it.”

Also read: Angelique Kerber: Serving The Aces

Kate Middleton, CEO of Censeo Engineering & Founder of Career Oracle

“No one is coming to save you. I was told that the first time by an executive who I used to report to and who is now one of my mentors. Once I really understood what that meant as an executive and entrepreneur, it was such a freeing piece of advice. When you learn that accountability is a mindset and not just a reporting line, you are driven to do your absolute best and do it as often as you can.”

Also read: Kate Middleton: Finding Strength In Vulnerability

Emma Isaacs, Global CEO of Business Chicks

“I liked what Nigella Lawson said at a recent Business Chicks event. She said the best piece of advice she could give was “Do it now.” I loved that. It resonated with me because I think we put off a lot of stuff through fear or self-doubt or by just being disorganised.”

Also read: Emma Isaacs: Inside The Mind Of A Business Chick

Vanessa Jilly, Co-founder of Organic Nation

“Motherhood is 24/7 on the frontlines of humanity. Are you man enough to try it? Maria Shriver said that and it is completely true.”

Also read: Vanessa Jilly: How To Run An Organic Nation

Sam Squiers, Brisbane Channel 9 sports journalist & Founder of Sportette

“This one by (former tennis world No. 1) Serena Williams! She said the success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.”

Also read: Sam Squiers: Storyteller Of Women In Sports

Fleur Madden, CEO of The Red Republic

“You are defined by what you tolerate. That was said by one of our Public Relations Organisation International partners while we were talking about the way we run our businesses in relation to staff and clients. For me, it was a really powerful statement because sometimes you do get caught up in wanting to keep everyone happy. But at the end of the day you must remember it is a business and sometimes you must make tough calls and decisions.”

Also read: Fleur Madden: In The (Re)Public Eye

Rachel Griffiths, Australian actress and director

“Stronger, together is a good one. I think we have forgotten that in this moment in time. With all the factionalism and a loss of dialogue between people of different opinions, this statement really rings true.”

Also read: Rachel Griffiths: Exploring The Different Faces Of Motherhood

Subscribe to our newsletter and get all our top stories delivered straight to you! Click here to get on the list.

Share Article