Women are gradually making their leadership presence felt in entrepreneurship, film and media, education, science at and regional and global levels. Women are constantly evolving and reaching new milestones across a wide spectrum of industries and fields the world has witnessed the advent of women leading the way in so many fields. There was no doubt that women and men all share similar abilities, they always had. The question is not the abiility that changes, it was if the orld permitted these abilities to be expressed openly. We have captured some personal advice and insight from some of the world’s most famous women. You may notice the similarities they share. It wasn’t their abilities, but their outlook which defined their success! Whilst we watch the world change, maybe we need to check in on our outlook too!

Voted one of the UK’s most influential women, J.K. Rowling shares some tips, with BBC, on being successful

“Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all.”

After being rejected 12 times before being published, Rowling understands that failure must happen at some point. Failure means we are trying, it doesnt define us. We are not our past mistakes, we are what we seek to become. Failure and adversity shape us and help us define the path we take. Failure is a blessing when we learn from it. Cosmopolitan spoke with JK Rowling about how she faces opposition. Rowling responded, “You will never truly know yourself or the strength of your relationships until both have been tested by adversity.” According to an article in Forbes, researchers found five common growth themes present in those who’d experienced some form of adversity or failure in life.
Enhanced personal strength
Spiritual growth
A renewed life appreciation
More significant meaningful and stronger relationships
Being able to easily recognize paths in life

Failure makes us more complete, it deepens our insight and connects us to what has value.

Actor and singer Lopez chats with Daniel Roth, LinkedIn Editor, and Chief
“Mistakes are crucial for developing instincts.”

Making mistakes is not becoming a failure. A failure is when you get knocked down and don’t get back up. When you make mistakes at something, don’t stop. No one is perfect, and so we must keep trying until we break through the barrier which gets in our way.

Lopez believes that having a degree is a positive achievement. However, it’s not necessary to have a degree to be successful. Gain experience, be open to learning new things and listen.

Debbie Carreau, one of Canada’s top human resource specialists, talks about how making mistakes benefits us as leaders. She echoes what Jennifer Lopez says about developing instincts. Furthermore, mistakes help us to laser focus on our goals. Seeing what we’ve done incorrectly helps us understand how to reach our goals utilizing improved decision-making skills. We can be okay with making mistakes, knowing that we’re getting closer to the answers.

Cameron Diaz Speaks with the Indian Express about the authentic sources of happiness in her life

“If you are looking for fame to define you, then you will never be happy. And you will always be searching for happiness.”

Fame is something that Diaz acquired, but it does not define her. Find happiness within. Recognition cannot change how you feel about yourself. Your intention and authenticity play a more prominent role in how happy you are. Diaz challenges us with this question, “Why do you want to do anything you do?” The reason is the key to whether you are truly happy or not.
Your loved ones leave you lessons for life. Instead of chasing happiness with other people, with fame, and even looking for joy from the past, you find happiness in what you’ve learned and put to use in life. These lessons can be passed on to others.

-Shonda Rhimes talks with Oprah Winfrey about the importance of being uncomfortable.
“Leave your comfort zone” Leaving comfortable areas of your life can be difficult, but they can be life-changing. Step out and challenge anxieties like speaking in public, meeting new people, and voicing your opinions. Breaking out of what limits you is risky, but it can potentially take you to another level professionally. Shonda Rhimes is a self-proclaimed introvert who decided to leave her comfort zone and wrote a book titled Year of Yes, whereby she talks about learning to say “yes” instead of “no” when it comes to stepping out of that zone. All it takes to step out of your comfort zone is to take those steps one at a time. This lowers the chances of anxiety and helps you experience beyond your routine. Allow yourself to be uncomfortable and see how you start to grow and feel set free of the limitations which bound you.
Shonda Rhimes tells us “If I don’t poke my head out of my shell and show people who I am, all people will ever think I am in my shell.”

Portman speaks of her time at Harvard University and how it pushed her to be better. “Accept your lack of knowledge and use it as your asset.” Lack of knowledge is not a weakness. On the contrary, it’s only a push that makes you want more. Natalie Portman shares that her lack of knowledge made her take the most challenging classes at Harvard. Perceive hardship as opportunities. Here are a few tips:

Use what you don’t know as a drive to learn more

Motivate yourself with a thirst for learning.

Recognize assets of success, even when they seem like weaknesses

Work from the weakest areas of yourself. This can become the foundation of your strength.

Use your inexperience and insecurities to create your own path. These aspects of yourself are hidden qualities.

Insecurities make you work harder on building self-esteem and self-worth.

Inexperience helps you reach out and try new things. Avoid discouragement in these areas.

Words from the wise. Adversity, failure, introversion, the need for approval and lack of knowledge may all seem like weakness but these remarkable women teach us they are indeed an asset to our success.

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a34577/jk-rowling-inspiring-quotes-failure-imagination/
http://ladylikeyou.com/jennifer-lopez-linkedin-interview/
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/15/heres-exactly-what-to-doand-sayafter-youve-made-a-mistake-at-work.html
https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-positive/cameron-diaz-life-positive-motivational-fame-success-7250697/
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a38017604/oprah-finding-cozy/
https://www.conversationagent.com/2015/06/accept-your-lack-of-knowledge.html