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With new Toastmasters officers starting their terms in July, it’s a good time to reflect on meaningful words and insights about leadership. These quotations from leaders around the world and throughout history offer succinctly expressed inspiration on the topic.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about caring for those you are in charge of.”
— Simon Sinek, leadership expert, speaker, and author“Think about saying yes before you say no. What would it mean if I said yes? What doors would open?”
— Morag Mathieson, DTM, 2023–2024 Toastmasters International President“A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.”
— John Wooden, famed college basketball coach“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”
— Paulo Coelho, Brazilian author and lyricist“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
— Shirley Chisholm, first Black woman elected to the United States Congress“I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
— Ginni Rometty, former president and CEO of IBM“It’s a strange thing, leadership. We spend years trying to prove we’re ready for it, only to discover—once we have it—that the real task is learning to make space for others. I learned that in Toastmasters.”
— Philip Davis, DTM, prime minister of The Bahamas“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller, American activist for disability rights“Lead from the back—and let others believe they are in front.”
— Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
— Thomas Edison, inventor, founder of Edison General Electric“The well-balanced, intelligent speaker is the natural leader in any group of which he is a part.”
— Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, founder of Toastmasters International
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