Regardless of our individual identities and personal situations, as women, we can identify with certain mutual experiences and emotions throughout our lives, very often having more in common with each other than we may think.
We are all receptive to external influences and therefore each and every one of us can seek to benefit from the great advice and wisdom of extraordinary women, if we open ourselves to it.
Thrivhers have put together a list of six incredible, influential women who we believe will inspire and motivate us and help us to grow stronger and more resilient in our lives.
Brené brown
A ground breaking academic, researcher and author of five New York Times bestsellers, Brené Brown has devoted her professional life to the study of courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. Looking deeply at the concept of human connection, Brené believes that vulnerability is the route to courage and in order to succeed, we need to embrace our vulnerability – her own success is testament to that.
Her most recent book, Dare to Lead, was recommended to us by Karin Rae Matthee; Founder and Designer of Dear Rae Jewellery and looks at what it really means to be a true leader – being accountable for recognising potential in both people and ideas and, crucially, not being afraid to develop that potential.
For all of us wanting to make an impact through mindful leadership and who are ready to choose courage over comfort, Brene is a true inspiration.
Jacinda Ardern
Current Prime Minister of New Zealand and, at 38, the youngest female world leader, Jacinda Ardern is a trailblazer for feminine leadership and a symbol of hope for the future. Representing the antithesis of biased, patriarchal leadership, Jacinda has received global acclaim for her progressive and inclusive approach. In particular, her proactive and sensitive reaction to the Christchurch Massacre last month was a shining example of the validity of feminine leadership, for which she has received worldwide praise.
For anyone looking to embrace their feminine leadership traits and aspiring to make a difference by leading with empathy and strength, we believe that Jacinda Ardern is the woman to watch.
Michelle OBama
Lawyer, writer and former First Lady, Michelle Obama is a compelling advocate for women’s issues around the world. Having faced difficulties and prejudice as a black female from humble beginnings, Michelle’s accomplishments and rise to prominence are evidence of her determination and brilliance and are an inspiration to us all.
Thrivhers highly recommends her memoir, Becoming Michelle Obama, to gain personal insight into the story of this incredible woman, her life and her achievements. We all have our own difficulties to overcome in our lives and Michelle’s strength and resilience, together with her tireless pursuit of gender equality provide the ultimate motivation to keep on keeping on!
Gretchen Rubin
Bestselling author, podcaster and speaker, Gretchen Rubin explores human nature through her writing, in pursuit of understanding happiness and how we can improve our lives. Her influential writing is well considered, drawing upon her knowledge of cutting edge science, classical philosophy, popular culture and personal experiences, to offer fantastic practical tips for improving our lives.
Gretchen’s blockbuster bestseller, The Happiness Project, documents her year long project to discover what leads to true contentment.
Thrivhers recommends Gretchen Rubin as a source of great inspiration for those of us searching for fulfilment and seeking to enrich our lives.
Ariana Huffington
Bestselling author, columnist, businesswoman and co-founder of The Huffington Post, Ariana Huffington has enjoyed a varied and distinguished career, earning herself a spot on both the Times 100 most influential people and Forbes Most Powerful Women lists. More recently she has launched Thrive Global, a wellbeing and productivity platform aiming to empower individuals and companies to reduce stress and burnout. Rather than being an unavoidable price to pay for success, Ariana believes that burnout is entirely avoidable if we prioritise our wellbeing.
Her book Thrive was recommended to us by Adriana Andelkovic and was inspired by Ariana’s personal wakeup call that came in the form of an accident caused by sleep deprivation and discusses the need to redefine success and improve our quality of life.
For those of us who burn the candle at both ends and constantly run on empty, Ariana’s philosophy is an eyeopener with the potential to revolutionise our health and happiness.
Abby Wamback
Soccer icon, speaker, activist and bestselling author, Abby Wambach is a true leader. Having retired as one of the most notable figures in the history of women’s soccer, Abby has become an ambassador for equality and inclusion, revolutionising leadership development for women. Her latest book Wolfpack draws upon her experiences of success and failure on the sports field to empower women, promote sisterhood and fight for gender equality. Abby is a powerful and insightful woman, who will inspire each of us to unleash our inner wolves!
Each one of these inspiring women are spectacular in their own way and by embracing their words of wisdom we can hope to gain strength and motivation to further our own personal development to enhance our lives.
By Gemma Coldwell - Contributing editor
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