25 Female Executives Share Inspirational Quotes From Their Moms For Mother’s Day

To be a powerful female, chances are you were inspired by another powerful female: Your mom. In honor of Mother's Day, we chatted with a bunch of kick-ass lady bosses and asked them about what their own mom had taught them that ended up being the key to their success. You'll learn a lot from these amazing women!

“Advice 1: I wanted to become a cheerleader when I was five and my mom said, "you don't cheer for others, they cheer for you!," and made me play competitive sports since then. That stuck with me, and is probably why I've always wanted to be part of the highly competitive entrepreneurial world. Advice 2: To never be financially dependent on a man. I was so determined to become successful professionally."

Liz is a cancer survivor and her mom passed away from cancer. Liz is also a very strong, Type-A personality, which matches the quote she gave. “I was a head strong child and my mom learned the best way to support and inspire me was to let me pursue my interests, even if it meant I would fall on my face. If I did fail at something, she was always there to pick me up and help me reflect on what didn't work. I am thankful for those experiences, as they are what inspired me to go after my entrepreneurial goals."

Tiffany's mother was the famous, best-selling Author Jackie Collins. Tiffany's mother Jackie used to tell her “Girls Can Do Anything" which how Tiffany started her career.

“'If you get up one hour earlier each day, that's the equivalent of adding one business day to your week.'- My mother was a single working mom, who played by her own rules. She began her career as a secretary in a used car office at a time when women were not in the car business. She worked her way up to become the #2 Rolls Royce salesperson in the world and I have learned so much from her!"

"My mother always said to me, "There are those who count and there are those who don't count. Make sure you stick with the people that bring out the best in you." In running a business, I have found it so important to spend my time with people who inspire me and motivate me to stay on the good side of history. I have my Mom to thank for instilling that in me.

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“My mom has always said that if you trust your employees as if they were family, they will have your back just like your family does. I have found that to be true – especially since my mom quit her teaching career to become the office manager for our growing company. There are few people I would trust more to help me with all the day to day details of running EvolveMKD than my multi-talented mom."

“You have one reputation and that is all." This is why I'm never quick to judge and respect everyone I encounter. My mom has taught me good reputation not only facilitates engagement, competitive advantage, resiliency to non-supporters, but it also creates opportunity for growth. And to me, self-growth is what ultimately fuels me to live a better and true life.

“My mother always encouraged me to be adventurous and to let culture color my life. When I was younger we would visit museums at every opportunity and my mother would say "just try to find one piece of art that touches you and it will stay with you forever."

"If you get out of line, you'll loose your turn and someone else will be closer to getting where they want to be. Love yourself and be proud of your accomplishment."

"Work is work. It doesn't matter if you are cleaning a bathroom or running a company as the CEO. Work dignifies the spirit."

"As a woman you have to work ten times as hard to get the same rewards in business as man. But if you work hard, take care of yourself and get enough rest, there's no stopping what you can achieve."

“'Life is not a dress rehearsal' - I can still hear my late mother saying this to me and my siblings, urging us to make the most of opportunity we had, to live every day with purpose and pride. She encouraged me to make every moment count, whether it was at work or play. This advice is a still a huge part of how I approach the ups and downs of life and embrace the challenges and successes of my business."

“Most new things are a little bit exciting and a little bit scary." My mother was an adventurer, an avid hiker and traveler who encouraged me to challenge myself to overcome my more timid nature, and to accept fear as part of new experiences, not a barrier to them. Her words remind me to focus on the opportunity for positive outcomes in new endeavors, rather than just the risk.

"My mom has always said to lead with confidence. If you're confident and determined in your actions and decisions nothing can stop you and you can rule the world. I've always kept that in mind in my personal and professional life and I think it's some of the best advice she's given me."

Jacqueline (my mom who immigrated to the United States with my dad and older sister when I was six months old): "You can do whatever you put your mind to in America. If you fail, no problem, try again. Do that over and over. You will succeed."

"I told you to follow your passion to be successful! I always felt you were gifted in art and had a special talent for fashion. That combined with your aptitude for numbers were a great combination for a career as an entrepreneur." – Ann Horbaczewski

Her mom always said “Go get 'em". Sometimes she added “and give 'em hell". It's short and sweet but straight to the point.

“As said by Aiki Flinthard, The Yu Dragon, Four things come not back: the spoken word, the sped arrow, the past life, and the neglected opportunity." I live and breathe this quote, it's been something I knew of by heart as a little girl. When my sister died at age 30 from Ovarian Cancer, "the past life" words became real. I started Snapper Rock with this quote in mind, I wanted to make a difference, help save lives, and work for myself.

"There are no limitations to accomplishing your dreams." Not only did my mom immediately get me the tools and education to nurture something I expressed interest in and/or showed talent for but she also showed me by example that it was possible to do anything you set out to do. She has been an animator at Disney for 25 years and demonstrated that it is possible to have a thriving career while having lots of fun.

“Slow down and listen to your intuition and instincts even when the world and

people around you say otherwise." My mom has given me a tremendous understanding of why quality, not quantity of everything in life is important and that attaining material wealth doesn't lead to happiness. She taught me the importance of having strength of character, relentless determination and a positive outlook; of working hard and having fun whilst doing it. She showed me that what counts is family, love, home-made fresh food and cooking from scratch.

Growing up her mother would say: “I have to work hard for everything I want in life." And "walk with my head held high and don't let anyone tell you... you can't because you can!"

"Colene, you can change THE world, or you can change A world. Both are just

as important." -Claudia Elridge

“There is absolutely nothing you cannot do if you put your mind to it!"

Quote from mom: “Be kind no matter what, because you never know what someone else might be going through. Everyone is fighting their own battle"

Because my mom taught me kindness, compassion, and love, I have always tried to look at others differently, with more acceptance and understanding. Love is so powerful, and if we all gave each other a little more benefit-of-the-doubt and service, and a little less judgment, the world would be so much better!

“You are filled with strength, leadership, and willpower.. and you have the choice to use these qualities for good or evil." I've always had an extremely strong personality with low conformity and strong will. My mom said this to me constantly as her way to remind me early and often that these characteristics can be used in a variety of ways and it was only my choice to make. These words have stuck with me my entire life, guiding my development as an adult and being there as a gut check when the right decision wasn't the easiest one to make.