Boss Lady Quotes to Help Straighten Your Crown
March 21, 2023 5:00 AM EST
These boss lady quotes will help you define your own worth.
You might have heard someone referred to as a “Boss Lady” or “Boss Babe” before.
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According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, women who are assertive and confident in the workplace are perceived as 35% more competent than their less assertive peers.
This study found that women who exhibit assertive behavior are more likely to be viewed as effective leaders, leading to greater success in their careers.
What does the term mean, though?
Well, in its most literal sense, it is a female boss or supervisor.
However, mostly when someone earns the title of “Boss Lady” or “Boss Babe.” it is because they exhibit a fearless ability to create their life.
That life might look different, whether you are a successful professional, an innovative entrepreneur, or the mom who runs an entire household while making it look effortless!
These “Boss Lady” quotes come from some women who command a presence like Queen Bae herself, or the former first lady.
I think they would agree that being called a boss lady is a compliment, but they might just prefer you call them a straight-up boss!
Keep reading these “Boss Lady” quotes for some excellent advice on leadership, empowering women, and even “how to” be a “Boss Lady!”
Don’t forget to also check out these alpha female quotes for all the strong women out here.
Check out our most popular quote article, a list of short inspirational quotes for daily inspiration.
Our inspirational quote category page has even more inspirational and educational quotes.
Badass boss lady quotes from successful women
Research by the University of Warwick found that women who engage in assertive negotiation tactics are 25% more likely to be successful in their negotiations than women who use more passive tactics.
The study highlights the importance of assertiveness in negotiating situations and how it can lead to greater success.
1. “Don’t call me lucky. Call me a badass.” — Shonda Rhimes
![“Don’t call me lucky. Call me a badass.” — Shonda Rhimes badass boss lady quotes](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Boss-Lady-Quotes-to-Help-Straighten-Your-Crown.png)
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2. “I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.” — Estée Lauder
![“I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.” — Estée Lauder boss lady quotes about success](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/powerful-boss-woman-quotes-about-leadership.png)
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3. “When they go low, we go high.” — Michelle Obama
![“When they go low, we go high.” — Michelle Obama short boss lady quotes about going high](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/powerful-boss-woman-quotes-and-sayings-about-leadership.png)
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4. “Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams.” — Lady Gaga
![“Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams.” — Lady Gaga boss lady quotes about following your dreams](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Boss-lady-quotes-that-will-inspire-you.png)
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5. “Power is not given to you. You have to take it.” — Beyoncé
![“Power is not given to you. You have to take it.” — Beyoncé boss lady quotes about power](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Boss-lady-quotes-and-sayings-that-will-inspire-you.png)
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6. “Well-behaved women rarely make history.” — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
![“Well-behaved women rarely make history.” — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich boss lady quotes about well behaved women](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Short-Boss-Lady-Quotes.png)
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7. “Women have always been the strong ones of the world.” — Coco Chanel
![“Women have always been the strong ones of the world.” — Coco Chanel strong boss lady quotes](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Short-Boss-Lady-Quotes-and-sayings.png)
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8. “If there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself.” — Beyoncé
![“If there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself.” — Beyoncé motivational boss lady quotes](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/boss-woman-quotes-about-leadership.png)
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9. “I keep waiting to meet a man who has more balls than I do.” — Salma Hayek
![“I keep waiting to meet a man who has more balls than I do.” — Salma Hayek boss lady quotes to inspire you](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/boss-woman-quotes-and-sayings-about-leadership.png)
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10. “Sometimes you gotta be a beauty and a beast.” — Nicki Minaj
![“Sometimes you gotta be a beauty and a beast.” — Nicki Minaj boss lady quotes about beauty and beast](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/powerful-boss-lady-quotes-from-successful-women.png)
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11. “Leadership is a series of behaviors rather than a role for heroes.” — Margaret Wheatley
![“Leadership is a series of behaviors rather than a role for heroes.” — Margaret Wheatley boss lady quotes about leadership](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/powerful-boss-lady-quotes-and-sayings-from-successful-women.png)
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12. “Some leaders are born women.” — Geraldine Ferraro
![“Some leaders are born women.” — Geraldine Ferraro boss lady quotes about women leaders](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/strong-boss-lady-quotes-from-successful-women.png)
If you enjoy this article, check out our collection of Boss Babe quotes to ignite your entrepreneurial fire.
Short Boss Lady Quotes
According to a study by the International Labour Organization, companies with more women in leadership positions tend to have more positive work cultures and better employee satisfaction.
The study highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and how it can lead to greater success and well-being for all employees.
13. “I’m not bossy, I’m the boss.” — Beyoncé
![“I’m not bossy, I’m the boss.” — Beyoncé boss lady quotes from beyonce](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/strong-boss-lady-quotes-and-sayings-from-successful-women.png)
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14. “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” — Milton Berle
![“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” — Milton Berle boss lady quotes about opportunities](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/motivational-Boss-Lady-Quotes.png)
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15. “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” — Steve Martin
![“Be so good they can’t ignore you.” — Steve Martin boss lady quotes about going for it](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/motivational-Boss-Lady-Quotes-and-sayings.png)
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16. “A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” ― Coco Chanel
![“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” ― Coco Chanel boss lady quotes to motivate you](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Badass-boss-lady-quotes-from-successful-women.png)
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17. “She overcame everything that was meant to destroy her.” ― Sylvester McNutt III
![“She overcame everything that was meant to destroy her.” ― Sylvester McNutt III boss lady quotes about overcoming obstacles](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Badass-boss-lady-quotes-and-sayings-from-successful-women.png)
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18. “I’m gracing you with my presence.” — Kourtney Kardashian
![“I’m gracing you with my presence.” — Kourtney Kardashian short inspirational boss lady quotes](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/powerful-Boss-Lady-Quotes.png)
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19. “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” – Woody Allen
![“Eighty percent of success is showing up.” – Woody Allen short boss lady quotes about success](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/powerful-Boss-Lady-Quotes-and-sayings.png)
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20. “It is within everyone’s grasp to be a CEO.” — Martha Stewart
![“It is within everyone’s grasp to be a CEO.” — Martha Stewart boss lady quotes that will make your day](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/strong-Boss-Lady-Quotes.png)
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21. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
![boss lady quotes about self belief](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/strong-Boss-Lady-Quotes-and-sayings.png)
22. “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.” — Muhammad Ali
![“I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.” — Muhammad Ali boss lady quotes to inspire greatness](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/strong-Boss-Lady-Quotes-to-Help-Straighten-Your-Crown.png)
More boss woman quotes about leadership
A survey by the Rockefeller Foundation found that 82% of Americans believe that women are just as capable as men of being effective business leaders.
This statistic indicates a growing recognition and appreciation for women in leadership roles.
23. “The only safe ship in a storm is leadership.” — Faye Wattleton
![“The only safe ship in a storm is leadership.” — Faye Wattleton boss lady quotes on leadership](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/strong-Boss-Lady-Quotes-and-sayings-to-Help-Straighten-Your-Crown.png)
24. “Leadership should be more participative than directive, more enabling than performing.” — Mary D. Poole
![“Leadership should be more participative than directive, more enabling than performing.” — Mary D. Poole boss lady quotes and sayings](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Boss-Lady-Quotes.png)
25. “Ninety percent of leadership is the ability to communicate something people want.” — Dianne Feinstein
![“Ninety percent of leadership is the ability to communicate something people want.” — Dianne Feinstein powerful boss lady quotes](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Boss-Lady-Quotes-and-sayings.png)
26. “You were born to create and contribute.” — Marie Forleo
![“You were born to create and contribute.” — Marie Forleo short powerful boss lady quotes](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/motivational-Boss-Lady-Quotes-to-Help-Straighten-Your-Crown.png)
27. “Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
![“Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt boss lady quotes to remind of your strength](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/motivational-Boss-Lady-Quotes-and-sayings-to-Help-Straighten-Your-Crown.png)
28. “My best successes came on the heels of failure.” — Barbara Corcoran
![“My best successes came on the heels of failure.” — Barbara Corcoran best boss lady quotes](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/powerful-Boss-Lady-Quotes-to-Help-Straighten-Your-Crown.png)
Boss lady quotes that will inspire you
A report by Harvard Business Review found that women in leadership roles score higher than men in key competencies such as taking initiative, displaying integrity and honesty, and driving results.
This statistic shows that women have valuable leadership skills that should be recognized and utilized.
29. “You don’t get what you don’t ask for.” — Sophia Amoruso
![“You don’t get what you don’t ask for.” — Sophia Amoruso best boss lady quotes and sayings](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/powerful-Boss-Lady-Quotes-and-sayings-to-Help-Straighten-Your-Crown.png)
30. “Rooting for other people’s failure does get in the way of your success.” — Amy Poehler
![“Rooting for other people’s failure does get in the way of your success.” — Amy Poehler boss lady quotes about success and failure](https://everydaypower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Boss-Lady-Quotes-and-sayings-to-Help-Straighten-Your-Crown.png)
31. “You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” — The Wizard of Oz
32. “True leaders understand that leadership is not about them, but about those they serve. It is not about exalting themselves but about lifting others up.” — Sheri L. Dew
33. “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” — Rosalynn Carter
34. “A noble leader answers not to the trumpet calls of self-promotion, but to the hushed whispers of necessity.” — Mollie Marti
35. “Often we don’t even realize who we’re meant to be because we’re so busy trying to live out someone else’s ideas. But other people and their opinions hold no power in defining our destiny.” — Oprah Winfrey
36. “Little girls with dreams become women with vision.” — Unknown
37. “I stay true to myself and my style, and I am always pushing myself to be aware of that and be original.” — Aaliyah
38. “A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everyone else.” — Unknown
Motivational girl boss quotes
According to a study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, companies with at least 30% female leaders can add up to 6 percentage points to their net profit margin.
This shows that having more women in leadership roles can positively impact a company’s bottom line.
39. “Don’t cut off your career branches too early. Don’t step away from your career based on what ‘might’ happen.” — Mary Barra
40. “As women, we must stand up for ourselves. We must stand up for each other. We must stand up for justice for all.” — Michelle Obama
41. “Don’t waste your energy trying to change opinions… Do your thing and don’t care if they like it.” — Tina Fey
42. “The amount of good luck coming your way depends on your willingness to act.” — Barbara Sher
43. “Take criticism seriously, but not personally.” — Hillary Clinton
44. “Women have been trained to speak softly and carry a lipstick. Those days are over.” — Bella Abzug
More Boss Lady quotes and sayings
45. “We need to understand that there is no formula for how women should lead their lives. That is why we must respect the choices that each woman makes for herself and her family. Every woman deserves the chance to realize her God-given potential.” — Hillary Clinton
46. “I talk a lot about taking risks, and then I follow that up very quickly by saying, ‘Take prudent risks.’” — Irene Rosenfeld
47. “I don’t follow trends or try to compete with anyone. Everything I do stems from following my passion and my love for design.” — Guo Pei
48. “Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.” — Margaret Thatcher
49. “Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” — J. K. Rowling
50. “Instead of looking for all of the reasons it won’t work—start counting all the reasons it will.” — Reese Evans
Classy boss lady quotes about leadership
51. “Leadership is hard to define and good leadership even harder. But if you can get people to follow you to the ends of the earth, you are a great leader.” — Indra Nooyi
52. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” — Sheryl Sandberg
53. “Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.” — Marian Anderson
54. “People think at the end of the day that a man is the only answer to fulfillment. Actually, a job is better for me.” — Princess Diana
55. “Women are leaders everywhere you look, from a CEO to a housewife that holds together a home. Our country was built by women who stand alone.” — Denise Clark
56. “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” — Dolly Parton
57. “I just love bossy women. I could be around them all day. To me, bossy is not a pejorative term at all. It means somebody’s passionate and engaged and ambitious and doesn’t mind leading.” — Amy Poehler
58. “I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.” — Madonna
59. “The leadership instinct you are born with is the backbone. You develop the funny bone and the wishbone that go with it.” — Elaine Agather
60. “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” — Mother Teresa
Boss Lady Quotes To Inspire Passion
61. “We need to get women to the point where they aren’t apologizing. It’s time to take ownership in our success.” – Tory Burch
62. “The only way to support a revolution is to make your own.” ― Sophia Amoruso
63. “Compete with yourself, not with others.” ― Sophia Amoruso
64. “She gets what she wants because she works for it.” ― Sophia Amoruso
65. “Keep your heels, head, and standards high.” ― Coco Chanel
66. “I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint.” ― Oprah Winfrey
67. “I just might be a black Bill Gates in the making, cause I slay.” — Beyoncé
68. “I was the brave little girl who dared to believe I could change the world. And I am.” ― Christina J. Daniels
69. “If you are always trying to be normal, you’ll never know how amazing you can be.” ― Maya Angelou
70. “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” ― Oprah Winfrey
Boss Lady Quotes That Will Make You Stay Focused
71. “If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.” — Michele Ruiz
72. “When you learn how much you’re worth, you’ll stop giving people discounts.” — Karen Salmansohn
73. “The thing women have yet to learn is that nobody gives you power. You just take it.” — Roseanne Barr
74. “Don’t ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility.” — Michelle Obama
75. “Smile and Slay. You have to slay it in life or life will slay you.” — Janna Cachola
76. “I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” — Maya Angelou
77. “Stay on your game and keep going for your dreams. The World needs that special gift that only you have.” — Marie Forleo
78. “Even if your dream seems unattainable, you can achieve it if you stay focused, driven, and diligent.” — Rebecca Minkoff
79. “There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.” — Brené Brown
80. “A woman with vision is unstoppable, a woman who is always increasing her skills multiplies. Along with passion, this woman is undeniable.” — Janna Cachola
Classy Boss Lady Quotes For Fempreneurs
81. “I wear a lot of pink cos’ seeing pink activates endorphins and energizes my creativity. It is a color of femininity and fierceness” ― Janna Cachola
82. “We weren’t born to create excuses, we were born to create excellence.” ― Janna Cachola
83. “I’m a boss! A diamond in the rough! A Queen of Queens and I do dare say this, a magical and mysterious mermicorn.” ― Helen Edwards
84. “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” — Babe Ruth
85. “You must understand: they fear you. There is nothing scarier in their minds than a girl who knows the power of her flames.” ― Nikita Gill
86. “There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer.” ― Rihanna
87. “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.” ― Sheryl Sandberg
88. “Be the kind of woman that makes other women want to up their game.” — BossBabe
89. “The reality is: sometimes you lose. And you’re never too good to lose. You’re never too big to lose. You’re never too smart to lose. It happens.” — Beyoncé
90. “And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.” ― Mark Anthony
Boss Lady Quotes To Help You Overcome Obstacles
91. “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” — C.Chanel
92. “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently.” — Marie Forleo
93. If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.” — Dhirubhai Ambani
94. “Women don’t need to find a voice. They have a voice. They need to feel empowered to use it, and people need to be encouraged to listen.” — Meghan Markle
95. “A wise girl knows her limits, a smart girl knows she has none.” — Marilyn Monroe
96. “Some women fear the fire, some women simply become it.” — R.H. Sin
97. “I want every little girl who’s been told she’s bossy to be told again she has leadership skills.” — Sheryl Sandberg
98. “A woman’s best protection is money of her own.” — Clare Boothe Luce
99. “Don’t give up, don’t take anything personally, and don’t take no for an answer.” — Sophia Amoruso
100. “I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” — Simone Biles
Boss Lady Quotes For Being Strong and Fearless
101. “And you, you scare people because you are whole all by yourself.” ― Lauren Alex Cooper
102. “Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” ― Maya Angelou
103. “I am a strong woman with or without this other person, with or without this job, and with or without these tight pants.” ― Queen Latifah
104. “I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected for all of my femaleness because I deserve to be.” ― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
105. “I like to play a strong woman, but a strong woman can also be very fragile and vulnerable at the same time.” ― Carice van Houten
106. “She was brave, and strong, and broken all at once.” ― Anna Funder
107. “One of the best things that ever happened to me is that I’m a woman. That is the way all females should feel.” ― Marilyn Monroe
108. “A strong woman is a woman determined to do something others are determined not to do.” ― Marge Piercy
109. “She was powerful not because she wasn’t scared, but because she went on so strongly, despite the fear.” ― Atticus
110. “A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” ― Melinda Gates
What did you learn from these boss lady quotes?
So what should you do, if you want to become a boss?
Start with some self-love and care.
Each of the women quoted here has healthy self-esteem; probably forged by kicking ass in heels!
Don’t let anyone else’s opinion of you hold you back.
You define your own worth!
Of course, it doesn’t come easy, and there will be struggles and failures along the way.
Dust yourself off, straighten that crown on your head and keep going! Find a tribe of women that will support your ‘crazy’ ideas, motivate you to keep going, and hand you a tissue when your mascara is running.
Do you have women in your life who are total “Boss Ladies?” (I think we all are Boss Ladies, by the way!)
It’s difficult to juggle all the things life throws at us women, and yet we stay strong.
Leave a shout-out to your favorite ‘Boss Lady’ in the comment section below.
Don’t forget to also mention any other favorite boss lady quotes and sayings.