“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” – Harvey S. Firestone

In today’s fast-paced, hybrid, and often uncertain world of work, leadership development has never been more critical. HR and L&D leaders are grappling with new challenges – retention, burnout, multi-generational teams, and a growing skills gap. One thing remains constant: great leadership makes all the difference.

Over the years, I’ve collected quotes that speak to the heart of leadership – quotes I’ve used to inspire clients, open keynote speeches, and spark conversation in workshops. These aren’t just catchy phrases. They’re powerful reminders of what leadership is really about.

So whether you’re an event organiser looking to energise your audience, or an HR professional designing your next development programme, I hope these quotes help you reflect, refocus, and reignite your passion for growing great leaders.

Leadership Development Quotes

1. “The single biggest way to impact an organisation is to focus on Leadership Development” – John C. Maxwell

2. “There is almost no limit to the potential of an organisation that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them.” – John C. Maxwell

3. “I’ll bet most of the companies that are in life-or-death battles got into that kind of trouble because they didn’t pay enough attention to developing their leaders.” – Wayne Calloway

4. “Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes.” – Peter F. Tucker

5. “The Best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln

6. “To add value to others, one must first value others.” – John C. Maxwell

7. “Contrary to the opinion of many people, leaders are not born. Leaders are made, and they are made by effort and hard work.” Vince Lombardi

8. “It’s not faith in technology, it’s faith in people” – Steve Jobs

9. “Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.” – Harold S. Geneen

10. “I want to make sure there is no discrepancy between what we say and what we do. If you preach accountability and then promote someone with bad results, it doesn’t work.” – Carlos Ghosn

11. “How do you know you have won? When energy is coming the other way and when your people are visibly growing individually and as a group.” – Sir John Harvey-Jones

12. “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” – Warren G. Bennis

13. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – John C. Maxwell

If you’re responsible for developing leaders – whether in HR, L&D, or at the top of an organisation – these quotes can serve as daily reminders of your purpose.

But quotes alone aren’t enough. Leaders need tools, support, and meaningful conversations that build capability over time. That’s where I come in.

🎤 Book Antoinette to Speak

Looking to inspire your people and spark action?

I speak at conferences, leadership events and career weeks to help HR, L&D, and business leaders unlock their greatest asset – their people. My talks are rooted in the COMPASS framework and blend practical tools with real-world stories and energy.

Book Antoinette to speak at your event