Sam Gyimah Quotes

The first quality that is needed is audacity.

I meet so many business women who shy away from the limelight or hesitate to put themselves forward for promotion, despite the fact they are brilliant at their jobs.

When I reached the top in business, I adjusted to my new position – I became bolder and crazier than before. And I listened even less to people who tried to slow me down.

When I see something, I go for it.

I don't say 'Tis impossible for an impudent man not to rise in the world, but a moderate merit with a large share of impudence is more probable to be advanced than the greatest qualifications without it.

I never thought being obnoxious would get me where I am today.

It's better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life.

I'd rather be a lightning rod than a seismograph.

Well, I think that - I think leadership's always been about two main things: imagination and courage.

I'm not afraid of putting myself out there to someone and then them passing on it. At least you could have gotten a 'yes.' So it's worthwhile to have the cojones to do it.

I remember my choir teacher in high school told me, 'When in doubt, sing loud.' I'm a terrible singer, but I always auditioned for the musicals, and would get cast in them because I really would just put it all out there. That was really good advice, and I think it works for everything, not just acting.

I'm very comfortable when I'm working; I don't hold back at all.

Take our own company as an example: We're living proof, we jump with our own parachutes.

The thing I hate most in acting is asking permission to do things. What you really want to do is say, 'This is my need; this is what's going to get me further; this is what's going to be alive. I don't ever say, 'Do you mind if...?' I just come in and do it.

Often, in the real world, it's not the smart that get ahead but the bold.

In our society, the ideal self is bold, gregarious, and comfortable in the spotlight. We like to think that we value individuality, but mostly we admire the type of individual who's comfortable 'putting himself out there.'

There are times when a leader must move out ahead of the flock, go off in a new direction, confident that he is leading his people the right way.

Women don't take enough risks. Men are just 'foot on the gas pedal.' We're not going to close the achievement gap until we close the ambition gap.

I've never been pushy. People have said I should have been, more, but I'm not sure. I've watched hugely ambitious people: the minute they've got a success, they know where it's going, they know how to deal with it, and it all happens for them. Great. But that's not the way I - well, I don't like to use the word 'operate'.

Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.

If you are going to survive in business, show business or any business, then you have to be bold.

Those who have accomplished great things in the world have been, as a rule, bold, aggressive, and self-confident. They dared to step out from the crowd and act in an original way. They were not afraid to be generals.

Action is just one of my skills.

Nobody who takes on anything big and tough can afford to be modest.

Passivity is fatal to us.