Beautiful business woman smiling.

Our careers tend to define who we are, but a title isn’t enough to settle for if you’ve set your sights on something bigger and more meaningful. To go from being good to great, here are some wise words from inspiring female figures for some much-needed women empowerment.

1. “Remember that opportunities are there but if you’re not prepared, magic won’t happen.”

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach never gave up on her dream of taking home the Miss U crown, even if that meant joining the pageant three times. Pia stresses the importance of hard work, making room for growth, and being ready to show what you’re capable of. “You need to be prepared all the time,” she shares.

2. “No matter what field you’re in, you have to know what you’re doing. Never stop learning.”

As the former editor-in-chief of Preview magazine and the current executive director of Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Pauline Juan knows that learning is crucial to success. “Immerse yourself in the field you want and learn everything there is to know about what you’re doing. Have the mindset that there is always something more to learn.”

3. “The dream has to be there—your vision of who you want to be. Be confident about yourself and keep going even if it gets hard.”

From being a teen actress to the successful businesswoman and artist she is today, Heart Evangelista always does her best in all her endeavors. And in the face of challenges, she powers through them. Her advice: “When it gets hard, just keep going and let that be part of your story.”

4. “Realize that there is a power within you, and you can be in charge of your self-development.”

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has made it her mission to empower everyone around her by showing them the power they have to change their lives and the world around them. She urges, “Be proactive about your [self-development],” as she believes it’s the sure way to improve one’s life and make a difference.

One way to embody women empowerment is by making the best choices for your future. If you want to make self-development a priority, you can enroll in online mentorship programs or classes at . Once you’ve equipped yourself with new or improved knowledge and skills, you’ll soon be on your way to brighter things.