Unstoppable women: Lesser known stories that prove belief is everything

PURPOSE

May 21

You’ve probably heard Henry Ford’s quote: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” But while history often highlights the usual suspects, there are countless women whose lesser known journeys show just how true this is. Their stories remind us that mindset isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the secret ingredient to real change.

From self-doubt to tech champion

Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, began her career as an attorney with Ivy League degrees but struggled with perfectionism and fear of failure. After an unsuccessful run for Congress in 2010, she could’ve let defeat define her. Instead, she reframed her loss as a lesson and embraced the idea that failure is a stepping stone. This mindset led her to create Girls Who Code, empowering tens of thousands of young women to break into tech. Reshma’s story proves that letting go of ‘I can’t’ is the first step to changing the world.

From playing small to speaking out

Luvvie Ajayi Jones spent years hiding her voice, convinced she didn’t belong in the spotlight. But her love for writing pushed her to challenge that belief. She published I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual in 2016, unsure if anyone would care. It became a New York Times bestseller. Luvvie’s TED talk and podcast now inspire millions. Her journey shows that believing in your own voice, no matter how quietly it starts, can lead to extraordinary things.

Redefining wealth in rural South Africa

Growing up in South Africa’s Valley of a Thousand Hills, Jabu was raised to believe wealth was measured by land and livestock - things her family didn’t have. Inspired by her grandmother’s resilience, Jabu chose to see abundance in opportunity and self-worth, not just material things. By shifting her mindset, she found ways to thrive and help others do the same, proving that what you believe truly shapes what you achieve.

Breaking free from limiting beliefs

As a child, Girisha Andrea thought wealth was something she could never attain. But questioning that belief changed everything. Through self-reflection and determination, she learned to trust her own path and define success on her own terms. Today, Girisha lives authentically and abundantly, showing that the only limits that matter are the ones we accept.

Real power of ‘I can’

These women didn’t start with all the answers. They started with a shift in belief. Their stories are proof that Ford’s quote is a roadmap. Next time you hit a wall, remember: your mindset might be the most powerful tool you have.

Sources

Reshma Saujani

Reshma Saujani Official Website - About

Reshma Saujani - Wikipedia

Reshma Saujani at Wooster College

NYU McSilver Institute - Reshma Saujani Bio

Columbia SIPA Distinguished Fellows - Reshma Saujani

Epic Books - Reshma Saujani: Girls Who Code Founder

Association for Women in Science - Reshma Saujani

Luvvie Ajayi Jones

USA for UNFPA - Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Luvvie Ajayi - Wikipedia