Remembering Madeleine Albright: In Her Own Words
Teddra Thomas Burgess
Award-Winning Tech Executive | Public Sector Solutions Strategist | Managing Director, Federal Civilian @ Google Public Sector | Board Member & Advisor
I was at a loss for words last Thursday when I learned of Madeleine Albright’s passing. As the first female Secretary of State, she was a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on politics and what it means to be a leader. I was honored to meet and hear Madame Sec. Albright speak a few years ago at the 2016 HPE Government Summit. In her honor, I wanted to share a few sage quotes of wisdom she imparted during that speech. I stand in awe of her experiences and how her perspective from that day rings so true?today.
On our future and innovation:
“The future of the United States rests in innovation... Our success depends on leveraging technology.”
“There’s no denying that the world has changed, and today’s world is changing faster than ever.”
“IT leaders are driving the agenda… And reshaping how information is shared.”
“We need the private and public sector to work together.”
“I learned to listen after my role as secretary of state ended. We need each voice to be heard for democracy and peace.”
On leadership and the world:
“Those who build have more to offer than those who tear things down.”
“Hope is stronger than fear. Democracy depends on moral courage. I believe it should be a national aspiration.”
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“We need leaders that will look beyond what is popular at home, to what is needed across the world.”
“The ideas economy gives us room to prove that hope is stronger than fear.”
“Russia has an identity crisis, having gone from Ivan the Terrible to Putin the Worst.”
That last quote has managed to become even more relevant today. #IStandWithUkraine
And of course, her more humorous quips:
“I went to school sometime between the invention of the iPad and the discovery of fire… I’m still learning.”
“The reason why I look fatter is because I’ve grown thicker skin.”
“The world’s a mess… It’s a diplomatic term.”
While poignant, I find deepened meaning in her passing during Women’s History Month. She set a true benchmark for conviction, tenacity and grace I hope we can all live up to. Rest in Peace, Madame Secretary, and thank you for the inspiration. You will be dearly missed.?
#RIPMadameSecretary #WomensHistoryMonth #womeninleadership #womenpower
Global Partner Marketing at Dell Technologies
2 年Teddra, you live in exciting times!
Public Sector fanatic - bringing public and private sectors together to do more
2 年Madeleine Albright shows girls/women everywhere the impact they can leave on the world. #RIPmadamesecretary
Senior Director, Global Commercial Partner Ecosystem at Red Hat
2 年Wow! Thank you for sharing this. Love those quotes. She truly is an inspiration!
Thanks for sharing
Sr. Director, Customer Success, Public Sector at Tanium
2 年An amazing leader - we could use more like her in leadership around the world and at home.