15 Adena Friedman Quotes

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Adena Friedman Quotes, born in 1969 in Baltimore, Maryland, is an American businesswoman and the CEO of Nasdaq since January 2017, making her the first woman to lead a major U.S. stock exchange. Starting as a Nasdaq intern in 1993, she rose through roles like VP of Corporate Strategy, CFO, and COO, also serving as CFO of The Carlyle Group from 2011 to 2014. Named one of Forbes’ most powerful women, she’s driven Nasdaq’s transformation into a global technology and exchange leader.

These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews and public statements—reflect her insights on leadership, risk-taking, innovation, and resilience in the financial world.

15 Adena Friedman Quotes

  1. “You can’t be successful in business without taking risks. It’s really that simple.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
  2. “Empowering those around you to be heard and valued makes the difference between a leader who simply instructs and one who inspires.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
  3. “Starting a new job can be nerve-racking, but it’s also exciting. You’re embarking on a new future, positioning yourself to write a fresh story on a clean slate.” (Interview, economiafinanzas.com, 2021)
  4. “The best thing we can do with rejection is to make it a learning experience—rejection is a great teacher.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
  5. “Ideas are only as good as your ability to communicate them.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
  6. “I come to work every day thinking I have to earn my job, and I really believe that.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
  7. “A leader who listens is one who is malleable and willing to refine her views and actions as she learns new information.” (bestreads.io, n.d.)
  8. “New products, new markets, new investors, and new ways of doing things are the lifeblood of growth.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
  9. “It’s really, really important to own your life and own your career. You have to understand where you want to take your career and find ways to make it happen.” (millyuns.com, n.d.)
  10. “If it’s a cliché to say that intellectual curiosity keeps your mind sharp, your senses alert, and your capabilities cutting-edge, that’s because it’s true.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
  11. “Don’t assume that opportunity will come to you. Put yourself forward when there is an opportunity.” (millyuns.com, n.d.)
  12. “I do believe that complacency is the killer of every great company.” (Interview, CNBC, 2018)
  13. “Listen to clients, employees, and peers and stay open to their ideas, feedback, and answers. Doing so is vital to the success of any leader.” (bestreads.io, n.d.)
  14. “The companies that choose to list on Nasdaq are among the most innovative, risk-taking businesses in the world.” (bestreads.io, n.d.)
  15. “This is a seminal moment that should drive change.” (Interview, Nasdaq, 2020)

Adena Friedman’s quotes are a dynamic blend of bold leadership, calculated risk-taking, and forward-thinking innovation, inspiring you to take charge of your path and embrace challenges in business and beyond. Which quote motivates you to lead with purpose? Share it below and keep Adena’s trailblazing legacy thriving!