They're smart. They're successful. And they've got enough attitude to blow away the competition. These fabulous women have graced our pages in the past issues. In these excerpts, they share their success mantras... and ask you to lead life on your terms

"In 1994 we were put up on that stage (Femina Miss India Contest) after a lot of effort, but the difference was that, other than Ash (Aishwarya Rai), the rest of us were very insecure. We were going up against a person who was very big in the modeling world and obviously, it affected us negatively. Twenty-five women took their applications back when they found out Ash was entering. But that's where you have to take certain chances and not be cowed down by competition."
Sushmita Sen, Actress, Femina,
September 15, 2003

"Study hard and you'll get good marks. It's a basic childhood lesson that works through life. It's the people who work hard who reap the results."
Sheila Dikshit, Politican, Femina,
April 15, 2003

"Success is not a phenomenon that occurs suddenly but it is the sum of many small achievements.
"Getting where I am, was slow and meant lots of work. I never stopped working. So many artists just give up, particularly women, with lame excuses or just run out of steam.
"In a career spanning 47 years, there are so many 'best moments' that I can hardly count them."
Anjolie Ela Menon, Artist, Femina,
May 1, 2003

"I have never planned my professional life. All the twists and turns have been circumstantial.
I've tried not to act in front of the camera and just be myself. An average person that viewers can identify with. Not a TV personality. It's important to never take all this (fame and attention) seriously.
Barkha Dutt, Journalist,
Femina, September 1, 2002

"I have a rapport with most of the people I work with, irrespective of gender or social background, and I speak Marathi, which is a big plus. Sometimes, being a woman helps, because people have no expectations.
"You need to be confident about whatever you are discussing and project yourself well.
"Leadership is all about adding value to what people are doing and therefore, getting respect from others."
Sulajja Firodia Motwani,
Businesswoman, Femina, January 15, 2003

"When I opened my first store, I was thrilled. I decided then that whatever I created, I'd strive to meet the highest standards."
Ritu Beri, fashion designer, Femina,
April 1, 2002

"The difference between me and some other women is that I eschewed the comforts that a woman like me can have - I could have married a rich man - instead, I chose to work hard. And when you work hard, it pays."
Neena Gupta, Actress, Femina,
June 15, 2003

"It's bad business to bitch about a company you've left.
"I never find excuses not to perform. Melodrama is not my preferred tool.
"It's sacrilege to waste an opportunity when it knocks. I've never been afraid to take a chance - even a bad one."
Ravina Raj Kohli, Businesswoman, Femina,
July 15, 2002

"For years, I used to be frightened by the sound of my own voice. It is such a big voice! It isn't very 'feminine and delicate' and I was very conscious of it. My teachers' training gave me confidence and forced me to work on my flaws. But confidence is only half the trick. You also need that elusive extra something."
Shubha Mudgal, Singer, Femina,
September 1, 2003

Tips On Your Way Up
You can see it in the way she enters a room. Not diffidently but with a sense of purpose. There's a quiet confidence about her... not a loud one. Her movements are assured and comfortable. She doesn't swagger around and look at everyone to see if people have noticed her (that actually shows a sign of insecurity. It screams of an identity crisis). No, it's her assessment of herself that matters to her.

Now that's a successful woman.

• Believe in yourself. If you don't, no one else will.

• Be true to yourself because if you aren't true to yourself, how in the world will you be true to anyone else?

• Be yourself. Each person has fantastic and special qualities. But you have to recognise them. Don't downgrade those qualities.

• The mind is able to do what nothing else can.

• To become the best that you are capable of becoming: Live a lot, love a lot, laugh a lot and learn from it all... a lot!

• Gain strength in adversity and do the job better than anyone else.

• There's nothing that anyone can demand from you that's better than the best. So give it your best. If your best isn't good enough, never mind.

• Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

• Nobody's a success unless they've been through failure. You have to fail to appreciate the success. The mistakes you make and the lessons you learn make you a better person. Have faith in yourself and your maker.

Compiled by Sabira Merchant