Abigail Johnson Quotes

Powerful Abigail Johnson for Daily Growth

About Abigail Johnson

Abigail Adams Johnson, born on March 19, 1961, is an American business executive and philanthropist, best known as the current Chairman of Fidelity Investments, one of the world's largest financial services providers. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, to parents Ned Johnson III (former CEO of Fidelity) and Elizabeth Farnsworth Johnson, Abigail was raised with a strong sense of family values and business acumen. She attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, before graduating from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Johnson joined Fidelity Investments in 1988, starting her career as a marketing assistant. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, becoming President in 2014 and Chairman in 2016. Under her leadership, Fidelity has expanded its digital capabilities and diversified its investment offerings. In addition to her business achievements, Johnson is known for her philanthropy. She serves on the boards of numerous charitable organizations, including The Smithsonian Institution, Boston Children's Hospital, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Johnson's influence extends beyond Fidelity as she advocates for gender diversity in the workplace and financial literacy. In 2018, she co-chaired a panel at the World Economic Forum on "Closing the Gender Gap: Defining the New Normal." Notable works by Johnson include her contributions to "Investing for a Sustainable Future," which outlines Fidelity's approach to responsible investing. She has also authored several articles on women in leadership and financial literacy. Johnson continues to shape the financial industry and inspire future generations through her leadership and advocacy.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the job done, various tools can be used. But as in a game of golf, the final result is held by the man, not the club."

This quote suggests that while technology is an essential tool for achieving goals, its impact ultimately depends on the individual using it. Just like a golfer who uses different clubs to play the game, but still controls the outcome with their skill and strategy, we, as users of technology, should recognize our own role in determining its success or failure. The quote emphasizes that while we should harness technology for our benefit, we must not forget that it's ultimately our decision-making and actions that make a difference in the final result.


"The most important thing is to keep the big goals in mind, but also understand that they are likely years away. So focus on today and what you can do today to move toward those long-term goals."

This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a long-term vision while staying focused on immediate tasks. Abigail Johnson encourages us to keep our eyes on significant future objectives, but also reminds us that these targets are likely years away. Therefore, it's essential to concentrate on today's actions and responsibilities as they contribute to achieving those distant goals in the long run. This wisdom underscores the need for both strategic thinking and consistent effort over time.


"I think it's really important for women to take risks and not be afraid of failure."

This quote by Abigail Johnson encourages women (and everyone) to embrace opportunities and challenges without fearing failure. It implies that taking calculated risks is essential for personal growth, innovation, and success in life. Fear of failure can hinder our progress, so it's important to face it head-on, learn from mistakes, and continue moving forward. By not being afraid of failure, we empower ourselves to reach our full potential and make a meaningful impact in our lives and the world around us.


"I don't believe in timid leadership. I believe in courageous, bold leadership."

Abigail Johnson's quote emphasizes that effective leadership requires boldness and courage rather than timidity. It suggests that leaders should not be afraid to make decisive moves, take risks, and challenge the status quo. This type of leadership inspires confidence, encourages innovation, and fosters progress, as it demonstrates a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone and confront challenges head-on.


"Success is best when it is shared."

This quote by Abigail Johnson emphasizes that success holds greater value when it's not just for personal gain but when it's shared with others. It encourages a collaborative spirit, suggesting that the true essence of achievement lies in its ability to uplift and empower others. This perspective not only promotes teamwork and unity but also fosters a sense of gratitude and fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on others' lives.


Even a small reduction in errors and rework can have a significant impact.

- Abigail Johnson

Small, Significant, Even, Impact

No matter how senior you get in an organization, no matter how well you're perceived to be doing, your job is never done. Every day, you get up and the world is changing; your customers are expecting more from you. Your competitors are putting pressure on you by doing more and trying to beat you here and beat you there.

- Abigail Johnson

Doing, Here, Putting, Perceived

I demand pretty aggressive goal setting and a commitment to measured progress towards those goals because I don't like surprises. I don't even like good surprises.

- Abigail Johnson

Goal, Pretty, Measured, Aggressive

Across the board, women are unhappy with our industry.

- Abigail Johnson

Unhappy, Industry, Across, Women Are

I like analyzing and managing large-scale transaction processing platforms, record-keeping administration, and brokerage trading services.

- Abigail Johnson

Like, Trading, Brokerage, Platforms

Every day, you have to get up with new energy and new ideas to contribute to pushing the organization forward.

- Abigail Johnson

Every Day, New, Forward, New Ideas

Change is something that is expected and, therefore, not resisted.

- Abigail Johnson

Change, Expected, Therefore, Resisted

Don't assume that the answers are out there in the form of somebody else already doing something. Sometimes they are. But you have to think beyond that.

- Abigail Johnson

Doing, Think, Sometimes, Assume

I love this stuff - bitcoin, ethereum, blockchain technology - and what the future holds.

- Abigail Johnson

Love, Ethereum, I Love, Bitcoin

We need to come up with use cases for this technology that drive clear benefits for individuals and institutions - these are our customers. Too often we see bitcoin and blockchain technologies as solutions in search of a problem. We don't just need these systems to be technically better than the alternatives - we need them to be more user-friendly.

- Abigail Johnson

Benefits, Use, Individuals, Bitcoin

We set up a small bitcoin and ethereum mining operation... that miraculously now is actually making a lot of money.

- Abigail Johnson

Small, Making, Set, Bitcoin

When computer systems cause errors, you can end up with The Dreaded NIGO - the 'not in good order' transaction.

- Abigail Johnson

Good, Computer, Cause, Dreaded

We at Fidelity view ourselves just as much a financial information processing company as an investment management firm. That may not be too newsworthy.

- Abigail Johnson

Financial, Investment, May, Just As Much

I am in a traditional financial services business - but we at Fidelity can see that the evolution of technology is setting our industry up for disruption. What if this technology could do for the transfer of value what the Internet did for the transfer of information?

- Abigail Johnson

Financial, Fidelity, Our, What If

There's a time that may come in an organization where leading by influence is not enough. When things are not going the way they need to go, there's a time when one has to step up... to set the organization back on the right direction.

- Abigail Johnson

Going, May, Set, Right Direction

Blockchain technology isn't just a more efficient way to settle securities. It will fundamentally change market structures, and maybe even the architecture of the Internet itself.

- Abigail Johnson

Will, Maybe, Efficient, Structures

You have to think that the answer - and the right answer - for you and your organization might not be something that's been done before. And it's up to you to discover and work with your team to form and figure out how to do successfully.

- Abigail Johnson

Think, Discover, Been, Successfully

I'm a believer. I'm one of the few standing before you today from a large financial services company that has not given up on digital currencies.

- Abigail Johnson

Digital, Given, Large, Believer

I was raised to believe that New England is the best place on the planet.

- Abigail Johnson

New, England, Planet, I Was Raised

Lots of people will give you advice... and depending upon how well they know you, the advice might be valid or not so valid.

- Abigail Johnson

Advice, Give, Will, Valid

At the end of the day, you know yourself best.

- Abigail Johnson

End, Know Yourself, Know, Yourself

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.