Jessica Jackley Quotes

Powerful Jessica Jackley for Daily Growth

About Jessica Jackley

Jessica Jackley is an accomplished author, social entrepreneur, and internationally recognized leader in microfinance and impact investing. Born on February 13, 1978, in Santa Monica, California, she grew up with a strong sense of social responsibility instilled by her parents. After graduating from Stanford University with degrees in International Relations and Theology, Jackley embarked on a journey that would change countless lives around the world. In 2005, Jackley co-founded Kiva, a revolutionary microfinance platform that allows individuals to lend money directly to entrepreneurs in developing countries. This innovative approach has empowered millions of people by providing them with the capital they need to start or grow their businesses. For her work on Kiva, Jackley was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People and received numerous other awards. In addition to her work with Kiva, Jackley has authored several books, including "Clay Water Brick: Finding Inspiration from Entrepreneurs Who Overcame Unimaginable Odds to Create Opportunity," which tells the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who have overcome significant obstacles to build successful businesses in their communities. Today, Jackley continues to use her voice and influence to advocate for social change, focusing on issues such as financial inclusion, education, and women's empowerment. She serves on several boards and advisory committees, including the Obama Foundation's Scholars Program and the Aspen Institute's Business & Society Program. Jackley's story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the impact that one person can have when they dedicate their life to making a difference in the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The true measure of success is not how much money we make, but how many lives we change."

This quote by Jessica Jackley emphasizes that true success should not be defined solely by financial wealth, but rather by the positive impact one has on other people's lives. It suggests that a life well-lived is one where contributions to humanity are valued over material possessions or monetary gains. This perspective encourages us to strive for making a meaningful difference in society, which ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and valuable existence.


"We don't have to wait for a disaster to make a difference."

This quote emphasizes that individuals do not need to wait for catastrophic events or disasters to enact positive change in the world. Instead, it encourages proactive involvement in making a difference at any given moment. It suggests that every person has the potential to contribute positively to society and improve lives daily, rather than just reacting to crises when they occur.


"Giving isn't just about making a donation; it's about changing a life."

This quote emphasizes that giving is not just a simple act of transferring resources, but rather a profound action that has the power to transform lives. It suggests that when we give, we contribute significantly to improving someone else's situation or well-being, thereby creating meaningful change in their life. Giving goes beyond mere charity; it's about fostering impactful and lasting differences in the lives of others, making them better off in some way.


"When you see someone in need, remember: it's not their job to teach you compassion."

This quote emphasizes that when we encounter someone in a state of need or distress, it is not our responsibility for them to elicit empathy or compassion from us. Instead, it's an individual's own personal growth and development to cultivate these qualities. The focus should be on extending kindness, understanding, and support rather than waiting for the experience of another's hardship to teach us about compassion.


"We are all capable of doing great things if we have the courage to begin."

This quote emphasizes that every individual has inherent potential for extraordinary actions, but it takes courage to initiate or start something meaningful. It encourages people not to fear starting new projects, pursuing dreams, or taking risks because great achievements often begin with small, courageous steps.


As all entrepreneurs know, you live and die by your ability to prioritize. You must focus on the most important, mission-critical tasks each day and night, and then share, delegate, delay or skip the rest.

- Jessica Jackley

Focus, Die, Entrepreneurs, Delay

One of the smartest things Kickstarter has done, in my opinion, is give people a great shopping experience related to the arts, that funds the arts. In essence, they've gotten people to pay $200 for a t-shirt plus the feeling of participation in another artist's endeavor.

- Jessica Jackley

Participation, Gotten, Funds

From the start, ProFounder was created to make sure anyone could be empowered to pursue their dreams through entrepreneurship.

- Jessica Jackley

Through, Sure, Created, Entrepreneurship

There are so many different kinds of motivation for investing or giving or parting with your money in whatever other way, and plain old financial return is obviously attractive. But people are not always rational and are not just looking for that.

- Jessica Jackley

Financial, Motivation, Other, Just Looking

I want to see a world in which every entrepreneur has access to the resources he or she needs to succeed, and where through the power of supportive communities - that means you and me - every resource can be made available.

- Jessica Jackley

Through, Access, Supportive, Entrepreneur

It's a powerful thing to know that you are empowering someone to lift themselves out of poverty.

- Jessica Jackley

Powerful, Empowering, Out, Lift

The ventures that keep things light and fun, easy to understand, that have a compelling story, a sexy retail product, will have an easier time getting people to rally around them and contribute. A start-up doing something that's difficult to communicate or doesn't offer any kind of retail product will have a tougher go at it.

- Jessica Jackley

Doing, Communicate, Ventures

I think 'work' is anything I'm doing with intention and purpose. There is absolutely no negative connotation to the word 'work' for me - I feel lucky that I get to wake up every day and spend my days doing things I believe in.

- Jessica Jackley

Doing, Lucky, Connotation, Intention

I believe in entrepreneurs. I believe in their ability to make positive change in the world.

- Jessica Jackley

Change, World, Entrepreneurs, I Believe In

The stories we tell about each other matter very much. The stories we tell ourselves about our own lives matter. And most of all, I think the way that we participate in each other's stories is of deep importance.

- Jessica Jackley

Think, Other, Very, Participate

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