Paula Broadwell Quotes

Powerful Paula Broadwell for Daily Growth

About Paula Broadwell

Paula Broadwell, born on April 19, 1966, is an American military strategist, author, and former U.S. Army Reserve officer who gained notoriety due to her extramarital affair with General David Petraeus, the then-head of U.S. Central Command. Broadwell was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service with a Bachelor of Science degree in foreign service. She later earned a Master's degree in public administration at Harvard's Kennedy School. Her military career began when she joined the Army Reserve as a Military Intelligence officer. Her most significant work is "All In: The Road We've Traveled," co-authored with General Petraeus, detailing his leadership strategies during the Iraq War. The book was released in 2012 and became a New York Times bestseller. Prior to this, Broadwell authored "The Hornets' Nest," a documentary film about Petraeus's time commanding the 101st Airborne Division during the Iraq War. Broadwell's work is heavily influenced by her deep interest in military strategy and foreign affairs. Her career path reflects her commitment to serving her country and understanding global political dynamics. However, her personal life came under intense scrutiny after an FBI investigation revealed her affair with Petraeus, leading to his resignation as CIA director in 2012. After the scandal, Broadwell stepped away from public life. She has since been working on a new book about leadership and women's roles in the military. Despite the controversy, Paula Broadwell remains an influential figure in military circles and continues to contribute to the discourse on military strategy and leadership.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Leadership is not about titles, positions, or status. It is about service to others and making a positive impact on their lives."

This quote by Paula Broadwell emphasizes that true leadership is not defined by one's position or title, but rather by the service and impact one has on others. In simpler terms, it means that a leader is someone who prioritizes helping and making a positive difference in the lives of those around them. It encourages individuals to focus less on personal gain and more on collective growth and development.


"Change is never easy, but it's worth it when you are moving toward something better."

This quote by Paula Broadwell signifies the inherent difficulty in adapting to change, yet emphasizes its importance when such change leads us towards a superior or improved state. It encourages persistence and resilience during challenging transitions as they ultimately result in progress and growth.


"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear."

This quote emphasizes that courage is not about being without fear, but choosing to act despite fear, for a value or purpose considered more significant. It signifies that fear is a natural emotion, but it should not prevent one from pursuing what they believe in or facing challenges. Instead, one should make a conscious decision to prioritize their convictions over fear, demonstrating true courage.


"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

This quote suggests that passion and enthusiasm for one's work are essential elements in producing outstanding results. To excel, it's not merely about fulfilling a duty; rather, it's about finding joy and fulfillment in the tasks we undertake. When we genuinely love what we do, we invest our heart, mind, and soul into our work, which often leads to greatness and success.


"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

This quote by Paula Broadwell emphasizes that an effective leader is someone who encourages others to reach their full potential by inspiring them to dream bigger, learn more, strive for greater accomplishments, and ultimately grow as individuals. The essence of leadership lies in its power to motivate and instill a sense of ambition in others, transforming them into better versions of themselves.


A few months into my research, General Petraeus, who was then leading Central Command, invited me to go for a run with him and his team along the Potomac River during one of his visits to Washington. I figured I could interview him while we ran.

- Paula Broadwell

Run, Leading, Figured, Interview

I introduced myself to then-Lieutenant General Petraeus and told him about my research interests; he gave me his card and offered to put me in touch with other researchers and service members working on the same issues.

- Paula Broadwell

Him, Other, About, Card

I was driven when I was younger. Driven at West Point where it was much more competitive in that women were competing with men on many levels, and I was driven in the military and at Harvard, both competitive environments.

- Paula Broadwell

Competing, Many Levels, Levels

I think it is important for working moms to recognize that family is the most important.

- Paula Broadwell

Think, Important, Most, Moms

I grew up in a strong faith-based family. I think I have selected to return to those roots for strength, for my family, for myself and to protect our children and to forgive others and move on and face forward.

- Paula Broadwell

Strong, Think, Move, Return

Even when you've made mistakes in life, you can still contribute and pick up the stuff and move on.

- Paula Broadwell

Made, Move, Still, Move On

Yes, I wear a number of hats. But my most important title is mom and wife.

- Paula Broadwell

Important, Number, Most, Title

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.