Sue Gardner Quotes

Powerful Sue Gardner for Daily Growth

About Sue Gardner

Sue Gardner, a renowned Canadian journalist, editor, and digital strategist, was born on July 15, 1968, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and a Master of Journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. Gardner's journalistic career began in earnest at the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) where she worked as a reporter and producer for various programs, including "The National" and "Quirks & Quarks". Her time at the CBC also included stints as a senior editor for the corporation's digital platforms. In 2006, Gardner left the CBC to become the executive director of Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organization that supports Wikipedia and its sister projects. During her tenure from 2007 to 2013, she oversaw the growth of Wikipedia's readership, expanded language editions, and increased fundraising efforts. Gardner's major works include "The Wikimedia Way: Collaborative Thinking, Collective Learning" (2009), co-authored with Katherine Maher, and her TED Talk "How Wikipedia can be edited to reflect more women". She is also a frequent speaker on topics related to digital culture, digital strategy, journalism, and gender issues. In 2015, Gardner returned to Canada to serve as the executive director of the Canadian Journalism Foundation. She has been recognized for her contributions with numerous awards, including being named one of "Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100" by the Women's Executive Network in 2009 and 2010. Sue Gardner's influence extends beyond her professional work. She is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and transparency in digital spaces, making her an inspiring figure in both journalism and technology industries.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Be bold in your ambition, kind in your judgement, and fierce in your defense of free knowledge."

This quote encourages individuals to strive for greatness (be bold in your ambition), exhibit empathy and fairness (kind in your judgment), and protect the principles of accessibility and openness (fierce in your defense of free knowledge). It suggests that these three qualities should ideally coexist when pursuing and advocating for knowledge, emphasizing both personal growth and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for learning.


"One of the wonderful things about Wikipedia is that it's always under construction, because life is always under construction."

Sue Gardner's quote underscores the idea that personal growth, knowledge acquisition, and understanding are ongoing processes, mirroring the continuous improvement of Wikipedia. It suggests that life, like an ever-expanding online encyclopedia, is never truly complete or static - we are all works in progress, constantly evolving and learning from our experiences. This view invites us to embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth, recognizing that our understanding of ourselves and the world around us can always be expanded and refined.


"Wikipedia is a place where we learn from each other, teach each other, and work together to build something truly remarkable: an encyclopedia for all humankind."

This quote emphasizes the collaborative spirit and global accessibility of Wikipedia as a platform for knowledge exchange and creation. It underscores the idea that through collective learning, teaching, and collaboration, Wikipedia serves to construct an invaluable resource – an encyclopedia available to all humanity, transcending geographical boundaries and promoting inclusive education.


"In the digital age, the free flow of accurate information is critical for our democracy."

In this quote, Sue Gardner emphasizes the importance of access to reliable information in the digital age for the proper functioning of a democratic society. Accurate information allows citizens to make informed decisions, participate effectively in public debates, and hold their leaders accountable. Without it, misinformation or manipulation can lead to poor decision-making, public distrust, and ultimately, undermine the democratic process.


"The future belongs to those who show up, contribute, and keep working at it."

This quote suggests that success and progress are determined by active participation, contributions, and persistent effort. In essence, being present, contributing positively, and consistently working towards a goal or ambition are the keys to shaping one's future. It emphasizes that those who consistently engage and persevere will ultimately reap the benefits of the future, as opposed to passively waiting for it to arrive.


If it were a choice between putting ads on Wikipedia or shutting down Wikipedia, we would then very reluctantly consider putting ads on Wikipedia.

- Sue Gardner

Very, Putting, Then, Reluctantly

It's a funny habit to write encyclopedia entries. It's not a mass taste.

- Sue Gardner

Habit, Taste, Mass, Encyclopedia

When Wikipedia first started, the only people interacting on the Internet were hard core geeks. Now everyone is there, and they're attracted to the easy, free ways to interact.

- Sue Gardner

Everyone, Interacting, Geeks

There are many organizations and individuals advocating for the public interest online - what's good for ordinary people - but other interests are more numerous and powerful than they are. I want that to change. And that's what I want to do next.

- Sue Gardner

Next, Other, Advocating, Public Interest

Everybody's saying, be skeptical of Wikipedia. That is true. They should also be skeptical of everything. We should all be critical consumers of the media.

- Sue Gardner

True, Critical, Everybody, Skeptical

I am very aware of the fact that it's highly unlikely anyone will write an article via their mobile phone. I've done it, but it's painful. And it's not just about the small keyboard and the small screen - though that's awful. It's the emotional experience of writing an article.

- Sue Gardner

Small, Fact, Very, Article

Wikipedia has experienced censorship at the hands of industry groups and governments, and we are - increasingly, I think - seeing important decisions made by unaccountable, non-transparent corporate players, a shift from the open web to mobile walled gardens, and a shift from the production-based Internet to one that's consumption-based.

- Sue Gardner

Hands, I Think, Increasingly, Unaccountable

Increasingly, I'm finding myself uncomfortable about how the Internet's developing, who's influencing its development, and who is not.

- Sue Gardner

Development, Increasingly, Uncomfortable

People say to me that I'm a role model in technology, but it makes me laugh, because I'm not a technologist, I'm a journalist - that's my background.

- Sue Gardner

Role Model, Role, Makes, Journalist

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