Some of the most influential women around the world and how they got their start might surprise you. Did you know that while working at a restaurant, J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone on napkins?
If you’re curious about other successful women around the globe you’re in luck! This guide will take a look at various women business leaders and inspire you to do the same!
- MacKenzie Scott
You might recognize her as being the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos. She’s currently one of the wealthiest and most charitable women.
Mackenzie is an author and philanthropist. She signed the Giving Pledge where she promised to give half of what she earned over her lifetime.
- Suzanne Clark
Suzanne Clark is one of the greatest women business leaders. She’s the CEO and president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Millions of people around the country depend on her leadership.
- Liz Shuler
Liz Shuler is the president of AFL-CIO and one of the most famous women business leaders. She’s also the first female to lead the federation of unions. There are currently millions of members that are part of this federation.
- Terri McClements
One of the top women business leaders is Terri McClements. She’s the senior partner at PwC. Her working partner, Tamika Tremaglio, is the managing principal for Deloitte in the greater Washington area. They’ve worked together to help 2 of the largest consulting firms.
- Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Kiran is the founder of an Indian biopharma company called Biocon. This company got its start in a rented shed!
Today, it’s a billion-dollar company with global ties. Kiran is one of India’s wealthiest self-made women.
- Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington is a household name thanks to the Huffington Post. She started the company in the early 2000s before selling it to AOL.
Even after she sold it to AOL, she continued to guide them. Now she focuses on a wellness startup, Thrive Global. She’s considered one of the most influential people.
- Zhang Xin
The co-founder of SOHO China is Zhang Xin. SOHO China is a real estate development firm in China.
Zhang Xin began as a factory worker and then went on to study at Cambridge University. She has her master’s degree in economic development. Her past work includes working for Goldman Sachs.
- Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner is one of the world’s youngest female entrepreneurs and billionaires. She has beauty brands that include Kylie Skin and Kylie Cosmetics. Her beauty brand continues to grow and be successful.
- Angela Merkel
Former research scientist Angela Merkel became a German politician. While she’s not technically in business, she’s worth mentioning since she influences the world and global ties. She has worked with other countries and their politicians including the United States.
- Debbie Fields
Debbie Fields is the owner of Mrs. Fields Bakeries! Mrs. Fields is one of the largest cookie retailers in the United States.
Today, it’s not only in the United States, you can find it in various countries around the globe. Thanks to this, her net worth is in the millions.
- Indra Nooyi
Indra is an American business executive. She’s the CEO of PepsiCo.
She worked her way up from the CFO to the CEO of the company. Indra is one of the most successful women in the world!
- Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook. She’s also an activist, author, and American technology executive.
You can find her as a board member for Walt Disney World, the Center for Global Development and V-Day, and the Women for Women International.
- Wang Laichun
Wang Laichun is the chairwoman of Luxshare. Luxshare is an electronics manufacturer for Apple.
She’s one of the youngest billionaires in the world. In the early 2000s, she had started Luxshare with her brother.
- Folorunsho Alakija
Folorunsho is one of the most famous black women leaders thanks to her billionaire status. She’s the richest female entrepreneur in Nigeria!
Folorunsho began with a tailoring company, Supreme Stitches. Before that, she worked for the First National Bank of Chicago and Sijuade Enterprises.
After becoming successful with Supreme Stitches, she began to invest in the printing and oil industry.
- Sophia Amoruso
Sophia used to be a part of Nasty Gal until it filed for bankruptcy. Today, she’s behind Girlboss that’s dedicated to empowering women on their careers, beauty, and wellness. Although she doesn’t have as large of a net worth as some on this list, the fact that she made it back to the top after bankruptcy is quite impressive.
- Huda Kattan
Huda decided to create synthetic and faux mink eyelashes due to the shortage of high-quality options around the world. They sold out fast when Kim Kardashian started wearing and promoting them. Today, her company has a skincare line too.
- Vera Wang
Vera Wang became an entrepreneur later in life when she designed her wedding dress in her 40s. She worked at Vogue Magazine and had the right contracts to break into the industry.
Today, she designs kitchenware, homeware, jewelry, clothes, and more.
- Sara Blakely
Starting out with no capital, Sarah Blakely began Spanx. While many rejected the idea, Oprah Winfrey gave Spanx a chance and endorsed the brand.
Today, she sells undergarments, leggings, and more. She’s also the co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks.
Exploring Some of the Best Women Business Leaders
After exploring this guide of some of the best women business leaders around the globe, you should feel more inspired to take action. Take your time thinking about what business you could start to become a success!
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