Throughout history, courageous women in business have taken on the challenge to pursue their dreams and motivations, often in the face of adversity. These remarkable personalities have broken through glass ceilings and opened doors of opportunities for a new generation of business leaders. From entrepreneurs and executives to venture capitalists and activists, these exceptional women in business have left an indelible mark on our world and culture.
In this article, we’ll be uncovering some of the most renowned figures that shattered the proverbial glass ceiling and revolutionized the business industry. From Arianna Huffington to Indra Nooyi, get to know the stories of these inspiring women who’ve left a legacy for years to come.
Arianna Huffington – Activist, Writer, and Media Mogul
Arianna Huffington, an iconic personality from Greece, is best known as an author, media mogul, and businesswoman. She’s the founder of the groundbreaking news platform The Huffington Post and is noted for her influential presence in the world of business and media.
After a successful career in publishing, Arianna reinvented herself in 2005 with the launch of the website The Huffington Post. The platform led a massive shift in the online news industry, transforming it into a powerful multi-media empire.
Her continued success resulted in Arianna being named by Forbes as one of the most powerful women in the world. Later in 2016, she was inducted into the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.
In addition to her highly successful business career, Arianna is a prominent social and political activist. With her various books, articles, and media releases she’s become an internationally recognized personality for her efforts in promoting a better lifestyle.
In recognition of her contributions to the business industry, Arianna was honored with the 2017 Légion d’Honneur.
Indra Nooyi – Risk-Taker and Business Leader
Indra Nooyi is a well-known Indian-American business leader and investor best known as the former Chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo. She’s coined as one of the most influential women in business, as well as a trailblazer and risk-taker in the corporate world.
Nooyi gained recognition for being one of the highest-paid chief executives in the United States, having led a successful career as chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. Her tenure in 2016 saw the food and beverage giant post its highest annual revenues to date and broaden the company’s portfolio with the acquisition of Snyder’s-Lance.
In addition to her business success, Indra is a passionate advocate for gender and racial equality. Over the years, she’s emphasized the value of diversity and inclusion in the corporate world, setting an example with her own hiring practices at PepsiCo.
Moreover, Indra is renowned for her philanthropy, as well as her consistent presence on ‘Forbes’ list of the most powerful women in the world.
Oprah Winfrey – The Most Influential Media Proprietor
Oprah Winfrey is an American businesswoman and media proprietor, described by Time magazine as the “most influential woman in the world.” From her humble beginnings to becoming a self-made multi-millionaire, Winfrey has broken through many barriers and obstacles in the business industry.
Her revolutionary talk show The Oprah Winfrey Show gained immense popularity and her influence spread around the world.
In 2003, Oprah announced an initiative to create the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. It’s a boarding school in which underprivileged girls could learn and pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or social status.
Today, Oprah continues to be a public figure on television, radio, and the internet. She’s also the founder and CEO of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and Harpo Productions; the first African-American multi-billionaire, a key philanthropist, and an active investor.
Martha Stewart – Home-Decor Diva and Media Mogul
Martha Stewart is an iconic figure in American business, particularly in varied aspects of homemaking and home-decor industries. She’s coined the “Queen of Lifestyle” for her legacy in reinventing the traditional craft into a multimedia empire.
At present, Martha is renowned for her lifestyle brand encompassing books, magazines, TV shows, and product lines. She has earned numerous accolades for her business success, including a Life Achievement Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 2006.
Moreover, Martha has been actively involved in several philanthropic initiatives to promote education, health and welfare, and animal protection. Her various NGO activities have earned her various awards, including the Smithsonian Institution’s Presidential Medal.
Marie Krafft – Pioneering Female Entrepreneur
Marie Krafft was a prominent entrepreneur, leader, and philanthropist. She’s the co-founder and former CEO of the H&M Group, a global leader in fashion, clothing, and retail.
Under Marie’s tenure, the H&M Group became the world’s second-largest clothing company and its most valuable fashion brand. It also grew to exceed 120 countries with more than 4,700 stores around the world.
Marie was highly influential in the business world and left an indelible mark in the fashion industry. She’s remembered for her pioneering business acumen, remarkable vision, and for being an extraordinary role model for women entrepreneurs.
Sara Blakely – Queen of Shaping Underwear
Sara Blakely is most noted for her revolutionary invention of Spanx; a body-shaping lingerie company that has become an international success. Dubbed the “Queen of Shaping Underwear,” Sara has used her resources to reshape the lingerie industry.
Sara launched Spanx in 2000 with a seed capital of $5,000, which quickly grew to become a multi-million dollar endeavor. Her signature product – Spanx Power Panties – gained immediate popularity among women who sought to enhance their bodies shape with convenient yet effective undergarments.
In 2012, she became the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire in history. In 2014, Sara launched the Sara Blakely Foundation, an entity that supports the advancement of women across the world.
The stories of these illustrious women in business have become an inspiration for countless generations. Through their courage, hard work, and ambition, these formidable personalities have broken through the glass ceiling and continued to drive progress in the business world.
These remarkable females may have had distinct stories and approaches, however, their legacies are a powerful reminder of what determination and resilience can achieve. As Neil Armstrong said, “The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it.” The same applies to these remarkable women who’ve shaped business as we know it.
