Here’s a list of notable and successful women in both politics and business, with brief comments on each:
Politics
1. Angela Merkel (Germany)
• Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021, Merkel is known for her pragmatic leadership, especially during the Eurozone crisis and the migrant crisis. Her influence earned her the nickname “The World’s Most Powerful Woman” by Forbes multiple times.
2. Kamala Harris (United States)
• As the first female Vice President and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, Harris broke significant barriers. Her background as a senator and Attorney General of California shaped her stance on issues like criminal justice reform.
3. Margaret Thatcher (United Kingdom)
• Known as the “Iron Lady,” Thatcher was the first female Prime Minister of the UK and served from 1979 to 1990. Her conservative policies reshaped the British economy and solidified her as a polarizing yet influential figure in global politics.
4. Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand)
• Prime Minister from 2017 to 2023, Ardern was celebrated for her compassionate response to crises, such as the Christchurch terrorist attack and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership style emphasized empathy and inclusivity.
5. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia)
• As the first elected female head of state in Africa, Sirleaf served as President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and was instrumental in rebuilding Liberia post-civil war.
Business
1. Mary Barra (General Motors)
• CEO of General Motors since 2014, Barra is the first female CEO of a major global automaker. She has focused on electric vehicle innovation and autonomous technology, aiming to transform GM into a sustainable mobility company.
2. Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo)
• CEO and Chairwoman of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2018, Nooyi is known for her “Performance with Purpose” strategy, which focused on sustainability and health-conscious product lines, contributing to PepsiCo’s growth and relevance.
3. Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook, now Meta)
• As former COO of Facebook, Sandberg was instrumental in the company’s revenue growth and developed its advertising platform. Her book, Lean In, sparked global conversations on women in the workplace and leadership.
4. Whitney Wolfe Herd (Bumble)
• Founder and CEO of Bumble, Wolfe Herd took the dating app public in 2021, becoming one of the youngest female CEOs to do so. Bumble’s unique approach empowered women in online dating, creating a safer, female-centered platform.
5. Oprah Winfrey (OWN Network, Harpo Productions)
• Media mogul Oprah Winfrey built a billion-dollar empire from her talk show. Known for her philanthropy and influence, she’s one of the most respected figures in media and is celebrated for breaking barriers as a Black woman in entertainment and business.
These women have excelled by combining resilience, innovation, and vision, impacting both policy and industry worldwide. Their legacies highlight a trend toward inclusive leadership across diverse fields.