Success can be defined in many ways, from achieving career milestones and influencing global industries to pioneering social change and breaking barriers. In 2024, several women stand out for their exceptional accomplishments across various fields. Here’s a look at ten of the most successful women globally, each a trailblazer in her own right.
**1. Ursula Burns
Position: Former CEO of Xerox and current Chairwoman of VEON
Achievements: Ursula Burns made history as the first Black woman to head a Fortune 500 company when she became CEO of Xerox in 2009. She transformed the company with strategic mergers and acquisitions, including the spinoff of the company’s business services. Burns continues to make significant contributions in technology and telecommunications as the Chairwoman of VEON, a global telecommunications provider.
Impact: Burns has been a powerful advocate for diversity in the workplace and continues to influence both the business and technology sectors with her leadership and vision.
**2. Oprah Winfrey
Position: Media Executive, Talk Show Host, and Philanthropist
Achievements: Oprah Winfrey, often referred to as the “Queen of Media,” built a media empire through “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and has been a transformative figure in entertainment and philanthropy. Her influence extends beyond television into business ventures like OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) and a successful magazine, O.
Impact: Winfrey’s philanthropic efforts, including the Oprah Winfrey Foundation and the Oprah Winfrey Operating Foundation, have contributed to educational and humanitarian causes worldwide.
**3. Mary Barra
Position: Chairman and CEO of General Motors (GM)
Achievements: Mary Barra became the first female CEO of a major global automaker when she took the helm at GM in 2014. Under her leadership, GM has accelerated its transition to electric vehicles and invested heavily in autonomous driving technology. Barra’s leadership is credited with steering GM through a period of significant transformation and innovation.
Impact: Barra’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is shaping the future of the automotive industry and setting new standards for corporate leadership.
**4. Ginni Rometty
Position: Former Chairman, President, and CEO of IBM
Achievements: Ginni Rometty led IBM from 2012 to 2020, navigating the company through a period of profound technological change. Her tenure saw IBM’s shift towards cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Rometty is recognized for her strategic vision and ability to steer IBM through a transformative era.
Impact: Rometty’s focus on innovation and digital transformation has had a lasting impact on the tech industry and corporate strategy.
**5. Indra Nooyi
Position: Former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo
Achievements: Indra Nooyi served as the CEO of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2018, where she implemented strategies that expanded the company’s product line to include healthier options and drove global growth. She is praised for her transformative leadership and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Impact: Nooyi’s leadership and strategic decisions have had a profound effect on the global food and beverage industry, making PepsiCo a more diversified and forward-thinking company.
**6. Jacinda Ardern
Position: Prime Minister of New Zealand
Achievements: Jacinda Ardern has been lauded for her empathetic and decisive leadership as the Prime Minister of New Zealand. Her tenure has been marked by progressive policies on social issues, including mental health, climate change, and gender equality. Ardern’s handling of crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Christchurch mosque attacks, has earned her international recognition.
Impact: Ardern’s leadership style and policy initiatives have set new standards for political leadership and social progress on the global stage.
**7. Angela Merkel
Position: Former Chancellor of Germany
Achievements: Angela Merkel served as Germany’s Chancellor from 2005 to 2021, making her one of the longest-serving leaders in modern German history. Her tenure is noted for her pragmatic approach to economic and political challenges, including the Eurozone crisis, migration, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact: Merkel’s leadership has shaped European politics and international relations, establishing her as a key figure in global diplomacy and governance.
**8. Sheryl Sandberg
Position: Former Chief Operating Officer of Facebook
Achievements: Sheryl Sandberg served as COO of Facebook (now Meta) from 2008 to 2022, where she played a crucial role in scaling the company’s operations and revenue. Sandberg is also the author of the influential book “Lean In,” which has sparked discussions about women’s leadership and empowerment in the workplace.
Impact: Sandberg’s contributions to tech and her advocacy for women’s rights have made a significant impact on both the corporate world and social discourse.
**9. Rihanna
Position: Musician, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
Achievements: Rihanna has achieved tremendous success as a global music icon and entrepreneur. She founded Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics line that has been praised for its inclusivity and innovation. Rihanna’s philanthropic work through the Clara Lionel Foundation supports global education, emergency response programs, and healthcare.
Impact: Rihanna’s success in both entertainment and business, coupled with her philanthropic efforts, has established her as a powerful force in both the arts and social justice.
**10. Anne Wojcicki
Position: Co-Founder and CEO of 23andMe
Achievements: Anne Wojcicki co-founded 23andMe, a pioneering personal genomics company, in 2006. The company has made genetic testing accessible to consumers, providing insights into ancestry and health. Wojcicki’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding the company’s reach and influence in the field of personal genetics.
Impact: Wojcicki’s work has revolutionized the field of genetic testing and personalized medicine, contributing to advancements in healthcare and consumer science.
Conclusion
These ten women exemplify success through their leadership, innovation, and impact across various sectors. From politics and technology to media and philanthropy, their achievements demonstrate the diverse ways women are shaping the world. Their stories not only inspire but also highlight the importance of vision, resilience, and dedication in achieving extraordinary success.
