Top 5 Influential Businesswomen Shaping the Corporate World in the Past Year
This article highlights the top five influential women in the business world from the past year. From pioneering CEOs to innovative leaders, these women have demonstrated resilience, strategic vision, and leadership. Their inspiring stories serve as motivation for aspiring female professionals globally, showcasing that determination and passion can break barriers and lead to extraordinary achievements in various industries.
Top 5 Influential Businesswomen Making an Impact Last Year
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2017 marked a significant year with a record number of women at the helm of Fortune 500 companies, capturing global attention. Despite ongoing challenges like reported sexism in Silicon Valley, top law firms, and various sectors, many women showcased resilience, leadership, and passion, inspiring younger generations to pursue their ambitions without fear. Their stories highlight that with determination and courage, any dream can become reality, paving the way for future female leaders.
1. Mary Barra, General Motors
Mary T. Barra hails from Royal Oak, Michigan, and serves as Chairman and CEO of General Motors. She holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from General Motors Institute and an MBA from Stanford. Starting her career at GM at age 18 as a co-op student, she held various roles before becoming CEO in 2014 — the first woman to lead a top global automaker. Growing up in a middle-class family, her rise to lead one of the world's largest auto companies inspires women worldwide to dream big.
2. Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo
Indra Nooyi, Chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo, is known for advocating gender equality in leadership. Born in Chennai, India, in 1955, she studied at Madras Christian College and earned her management degree from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. She began at Johnson & Johnson before joining PepsiCo in 1994 and becoming CEO in 2006. Recognized as one of the top-paid women in the US, Nooyi has received numerous honors like India’s Padma Bhushan, inspiring women globally to break glass ceilings.
Her leadership in one of the world's largest beverage companies exemplifies dedication and strategic vision, motivating many women to aim higher.
3. Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin
Born in Junction City, Kansas, Marillyn Hewson earned a degree in Business Administration and a postgraduate degree in Economics from the University of Alabama. As Chairwoman, President, and CEO of Lockheed Martin, she has driven record profits since taking charge in 2013. Under her guidance, the defense contractor’s stock surged, and she was ranked among the world’s most powerful women by Forbes in 2017, demonstrating exceptional leadership in a male-dominated industry.
4. Abigail Johnson, Fidelity Investments
Since 2014, Abigail Johnson has been at the helm of Fidelity Investments as President and CEO. Born into Boston’s prominent Brahmin family, she graduated from Harvard Business School and joined Fidelity as an analyst. Named Chair, CEO, and President in 2016, she boasts a net worth of over $1.5 billion. Recognized by Forbes as one of the most influential women globally in 2017, Johnson’s leadership continues to shape the financial services sector.
5. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, is an influential business leader. Born in Washington DC in 1969, she studied economics at Harvard and worked at the World Bank and US Treasury. Joining Facebook as COO in 2008, she played a crucial role in scaling the platform globally. She became the first female board member in 2012. Forbes consistently ranks her among the most powerful women, showcasing her impact on technology and business leadership.
Sandberg’s journey from economics graduate to tech titan exemplifies leadership and resilience, inspiring women across industries.
