Inspiring women in business are all around us, and we want to spotlight some of today’s most famous female entrepreneurs, female leaders, and businesswomen. These women all have remarkable stories, have built empires (some even unicorns), and have positively influenced the trajectory of household brand names. They all have powerful messages to share and sought-after attributes that anyone can cultivate.
Join us as we delve into the lives of some of the top women entrepreneurs, uncover their impactful messages, and draw inspiration from their incredible stories.
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Who Are the Most Inspiring Women in Business Today?
1. Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg remains an iconic figure in tech and leadership. Known for her role as Google’s former VP of Global Online Sales and later COO of Meta (Facebook), she continues to influence the conversation around women at work.
According to Forbes, Sheryl Sandberg’s net worth is now around $2.1 billion.
Her Message: Being one of the few female tech leaders, Sheryl is a huge advocate for women at work and the founder of Lean In, a company dedicated to helping women achieve their ambitions and companies build inclusive workplaces.
Sheryl asks us, specifically women, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
Recommended Reading: The Top Characteristics of Ambitious Women Uncovered
2. Whitney Wolfe Herd
Image credit: TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2018 – Day 2 by TechCrunch is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The founder of Bumble continues to be a defining force in tech for women. Whitney Wolfe Herd made history when she became the youngest woman CEO, at age 31, to take a company public. She also became the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire in 2021. Bumble’s mission centered on empowering women to make the first move has reshaped modern dating culture.
Her story reached Hollywood in 2025 with the release of Swiped, a film celebrating her bold entrepreneurial journey. She is an inspiring mompreneur and one of the most popular female entrepreneurs today.
According to Forbes, Whitney Wolfe Herd’s net worth is around $510 million.
Her Message: Her business idea stemmed from misogynistic culture. Look at what is broken in society. Figure out how to make it better and build around that.
Herd shares, “Look at what is broken in society, figure out how to make it better, and then, around that, formulate a business.
3. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez reached billionaire status. Most of her impressive fortune (roughly 81%) comes from her beauty brand, Rare Beauty. Rare Beauty is a vegan and cruelty-free brand designed to make you feel good by focusing on impact, kindness, and mental health.
According to CNN, Selena Gomez’s net worth is $1.3 Billion.
Her message: For Selena, her focus has always primarily been on the impact and product development of Rare Beauty. Money has never been at the top of her priority list for the company. Her vulnerability, openness, and influence make her among the most inspiring young female entrepreneurs.
Selena says, “Success is nothing if you don’t have the right people to share it with; you’re just gonna end up lonely.”
Recommended Reading: 9 Young Female Entrepreneurs Transforming the World Today
4. Julie Sweet
Image credit: Julie Sweet at the World Economic Forum by World Economic Forum is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
As CEO of Accenture, Julie Sweet is one of the most influential leaders in the world and Forbes‘s most powerful women. She champions equality, responsible tech, and sustainable innovation. She has helped the company through multiple digital transformations while focusing on sustainability and inclusivity. She continues to lead through the AI revolution, effectively combining technology and leadership.
Julie’s estimated net worth is around $72.6 million.
Her Message: Her focus on equality and doing good make her one of the most important and successful women in business. Diversity is a priority for Julie Sweet, and she actively supports women in the workplace.
She says, “A culture of equality helps everyone. It is not a zero-sum game.”
5. Sara Blakely
Image credit: Sara Blakely by TechCrunch is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Sara is the founder of Spanx, an undergarment company for women. From a fax machine salesperson to one of the most popular female entrepreneurs, her story is remarkable. Known and beloved for her authenticity, humor, and relentless positivity – Sara Blakely continues to inspire entrepreneurs everywhere. She is also a passionate philanthropist and known for her motivational messages.
According to Forbes, Sara Blakely is worth $1.3 billion.
Her message: Sara’s story is one of perseverance, wit, and positivity. She is an internal optimist and this filters into every aspect of her life, even when failing. She is gritty, innovative, and a problem solver. These qualities have made her one of the most successful women in business and sought-after motivational speaker.
She says, “There is a hidden blessing in the most traumatic things we go through in our lives. My brain always goes to, ‘Where is the hidden blessing? What is my gift?”
6. Katrina Lake
Katrina Lake founder, chair, and former CEO of Stitch Fix, an online personal-shopping service. Katrina Lake brought data and style together in a powerful new model. In 2017, she became the youngest female founder to lead an IPO.
According to Forbes, Katrina Lake is worth $760 million.
Her message: Katrina worked in the changing retail industry before starting her company, and identified an opportunity. Katrina is passionate about helping women achieve everyday confidence. She has a customer-centric mindset, which have helped her become a pioneer in personalized retail.
She says, “Ultimately, I didn’t quite find the company I wanted to join, but I met more than 100 entrepreneurs and realized that all these entrepreneurs were just as unqualified as I was. If I wanted to be this retailer of the future, or if I wanted to join the retailer of the future, I could just start it.”
7. Anne Wojcicki
Anne Wojcicki, founder of 23andMe, helped redefine how millions of people understand their ancestry and health. Her vision made personal genomics accessible and sparked an industry-wide shift toward consumer-driven healthcare.
In recent years, 23andMe has faced significant challenges, but Anne’s legacy remains rooted in bold innovation, transparency, and a willingness to push boundaries.
According to Forbes, Anne Wojcicki is worth more than $270 million.
Her message: Empower people with information and keep moving forward, even when the landscape shifts.
She says, “The goal has always been: How are we empowering individuals and how are we changing the trajectory of healthcare?”
8. Rihanna
Rihanna transformed beauty with Fenty and set a new global standard for inclusion. Her creativity, instinct, and bold business decisions have made her one of the most influential women in entertainment and beauty. She is one of the most powerful Black female entrepreneurs today.
According to Forbes, Rihanna has an estimated worth of $1.4 billion.
Her message: Rihanna diversified her skills to build an empire with Fenty and became the second richest female entertainer in the world. She embraces risk, moves with confidence, and never stops evolving.
She says, “I used to feel unsafe right in the moment of an accomplishment – I felt the ground fall from under my feet because this could be the end. And even now, while everyone is celebrating, I’m on to the next thing. I don’t want to get lost in this big cushion of success.”
9. Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington reshaped media with The Huffington Post and later launched Thrive Global, championing well-being and productivity. She is also the author of multiple best-selling books and one of the most inspiring women in business today.
According to Leaders, Arianna Huffington’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.
Her Message: After leaving her media empire and verging on burnout, Arianna now talks about how women can incorporate balance, happiness, and sleep into their lives. She helps women to thrive beyond conventional success.
Arianna famously said, “We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.”
Recommended Reading: Work-life Balance for Women: Find Focus and Fulfillment in 4 Easy Steps
10. Melanie Perkins
Image credit: 2019 – Centre Stage – Day 1 by Web Summit is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Co-founder of Canva, Melanie Perkins turned design into a universal skill and continues to lead one of the most impactful tech brands in the world. At just 19 years old, she conceptualized what would become a global design platform and unicorn startup. Today, she is regarded as one of the top female entrepreneurs and a powerful force in modern tech.
According to Forbes, Melanie Perkins is worth $4.4 billion.
Her Message: Melanie focused on building the most valuable company she could and then using that success to create positive impact. She is a passionate problem solver and a strong believer in setting clear goals and pursuing consistent growth.
On Canva, she speaks about her 10-year journey and says, “There’s always been forks in the road [where we could] do what every other company is doing, or just do what feels natural. Every time we do what feels natural, it always ends up being the thing that we build on.”
11. Emily Weiss
Founder of Glossier, Emily Weiss built a beauty brand powered by community, authenticity, and a fresh approach to modern beauty. She began as a beauty blogger and went on to create Glossier, a brand recognized for dewy skin, soft tones, and effortless makeup. Glossier became a rare beauty unicorn in 2019 and remains a beloved brand with a loyal global following.
Emily’s net worth is not publicly disclosed
Her Message: Emily believes in staying present, listening closely to the community you serve, and building products people genuinely love.
Emily says. “The single guiding principle that I try to follow, assuming blindly that the rest will fall into place, is to operate squarely in the present. I think it’s one of the most difficult things for anyone to do.”
12. Anne Boden
Image credit: Anne Boden by Banking Hub is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Founder of Starling Bank, Anne Boden reimagined what banking could look like for consumers and small businesses. After working in finance for more than 30 years, she made a bold decision to sell her house and build her own bank. Starling became one of the first fully digital banks in the UK and went on to win Best British Bank at the British Bank Awards for three consecutive years.
According to Yahoo!Finance, Anne Boden is now worth more than £203 million.
Her Message: Anne grew up in Wales with a steelworker father and a mother who worked in retail. She never fit the traditional mold of a banking executive, and that became her strength. She set out to disrupt the industry by giving power back to consumers. She believes that disruption succeeds when it solves real problems for real people.
Anne says, “The thing that all these businesses [Amazon, Facebook and Google] have in common is they are disruptors. The foundations of their businesses are not unique. They have identified a problem that a large number of people were experiencing with an existing business or service and then found a way to make it more accessible / fast / cheap / efficient. If they pitch it right, in a short space of time, the disruptors become successful enough to replace, or at least displace, the conventional product or service in the sector they’ve made their own.”
13. Lisa Price
Lisa Price started Carol’s Daughter in her kitchen and grew it into a household name in beauty. What began as a passion project in her mother’s kitchen expanded into a widely loved brand, featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and later acquired by L’Oréal USA. She remains a symbol of resilience, vision, and entrepreneurial courage.
Lisa’s net worth is around $4.42 million.
Her Message: As a Black female entrepreneur, Lisa understands the hurdles many Black women face, especially when it comes to access and wealth disparities. She is proud of her resilience, creativity, and strategic mindset, which carried her through every stage of her journey.
In an interview with the Cut, Carol said, “Don’t be like a horse with blinders and no peripheral vision.”
14. Zhang Xin
Image credit: Zhang Xin 2019 Interview Documentary by Zhangxin4sogou is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Co-founder of SOHO China, Zhang Xin is known for her bold architectural vision and for helping shape modern Beijing. Often described as the woman who built Beijing, she transformed the city’s skyline into a vibrant blend of striking shapes, bold colors, and captivating architecture. Her work helped create the visual identity of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
According to Forbes, Zhang Xin is worth $1.1 billion.
Her message: Zhang’s journey from factory worker to billionaire entrepreneur is a powerful example of perseverance and determination. Her love for design, building, and collaborating with world class architects played a central role in her success.
In an interview with CNBC, She says, “Today, of course, it’s unthinkable that anyone can start any business that way. But that’s how, back in the mid-90s, Chinese business started. By just telling people the vision and asking people to believe in the vision and start working on it.”
15. Susan Wojcicki
Image credit: Susan Wojcicki (cropped) by JD Lasica is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Susan Wojcicki’s legacy continues to shape digital media. She was the 16th employee at the early Google startup and rose through the ranks to become one of the most influential leaders and decision makers in the company’s history. Her vision and leadership helped shape some of the most important products in the modern internet era.
According to Forbes, Susan is worth $800 million.
Her message: Susan encouraged Google founders to acquire a small video sharing site called YouTube and introduced the idea that would become Adsense. She championed women in tech, advocated strongly for maternity leave, and inspired a generation of female leaders.
Anne says, “The reason I like my job is that I have this desire to create. I have this desire to create things and build things, and Google has enabled me to build and create things and to build products that are used by people all over the globe.”
Susan Wojcicki passed away in 2024, but her impact and message continue to inspire women in business and tech.
16. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is a global icon whose influence spans media, business, philanthropy, and culture. She became the first woman to produce her own talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which shaped modern television and inspired millions. She later expanded into film production, built an impressive real estate portfolio, and became one of the most respected motivational speakers and entrepreneurs in the world.
According to Forbes, Oprah Winfrey is worth $3 billion.
Her message: Oprah is known for taking bold risks with intention, authenticity, and heart. Her ability to speak the truth, connect deeply with people, and lead with purpose has made her one of the most admired and famous women in business today.
Oprah says, “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.”
More Young Female Entrepreneurs Changing the World Today
Lucy Guo
Lucy Guo co-founded Scale AI in 2016 alongside Alexandr Wang. She is recognized for her bold ideas, innovative mindset, and groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence and product design. She became the youngest female billionaire, earning global attention for her rapid rise and influential role in shaping the future of tech.
Daniella Pierson
Daniella Pierson is the founder of The Newsette and co founder of Wondermind. She built her media company at a young age and focuses on empowering women through storytelling, entrepreneurship, and mental health advocacy.
Mikaila Ulmer
Mikaila Ulmer is the founder of Me and the Bees Lemonade, a company she launched at only four years old. She is a powerful voice for youth entrepreneurship, social impact, and environmental awareness.
Recommended Reading: 11 Young Female Entrepreneurs Changing the World Today
What Makes These Women Inspiring?
Each of these inspiring female entrepreneurs has her own unique story, challenges, and defining strengths, yet they share a golden thread that connects them. Their journeys reveal what it takes to lead with purpose, courage, and impact.
Key Characteristics of Successful Female Entrepreneurs
Every woman on this list dared to think big and believed in the power of her ideas.
They trusted their intuition and embraced meaningful risks.
They demonstrated resilience, choosing to grow through challenges rather than retreat from them.
Most importantly, their success goes far beyond net worth. They empower others, share their stories, and invest in the next generation of women.
Recommended Reading: 9 Principles of Entrepreneurship: A Checklist for Women
What is Your Story?
Do you have a burning idea or are you building a brand? If you are, remember to be bold and take risks – these are essentials for successful women in business.
Celebrating our successes and uplifting each other is essential for inspiring the next generation of bold women. Do you want to honor a fearless woman who’s impacted your life? Custom Medals are the perfect symbol of strength, leadership, and resilience—a tribute to powerful women who inspire us daily.
What to read next? 15 Business Books For Women That You Need to Read
FAQs: Women in Business
Who Is The Wealthiest Businesswoman in the World?
Alice Walton is regarded as the world’s richest woman and the most successful businesswoman today, with a powerful influence in retail and the art world. She is the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton.
Recommended Reading: Who is The Most Successful Businesswoman? Here Are The Top 10 According to Net Worth
Who Are The Top Female Entrepreneurs Now?
Here are the top women entrepreneurs ranked by net worth. These self-made women have built billion-dollar businesses and reshaped entire industries. They include:
What to Read Next? 10 Top Female Entrepreneurs by Net Worth Right Now
Who Are The Most Famous Black Female Entrepreneurs?
Powerful black female entrepreneurs who have launched media empires, grown inclusive beauty brands, and some women even achieved billionaire status. Here are the top 5 black female entrepreneurs:
Recommended Reading: 10 Powerful Black Female Entrepreneurs and Their Net Worth
Who Is The Most Famous Businesswoman Today?
One of the most prominent and widely recognized businesswomen today is Oprah Winfrey, who became the first woman to produce her own talk show. She was also the first Black woman to achieve billionaire status, as reported by Forbes in 2003. Beyond these outstanding achievements, she is a leading female motivational speaker and a renowned philanthropist who has empowered women around the world.
Who is the most famous female entrepreneur?
Some of the most famous female entrepreneurs include Oprah Winfrey, a media pioneer who became the first woman to produce her own talk show; Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx and one of the youngest self-made female billionaires; and Selena Gomez, who created the global beauty brand Rare Beauty.
Do you want to lead better? Here are 45 female leadership quotes by some of the most influential woman today.
