As a woman, finding inspiration from the top influential businesswomen is essential. They should inspire and motivate us. These women have achieved greatness by combining passion and hard work. If you want to start a new business or improve your current one, you should follow the example of these outstanding women. They should be examples of what women can achieve. Let’s explore some of them.
Nicole Junkermann mary barra
Both Nicole Junkermann Mary Barra are razor-sharp leaders and entrepreneurs. They are both highly accomplished business executives and entrepreneurs who have made a mark in business. Listed below are a few notable businesswomen from recent history. Learn more about these two dynamic leaders and their impact on their respective companies. This list may surprise you.
The three women have a common background in their business pursuits. Their father was an entrepreneur who often took them to business meetings. Nicole was so fascinated by the world of business that she began serving as his translator when she was only 12. She credits this early exposure with her business success. Both women have successfully transitioned from an academic setting to the business world.
DAME ANITA RODDICK
Do you know who DAME ANITA RODDICK is? She’s the founder of Body Shop and one of Britain’s most successful businesswomen. A pioneer in the fashion business, Roddick’s opened their first store outside the United Kingdom in Brussels in 1978. In 1990, the company floated on the London Stock Exchange. Roddick and her family owned 30 percent of the company, making her the fourth richest woman in Britain.
Throughout her life, Ms. Roddick was dedicated to many causes and has shaped business history by championing social change and equality. Her anti-establishment stance prompted her to join the front lines of protesters at the WTO talks in 1999. Today, her ideas are taught in many universities and business schools. Listed companies must demonstrate social and environmental responsibility.
LILLIAN VERNON
Lillian Vernon is credited as being the “first lady of mail order catalogs.” She was born in Leipzig, Germany, to a wealthy family of entrepreneurs. Her father, Hermann Menasche, was a lingerie manufacturer and a great problem-solver, and they emigrated to the United States to start their own business. As an adult, Vernon pioneered the field, making many inventions and innovations.
While she did not call herself a feminist, Vernon’s work ethic led to innovations in the business world. One example of her efforts was hiring hourly workers and aiming to make them supervisors. Another innovation was establishing family-friendly working hours for female employees. Even as a self-described workaholic, Vernon had a list of famous customers, including Frank Sinatra and Arnold Schwarzenegger. In addition, Princess Caroline of Monaco bought her daughter a Wild West costume.
RUTH HANDLER
A California stenographer, Ruth Handler made her mark in the toy industry by paying $500,000 to become the exclusive sponsor of the Mickey Mouse Club. She was one of the first businesswomen to market toys directly to children, and her invention, the Mickey Mouse doll, was an instant success. The doll became a cultural icon and a multi-billion dollar business.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Handler immigrated to the United States with her family after the first World War. She was the youngest of 10 children. Her parents were Polish immigrants, and her father was a blacksmith. At a young age, she was sent to live with her older sister, Sarah. She stayed with her sister until she was nineteen. Handler learned about business while working at her sister’s soda fountain. She preferred working to playing. After college, she married her high school sweetheart, Elliot Handler, and they lived in California. Despite poverty and antisemitism, Handler had big dreams for her life.
ESTÉE LAUDER
According to the International Herald Tribune, Estee Lauder is one of the most influential businesswomen in history. Her unrelenting charm and innovative tactics have made her a household name and helped make her a global leader in the prestige beauty industry. Today, the company employs more than 60,000 people, all of whom work to continue her bold breakthrough efforts and help millions of consumers express their beauty.
Estee Lauder was employed by major New York fashion magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Elle as a young woman. While working at one of these magazines, she met Carol Snow. As she touched her, Snow reacted with horror. However, the two grew close, and Estee could keep working as the company spokesperson until she died in 2004.
