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Inspirational Female Business Leaders

It was not that long ago that a woman’s salary was half that of a man’s simply because she was a woman. Despite that and other obstacles women have been working their way up to great heights in the business world. Below are just some of the many inspirational female business leaders from recent decades.

Kiran Mazemdar-Shaw

Often regarded as one of the most influential female bio-business leader outside of the USA and Europe, Kiran Mazemdar-Shaw has battled against sexist business practices to become the Chairwoman and Managing Director of Biocon Limited. After unsuccessfully trying to find work as a brew master like her father, Mazemdar-Shaw was hired by Leslie Auchincloss, who was impressed with her drive and determination to partner in a new venture, Biocon India. Even in her new position, she battled sexist discrimination in business, but her perseverance has paid off. Her trailblazing efforts have won her many business awards and Biocon continues to be a highly successful endeavor.

Mary Kay Ash

Tired of being passed over for promotion after promotion, Mary Kay Ash quit her sales job of 25 years and began her own company modeled after her values of faith first, family second and career third. Starting with only $5,000 in savings Mary Kay partnered with her son to create Mary Kay Cosmetics. With her ‘can do’ attitude and adherence to her belief that “a company is only as good as the people it keeps,” Mary Kay Ash turned Mary Kay Cosmetics into a multibillion dollar organization. Her original values continue to be the core of the company. This dedication to employees is what sees Mary Kay Cosmetics frequently voted as one of the best companies to work for in America.

Oprah Winfrey

One would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of Oprah. Her career started small, but quickly grew when she moved to Chicago to be on a morning show.  With her skyrocketing fame, came the opportunity to create and invest in various business ventures. This is where others who have suddenly found fame often fail, but Oprah proved herself to be a savvy business woman with a great team behind her. She is always improving and reinventing her various ventures to ensure they continue to be successful. This effort has paid off exponentially, making her one of the richest and influential woman in the world.

Safra Catz

Not many people have heard much about Safra Catz despite her being President and Director of Oracle Corporation, and that’s exactly how she likes it. At 6 years old her family emigrated from Israel to the USA. The software industry was in its beginning stages when she was finished university and Catz was one of those who saw its enormous potential. Her first job at Oracle was as Senior Vice President, but her unassuming manner had many other employees confused as to what her role entailed. They soon discovered that she had a strong, no-nonsense personality that would take on anything that stood in her way. Her dedication to the client and upholding Oracle’s CEO Larry Ellison’s policies have gained her the reputation as the powerhouse of Oracle making her an inspirational female business leader.

Sharen Turney

In the past decade Victoria’s Secret has gained a reputation for having a very limited view of sexy and poor clothing choices. This reputation is being turned around by Sharen Turney who is now CEO and President of Victoria’s Secret Megabrand and Intimate Apparel.  Turney worked at Neiman Marcus before joining the Victoria’s Secret Direct team. After demonstrating that she was a woman with a vision and the determination she was promoted to where she is now. Alongside many other projects, she is working to change the image of ‘sexy is racy’ that has predominated Victoria’s Secret lines for many years into an image of ‘sexy can be anything.’ Turney believes in the importance of a woman being able to celebrate herself and feel beautiful every day.

Andrea Jung

Andrea Jung is an inspirational female business leader responsible for bringing Avon products back into the forefront of people’s minds. In her early schooling Jung was less than enthusiastic about school, but her parents would only buy her the things she wanted if she worked hard and got all As. This approach taught Jung that through hard work she could gain the things she desired. Jung was planning to study law after university, but got sidetracked with a manager-in-training job at Bloomingdale’s.  She discovered a love of selling and marketing and soon decided not to go to law school. Her career with Avon began as a consultant to revive Avon’s image into something fresh and modern. Jung’s ideas really helped turn the company around and after several years of climbing the corporate ladder, she became CEO in 1999 and Chairwoman in 2001. Her efforts continue to bring success to Avon as she expands into the overseas markets.