essay on successful business woman

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Quotes from Women in Business

To help you better understand what it means to be a successful woman in business, we asked amazing women and female business leaders for their best tips. From making a difference in someone's life to initiating meaningful change in your industry, here are several ways women radiate success in business that may help you.

Here are eight means to being a successful woman in business:

Making a Difference in Someone’s Life

Emotional product of your work, empowering other women, the results i intended are manifested, meaningful change in your industry, living out your mission, stay active in supporting other businesswomen.

• It’s a State of Mind 

Before sharing my definition of success, I think it is important to note that everyone has their own idea of what it means to be successful, and that is the way it should be. For me, being a successful businesswoman means that my company is making a difference in someone’s life. It is important to me that I am creating products that empower other lash professionals to take their business to the next level, and I feel that I am doing just that! -Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional

In the day and age of social media, I feel that success is too heavily tied to money and material goods. Success isn’t about the physical product of your work; it is about the emotional product. As a lawyer, I feel most successful when I win cases on behalf of my clients and ultimately give them a new lease on life. My work is all about service, and that truly fills me and makes me feel like a successful woman in business. -Michelle Will, Will & Will

To me, being a successful woman in business means that I am doing my part to empower and support other women around me. I work with women every day, whether it be brave birth mothers that have made the selfless choice to follow through with adoption, or whether it be an adoptive mother who is looking to nurture and love a child through adoption. Regardless of the case, I truly believe that being a successful woman in business requires serving other women through your role! -Kenna Hamm, Texas Adoption Center

The moment that one self-identifies as successful, then they are. The word “successful” sounds like it is an adjective that can only be assigned to you by outsiders, but the word makes more sense in the context of how one self-assesses. I would say women, in general, will be more hesitant than men to self-identify as successful for cultural and social reasons I believe are obvious to all. In my case, I have long considered myself successful, but not in a ticker-tape-parade-toot-my-own-horn kind of way. Rather, I experience being successful as those times when the results I intended are manifested as a result of the work I have done. In other words, what being successful means to me is the self-awareness that I did what I was trying to do.  -Stephanie Schull, Kegelbell  

We all define success differently. For me, it means causing a meaningful change in your industry and inspiring others to do the same. It’s also about recognizing the strong women who helped to support you on your journey and supporting others who are navigating the challenges that women in business face. As the founder of a woman-owned business, it has been part of my mission to hire, mentor, and promote skilled women and support their growth. -Carol Bramson, Side by Side

I believe that being a successful woman in business is all about living out your mission statement. Regardless of what vertical you work in, how big your company is, or how profitable you are, if you lead your employees with confidence and stay true to your company’s mission, you are indeed successful! -Kristy Bach, BestCompaniesAZ

Being a successful woman in business has to do with confidence. It’s important to take pride in what I do and have confidence in my skills even in the face of a challenge. It’s also important to stay active in supporting my fellow women in business. Everyone deserves a chance at success, and if you can help your fellow businesswoman achieve that by supporting them, it’s worth it. -Kimberly Kriewald, AVANA Capital

It’s a State of Mind

For me, success is a state of mind. Growing up with an overactive “achievement gene,” I never felt “successful” and often looked past any professional wins. As I began to see the word, and the world, differently, I came to realize success is all in my head. The more I felt successful (and grateful), the more success actually came to me. Today, success is how I feel and I work on that feeling every day!  -Jenn Christie, Markitors

How to Get Certified as a Minority-Owned Business Getting your business officially certified as minority-owned can open important contract opportunities.

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Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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15 Of The World’s Most Inspiring Female Leaders

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In light of International Women’s Day, March 8th - this month we focus on women, and the contributions they make every day. We certainly don’t need a month to give women much deserved recognition, we need women leaders top of mind every single day.

Women today are unstoppable, and their power and influence is rising.

Increasingly women demand a new society, a society that gives them choices - they can choose to do anything, be anything, and women are building the systems that enable them to do that.

So what do a professional sports team, a country and a dating app all have in common?

They are all led by women.

But a woman doesn’t need a business title to be a leader. A true leader shows up in their community to make a real impact. And women around the world do that every day, regardless of their job title or position. 

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In honor of International Women’s Day, here are 15 of the world’s most inspiring leaders. These women are motivating others around them, breaking the glass ceiling and paving their own paths—all while lifting up others around them and setting the example for the next generation of female leaders.

1 . Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States

Even before she became the first female vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris was breaking barriers. As an accomplished lawyer and senator, Harris has often been in rooms where no one else looks like her. During challenging times, she maintains a message of hope for the future and works to improve the world and motivate future leaders. Harris shows women and girls of all ages that they can reach their dreams—I had tears in my eyes watching Harris win the vice presidency with my daughter and dreaming of the world she will be a part of. No matter your politics, it’s incredibly inspiring to see a woman make it to the White House. 

2 . Mel Robbins, Author and Speaker

In a world full of male keynote speakers, Mel Robbins brings a fresh female perspective to her insightful and motivational speeches. She provides an abundance of useful content that helps entrepreneurs and anyone in need of a boost. Robbins’ book The 5-Second Rule is a national best-seller. Robbins has the right combination of confidence and vulnerability and is able to talk about important topics that are often brushed under the table, such as recently sharing about her breast implants that were recalled. She shares videos on her instagram of taking her daughter Sawyer to college during COVID, and the tough conversations she has with her family. By taking the first step to start a conversation and encouraging others to join and be their best, Robbins encourages women to keep pushing forward.

3 . Bethenny Frankel, Founder and CEO of Skinnygirl

From event planning to entrepreneurship and reality TV, Bethenny Frankel can do it all. In a world of sameness, Frankel is a breath of fresh air with her unapologetic take on life and unique perspective. Her new podcast Just B is a must-listen - and is unlike any business podcast I’ve ever heard. I’ve listened to every episode. She also uses her platform for good—Frankel’s philanthropic work through her charity BStrong has raised awareness and money for causes around the world. I’m fascinated by this woman who is rewriting the rules of success, and she’s just hilarious and a lot of fun to listen to.

4 . Esther Perel, Author and Therapist

I’ve fallen down the Ester Perel content rabbit hole and I can’t stop watching her talks and listening to her podcast. During COVID, when many of us fight with our spouses and feel like we’re the only ones struggling, her podcast “Where Should We Begin” brings us altogether by sharing couple’s relationship struggles, making us all feel less alone. Perel is a relationship expert, and her advice and expertise is critical in today’s world. Her parents were Holocaust survivors - and she learned how to live with optimism and hope even in darkness. She speaks 9 languages and has travelled and studied around the world to combine her own unique upbringing with other global perspectives. Perel is bright and humble and has a poetic-feel to her captivating speeches. She isn’t afraid of big topics like sexuality and modern love. Her work has impacted individuals and couples around the world, but also helped big corporations improve their training and relationship-building abilities. 

5 . Rachel Hollis, Author and Speaker

As the author of three best-selling books in three years, host of a successful podcast and blog, CEO of her company and the mother of four, Rachel Hollis has an unbeatable work ethic. Her big break was a photo celebrating her stretch marks that went viral, showing Hollis’s ability to be candid and talk about valuable topics that are often ignored, including stress and postpartum depression. Hollis is on a mission to help women be honest with themselves and reach their full potential. She gets a lot of slack from people online, but she perseveres and continues to bring value to her audience, with tangible ideas, hacks and how-tos - for people like me - moms with little kids that are trying to make it all work. 2020 wasn’t easy, as she got divorced and her events business imploded, but she continues to work with style, and is unapologetically devoted to her fans.  

6 . Radhika Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Vanity Fair 

In the glamorous world of fashion magazines, Radhika Jones has made a statement by not making a statement. After becoming editor-in-chief in 2017, she moved the magazine away from glamorous stylized covers and instead features celebrities in normal clothes instead of ballgowns and couture. Jones has moved the magazine and online content to be more representative of all types of backgrounds and lifestyles and to highlight the cultural zeitgeist. Her approach is resonating with readers—twice in 2020, Vanity Fair broke its record for new monthly subscriptions, a staggering feat in the changing world of media. 

7 . Cynthia Marshall, CEO of Dallas Mavericks 

When she was just three months old, Cynthia Marshall’s parents moved from Alabama to California to escape the Jim Crow South. Growing up, Cynthia didn’t see many Black women or girls in leadership. She changed that, starting with becoming the first African American student body president at her high school. Marshall has made waves her entire life and broken down barriers, all while facing challenges like domestic abuse, losing a child and being diagnosed with cancer. Today, Marshall is CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and the first Black woman to serve as the business leader for an NBA team. During her time with the Mavericks, Marshall has transformed a previously toxic and misogynistic culture to create an inclusive environment where everyone can speak up and have a voice.

8 . Kathrin Jansen, Head of Vaccine Research and Development at Pfizer 

Perhaps no other woman on this list had as big a behind-the-scenes global impact in the past year than Kathrin Jansen. As Pfizer’s head of vaccine research and development, Jansen was tasked with a nearly impossible task: to create and test a viable COVID-19 vaccine in less than a year. Throughout the pandemic, Jansen led a team of 650 experts to develop the first successful coronavirus vaccine. But getting to this point required taking risks, including using unproven mRNA technology . Throughout her career, Jansen hasn’t backed down from taking risks, which have often led to major scientific breakthroughs including the world’s two best-selling vaccines against human papillomavirus and pneumococcus. Her bold leadership has changed the face of science and saved countless lives.

9 . Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder and CEO of Bumble 

Instead of sitting back when faced with sexual harassment, Whitney Wolfe stood up and gave women the power. Wolfe left her role as vice president of marketing at Tinder due to a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit and started Bumble, a dating app where the women get to make the first move and where harassment is strictly policed. Bumble is now the second most popular dating app and worth billions of dollars. In 2021, Bumble went public , making Wolfe Herd the youngest woman to take a company public and the world’s youngest female self-made billionaire. Wolfe Herd frequently speaks to and mentors other female entrepreneurs, and under her leadership, an amazing 70% of Bumble’s board is women.

 10 . Maria Eitel, Founder and Chair of the Nike Foundation and Girl Effect 

Maria Eitel spent the early days of her career working for the White House and Microsoft before joining Nike as the company’s first vice president of corporate responsibility. In 2004, she founded the Nike Foundation and created the theory of The Girl Effect—the idea that adolescent girls have a unique ability to stop poverty before it starts. Eitel is also founder and chair of Girl Effect , an organization with a goal of helping 250 million young girls below the poverty line in four key areas: ending early marriage and delaying first birth, enhancing the health and safety of girls, increasing secondary school completion and improving access to economic assets. Her work has already helped millions of girls around the world and is only getting started.

11 . Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand

Leading a country is hard enough—but try doing it as a new mother. When she was elected Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 at age 37, Jacinda Ardern was the world’s youngest female head of state. Less than a year into her term, she gave birth to her first daughter, and has since even given major speeches with her daughter on her lap. Tapping into her maternal instincts and femininity have helped Arden lead causes like unity and social change. At the same time, Ardern has taken quick and decisive action against gun violence. Her strong leadership during the pandemic led to only 25 New Zealanders dying from the virus.

12 . Melanie Perkins, Co-Founder and CEO of Canva

When Melanie Perkins realized it took an entire semester of college to learn just the basics of graphic design, she wanted to make a change. When she was 19, she started pitching the idea for Canva, an online platform that makes it quick and free to create professional designs. Perkins is one of the youngest female tech CEOs in the world and grew her company to $1 billion in just six years. In a world of typical male tech CEOs, Perkins stands out. A staggering 85% of Fortune 500 companies use Canva, and Perkins is on a mission to continue her company’s growth. Canva now has more than 800 employees around the world. 

13 . Katrina Lake, Founder and CEO of Stitch Fix

Combining fashion and technology, Katrina Lake has turned Stitch Fix from a startup operating out of her apartment into a billion-dollar company. Lake’s vision for Stitch Fix was to combine data with real stylists while making it easy for busy women to find clothes they love. She believes in lifting her customers, especially women, to feel confident when they are dressed their best. She was the youngest woman in tech to lead an IPO in 2017. Lake’s creative approach to combining human stylists and data has earned recognition for herself and Stitch Fix and created millions of loyal customers around the world.

14 . Christine Lagarde, President of European Central Bank

Christine Lagarde has spent her entire career breaking stereotypes in banking. She was the first woman to serve as France’s finance minister, as managing director of the International Monetary Fund and now as president of the European Central Bank. In her current role, she has been faced with stabilizing the Eurozone banking system during the pandemic. In 2019, Lagarde was named the second most powerful woman in the world. Lagarde is a champion for gender inclusion and notes that although she has faced sexism throughout her career, she is breaking down barriers for future female leaders.

15 . Sonia Syngal, President and CEO of Gap

Sonia Syngal took over as CEO of Gap just before the pandemic hit, throwing her into a difficult time for retail. But she has led her team to pivot and expand during uncertain times. As the leader of Gap, Sonia Syngal is one of just a few female CEOs in the Fortune 500 and the highest-ranking Indian-American female CEO . Before becoming CEO of Gap, Syngal led Old Navy, where she made it the first Fortune 500 company to disclose and validate its pay equality practices. Syngal is known for being incredibly innovative and customer-centric and for furthering global initiatives, including Gap’s PACE (Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement) Program that offers life-skills education classes to female garment workers. 

These 15 women are powerhouses in their fields and inspire not just their employees and the people around them, but other women and the next generation of female leaders. 

Blake Morgan is a customer experience futurist, keynote speaker and the author of the bestselling book The Customer Of The Future. Sign up for her weekly newsletter  here .

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13 traits of successful businesswomen

READ THIS ARTICLE IN THE JANUARY EDITION OF BUSINESS REVIEW USA

1. They don’t play the equality card

Have you ever heard Marissa Mayer winging about the fact she is female? Women who are destined to make it big in business don’t find being a woman a problem, in fact they embrace it and appreciate what they can bring to the table. They don’t blame their lack of success on a lack of a b******s either.

Conversely, they don’t feel like their gender means they should automatically be given a promotion, they know that success comes from hard work and determination. I recently read an interview with TIME magazine’s first female Managing Director, Nancy Gibbs in the Huffington Post. She is a champion of women who want to work their way to the top, but she is also very non-sensationalist about the glass ceiling. “I like the fact that glass ceilings are breaking all over. Probably very soon it won’t even be something anyone notices when you have a woman taking over one of these jobs,” she says.

It’s this kind of composed attitude that gives young women the belief they too can succeed; the glass ceiling is something that they can comfortably overcome with the right attitude and application.

2. They believe they can succeed

“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t. You’re right.” I’m not saying this is watertight, you have to have the substance to back up a claim like this, but an element of it is true at least. You have to believe in yourself and your own ability in order to succeed in business.

The founder of USA Network, Kay Koplovitz echoed this sentiment during an interview in July. She said, “You have to be comfortable that you can think your way through and actually execute your way through to the desired outcome. I expected to be successful. Bottom line? Confidence, and faith in yourself, is key.”

3. They care about their appearance

Being well presented says a lot about a person. It shows that you’ve got everything in control, that you take pride in your appearance and that you have self-respect. You wouldn’t catch Marissa Mayer, Opera Winfrey or Michelle Obama looking anything but pristine and stylish – in fact you are just as likely to catch these women on the ‘best dressed’ pages of  Vogue  as you are on the ‘business’ spreads of the New York Times.

Successful women not only understand what image of themselves they want to promote, but they also need to have a handle on every aspect of their lives. Business today is about a lot more than being good at your job; it’s about building your own brand as well as that of your company. Like it or not, what you wear and your general appearance says an awful lot about you.

4. They are not overwhelmed by challenges and never ending to do lists

If you are going to have a successful and rewarding career, you have to give into the fact that your to do list will never be competed. Strike one task off the top and another three will appear at the bottom. Successful women don’t see this as a problem, but rather enjoy pushing themselves to see what they can achieve.

I also watched an interesting video in which Arianna Huffington speaks candidly about  ‘Letting go’ . At the age of 40 she made a list, not of the things she wanted to achieve, but of the ‘negative fantasies’ she knew she was not going to achieve in life – learning to ski or play a guitar for example. By getting rid of this emotional baggage, Arianna can see the wood for the trees and focus her energies on the things that really matter. So sometimes admitting that not everything on your to-do list will be accomplished is also a sign of strength.

5. They have a healthy work / life balance

More often than not, women with successful careers have a healthy work / life balance. I am not for one moment suggesting that women with high powered careers clock off at 5pm every night and go out drinking, but they don’t let work ruin their lives either. In other words at the end of the day, be that 5pm or 2am, they are able to switch off and live a life away from the office. This comes down to the fact that they prioritize what’s important and make time for a life out of work. That time out allows for perspective and gives women with high-powered, stressful careers the opportunity to unwind and refocus when necessary.

6. They support other women

Successful women support their female counterparts; they champion women in business and more often than not they help others climb the corporate ladder. Madeleine Albright was the first woman to become the US Secretary of State and once famously said, “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”

Women who have achieved success recognise and appreciate the hurdles their peers will have to overcome. Gail Blanke, President and CEO of Lifedesigns once said, “Don’t just stand for the success of other women – insist on it.”

7. They are cool under pressure

Honey, if you can’t stand the heat get outta the kitchen! The truth can be tough, but you will not make it in business if you cannot handle the pressure. If you want to reach the top you need to find coping mechanisms when the pressure is on. In a crisis, businesses need people who can remain calm and think logically; they need people that see solutions not problems and they need somebody who is composed who can effectively handle any situation.

8. They are passionate about what they do

One of my favourite quotes of all time is “Lack of passion is fatal” and that could not be more true when put in the context of your career. If you don’t care about what you do, if you don’t love your job and if you don’t have a genuine passion for your industry you will fail to achieve true success.

Anna Wintour is passionate about fashion, Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts is fanatical about the brand and everything it stands for, Jacqueline Gold, CEO of Ann Summers is obsessed with underwear, Marissa Mayers is a self confessed geek and loves code, Sheryl Sandberg has a passion for online businesses and how to help them succeed… I could go on. All of these women dedicate their lives to their careers because they love them; they are genuinely interested in their industries. Passion is not an option; it’s a prerequisite for success.

9. They are empathetic and compassionate

It’s a myth that women have to be utter b*****s in order to succeed.  The Devil Wears Prada stereotype  is flawed at best and complete b******t at worst. Female bosses are often portrayed in the media as being the personification of cold, emotionless and harsh, but in fact the opposite if often closer to reality.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology in 2007 found that female managers who were better at picking up on their subordinates’ nonverbal emotional cues and doling out empathy accordingly scored brownie points with their underlings, while women managers without those sensibilities were judged harshly.

10. They are willing to take risks

Eleanor Roosevelt once famously said, “What could we accomplish if we knew we could not fail?” and many successful women have lived by those words of wisdom. Sheryl Sandberg wrote in her book  Lean In  “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” and even attributes that attitude for her writing the book in the first place.

You don’t achieve success by being average , you need to stop playing it safe every once in a while and step outside your comfort zone. Mark Zuckerberg said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” Successful women take calculated, educated risks in order to push boundaries and made themselves known. Go on, I dare you.

11. They form strong relationships

Successful women rely heavily on strong relationships, whether that’s friendship or romantic partnership. Sheryl Sandberg wrote in her management guide  Lean In : “I don’t know of a single woman in a leadership position whose life partner is not fully – and I mean fully – supportive of her career.” Similarly, successful women tend to have a small, very close-knit group of friends who they can rely on.

12. They take care of their bodies

Exercise is the ultimate stress buster and when you have a high-powered career, there is a huge amount of stress involved. Stress, in its most simplified form (non-medical background alert) is a build up of adrenalin and going back to the caveman days, the only way to get rid of that adrenalin is to ‘fight or flight’ or in modern terms, go for a long run. Plus a long run at the end of a hectic day is the perfect way to unwind and clear your thoughts.

Eating healthily and general wellbeing is also good for concentration and your mind in general. Not to mention the added bonuses of a slimmer, trimmer, taughter and hotter body (see point three).

13. They lead by example

The most effective business  leaders ,  lead  by example. Duh. But female bosses are especially good at it. This possibly stems for the fact that women have been the underdogs in business for decades and thus have to prove themselves more than their male counterparts. But, whatever the reason, leading by example is an excellent way to manage a team. If you live by the rule the your would not ask anybody to carry out a role that you yourself would not be willing and able to perform then you are likely to gain the respect of your underlings while increasing your own knowledge of the business and your industry.

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Essay on Business Woman

Students are often asked to write an essay on Business Woman in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Business Woman

Who is a business woman.

A business woman is someone who works in the world of buying and selling goods or services. She might own her company or help run one. Just like a business man, she makes decisions, solves problems, and works hard to make her business successful.

The Work They Do

These women can be found in every kind of business, from small shops to big companies. They do many jobs like planning, talking to customers, and thinking of new ideas. Their work helps the economy grow and can inspire others.

Challenges They Face

Sometimes, business women face tough times. They might not be treated the same as men or have to work harder to prove themselves. But they keep going, showing strength and determination.

Success Stories

Many business women have done great things. They have built famous brands, created new products, and changed how we live. Their stories show that with effort, anyone can achieve their dreams in business.

250 Words Essay on Business Woman

A business woman is a female who owns or runs her own company or business. She makes important decisions, manages money, and leads people. This woman works hard to make her business successful and often has to balance work with family life.

Skills and Qualities

To be a good business woman, you need to have certain skills and qualities. You should be good at planning, making decisions, and solving problems. It’s also important to communicate well and be brave when taking risks. Being organized and able to lead others are also key to success.

Challenges Faced

Running a business isn’t easy. A business woman might face challenges like not having enough money, competition, or balancing work and home. Sometimes people don’t take women in business as seriously as men, which can be another hurdle.

There are many successful business women around the world. They have created companies that are known everywhere. These women show that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their business dreams.

Why They Matter

Business women are important because they show everyone that women can be leaders and successful in the business world. They inspire other women and girls to follow their dreams and be whatever they want to be. Business women also create jobs and help the economy grow.

500 Words Essay on Business Woman

A business woman is a female who works in the world of commerce, which is another name for the business field. She might own her own company or work for one. Her job can be about selling things, providing services, or making decisions that help the company succeed. Just like a business man, a business woman uses her skills and knowledge to do her job well.

Starting a Business

When a woman decides to start her own business, she becomes an entrepreneur. This means she has an idea for a product or service that she believes people will want to buy. To turn her idea into a real business, she needs to plan carefully. She must think about what she will sell, how much money she needs to start, and who her customers will be. Starting a business can be tough, but it can also be very exciting.

Running a Business

Once a business is up and running, a business woman has to manage it. This involves making sure everything is working smoothly. She has to handle money matters, like making sure she earns more than she spends. She also has to lead her team, which means guiding and helping the people who work for her. Running a business takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

Being a business woman is not always easy. Sometimes people don’t take women in business as seriously as they should. A business woman might face challenges that her male colleagues do not. She may have to work harder to prove her worth or to get the same opportunities. Yet, many business women overcome these challenges and show that they can be just as successful as anyone else.

There are many success stories of business women who have done amazing things. Some have created new products that change the way we live. Others have built huge companies that employ thousands of people. These women inspire others to follow their dreams and start their own businesses.

The Importance of Education

Education is very important for a business woman. It helps her learn about different parts of running a business, like finance, marketing, and leadership. Many business women go to college or take special courses to gain the knowledge they need. But learning doesn’t stop with school. A good business woman keeps learning new things throughout her career.

In conclusion, a business woman is a powerful and important figure in the world of commerce. She starts and runs businesses, faces challenges, and can achieve great success. It’s important for everyone to support and respect business women, as they contribute a lot to our economy and society. Young students can look up to these women as role models and maybe one day become successful business women themselves.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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Why Women Are Successful in Business

Why get an MBA? This question resonates even more for women since four inherent skills make them successful business leaders.

While it’s important to possess technical capabilities, interpersonal skills are increasingly more valuable in today’s global workplace. Luckily women are innately equipped  with four of the essential attributes that foster business success. In fact, companies with women who are MBA graduates in leadership roles see a 42 percent higher return on sales .

Women with MBAs are effective communicators

According to Forbes , the top three female communication strengths are: the ability to read body language and nonverbal cues; good listening skills; and effective displays of empathy. Women use these skills as powerful leaders  in the workplace to open discussions and speak from a place of trust and transparency. Such skills also help at the negotiating table, where we can read the situation and apply that knowledge to advance mediation.

Women excel at building workplace relationships

A post from Entrepreneur notes that building a successful business means focusing on establishing relationships with three key audiences: customers, influencers, and competitors. Women have historically spent their lives creating families and building a home for them. These experiences help us cultivate workplace relationships. We use our social skills to build trust with our colleagues and develop rapport with our partners. Former US Senator Barbara Boxer affirms , “Women do have a more inclusive way of leading. We try to bring more people along with us.” Women also foster effective relationships when it comes to networking and tend to flourish when part of professional organizations for women in business , such as the National Association of Women MBAs.

Professional women solve problems

According to the Caliper study of the Qualities that Distinguish Women Leaders, women leaders are more assertive and persuasive; have a stronger need to get things done; and are more willing to take risks than male leaders. This approach to leadership helps women better facilitate collaboration and information-sharing. Women often choose to discuss possible solutions with more people and, in turn, gain more facts and perspectives. Combine this with a keen sense of nonverbal communication, and it’s no surprise that women, especially those with an MBA, are better positioned to make informed decisions to solve problems.

Emotional intelligence makes women successful in business

Psychology Today reports that emotional intelligence includes four parts: self-awareness, managing emotions, empathy, and social skills. Women have the capacity to tap into these skills to help navigate complex situations, support colleagues , and manage behaviors and expectations. Emotional intelligence also helps us identify and connect with others from a place of empathy and understanding. People who excel in emotional empathy make good counselors, teachers, and group leaders because of this ability to immediately sense how others are reacting.

Lead and Succeed as an MBA Woman

Should I get an MBA? After reading about how women possess many distinguishing qualities that can set us up for success in business, let’s hope the answer is a resounding “YES!” Our unique aptitudes are valuable to recruiters and help companies achieve growth through thoughtful communication, meaningful relationships, and high emotional intelligence that fosters teamwork and connection.

Read more stories about successful women in business, and start your MBA journey with our Program Finder  tool.

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Women in business: advantages, challenges, and opportunities

Written by Katie Reynolds, a Hult contributing blogger.

With an increasing number of well-known organizations like IBM, General Motors, and Mondelēz International appointing female CEOs , the trend towards women in leadership positions seems to be on the rise. In fact, there are more women running Fortune 500 businesses today than at any point in the 63-year history of the Fortune 500.

However, when put in context, that’s still only 6.4% of these leading companies. And with recent high-profile stories revealing the BBC’s gender pay gap and tales of female entrepreneurs citing an imaginary male co-founder for credibility, it’s clear women’s inequality is still a big business problem.

We recently hosted a webinar with a panel of business women at different stages in their careers to discuss these issues. To hear their advice and learn from their own personal stories about combating gender stereotypes and championing the cause of women in the workplace, you can watch the webinar below. Or read on for an overview of the advantages, challenges, and opportunities for women in business in 2017.

Our webinar panel consisted of Tessa Misiaszek, Associate Dean at Hult and professor of international marketing and entrepreneurship on our Boston campus. Tessa comes to us with an incredible wealth of business experience, having served as the CEO of Empathetics, run a number of start-ups, and worked as a consultant for Korn/Ferry International. She was joined by current Hult student, Rosey Singh, who has worked in the banking industry for 10 years and is the current president and co-founder of the Gender Equality in Leadership Club on the San Francisco campus. Justine Stacey, an alumna of our MBA program, also joined. Before earning her MBA, Justine spent several years working as an advocate for women’s health and empowerment around the world as VP for Girl’s Globe. Now, Justine is a marketing strategy manager for a leading financial company.

Advantages of women in business

A diverse workforce is an innovative workforce.

Diversity—from gender diversity to culture, age, and race—has been shown to foster creativity and innovation. From PricewaterhouseCooper , to Disney and L’Oreal , organizations across industries are seeking to prioritize and benefit from a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Men and women will inevitably have different experiences and backgrounds, which shape their approach to business. Challenging each other and collaborating with people who think differently can breed creativity and promote the innovative ideas that push organizations forward.

“Even with the very best of intentions, we have a tendency to gravitate towards people who are like us. It takes a real leader to say ‘I need someone to challenge me.’ That challenge can spawn new creativity, innovation, and growth.” – Tessa Misiaszek, Associate Dean, Hult International Business School

Women excel at the soft skills needed for business leadership

While technical skill and knowledge are fundamental to career success, CEOs consistently cite soft skills as the most desirable professional attributes . Although characteristics like effective communication, empathy, and self-awareness are difficult to measure, they are highly valued and can make a real difference to the bottom line. Recent research has drawn a connection between strength of character and business performance—with CEOs who rank highly for attributes like compassion and integrity also enjoying a 9.35% return on assets over a two-year period.

Soft skills and emotional intelligence may prove a key competitive advantage for women in business. A 2016 study published by the global consulting firm Hay Group found that women outperform men in 11 of 12 key emotional intelligence competencies. These competencies included emotional self-awareness, empathy, conflict management, adaptability, and teamwork—all essential skills for effective leadership in the workplace

Women represent huge economic power and offer important consumer insight

It’s been estimated that women contribute in excess of $20 trillion in consumer spending every year, representing a bigger growth market than China and India combined . Women also account for 85% of consumer purchases .

Despite this, only 11% of creative directors in advertising are women—up from just 3% in 2008. When Boston Consulting Group did a comprehensive study of the “female economy” it’s unsurprising that they found women feel undervalued and underserved by the marketplace. With the power of the female consumer in mind, it’s evident that women are best placed to tap into that opportunity and bring valuable consumer insight to the table.

Tapping into the insight both men and women offer can make products and services more marketable and a business more profitable. In fact, recent research from McKinsey shows that gender-diverse businesses are 15% more likely to outperform financially above the industry median.  

Challenges for women in business

Women are still underrepresented in key fields.

While a number of industries are showing trends of a growing female workforce, sectors like finance , engineering , and tech still tend to be strongly male-dominated. In STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) industries overall, women make up just 24% of the workforce in the U.S. and less than 15% in the U.K.

Women’s under representation could be down to the continued stereotype that an interest in “hard science” is unfeminine . But with STEM occupations projected to be among the fastest growing and best paid , it’s important that women feel empowered to gain the skills and embrace the opportunities afforded by a career in science, tech, and related fields. Organizations like the National Girls Collaborative Project and Girls Who Code are working to inspire women to pursue computer sciences and engineering and close the gender gap in STEM industries.

• Gender bias in the workplace

While most executives agree that the best person—regardless of gender—should get the job, the stories of women finding more success with a male or gender-neutral name on their CV demonstrates that unconscious bias still exists.

The women who are in or want to position themselves for leadership roles often feel they come under particular scrutiny. Where men may be encouraged to be ambitious or assertive, women are programed from a young age not to be “ bossy ”. Underlying gender bias means the same behavior and characteristics—initiative, passion, and taking charge—can be interpreted differently in men and women in the workplace.

Women are less successful when it comes to salary negotiation

Women’s own reluctance ask for higher pay is often cited as a factor behind the gender pay gap. When Glassdoor did a recent survey on salary negotiation , it found that 68% of women accepted the salary they were offered, while nearly half of the men surveyed negotiated before accepting a role. It also revealed that when women did try to negotiate their starting salary, the outcome was generally less favorable.

Challenging the notion that women don’t ask for raises, a 2016 study from Cass Business School, the University of Warwick, and the University of Wisconsin, found that women are equally as likely as men to ask for a wage increase. But they’re also 25% less likely to get one.

It’s almost an accepted truth that men have a better sense of self-belief when positioning themselves for leadership roles or negotiating pay. Even highly successful women suffer from “imposter syndrome”, feeling inadequate and underestimating their worth. Women believing in their own value and demanding a salary that reflects it is an important step in closing the wage gap, while greater pay transparency can also help to level the playing field.

“Start the process today of understanding that, really, nothing is off limits for you. You can learn any skill. You can speak to anyone. Everything is within your ability. Nourish this growth mindset—that will make you successful in your MBA and applies right into the workforce.” – Rosey Singh, Hult MBA Class of 2017

Opportunities for women in business

Gender equality and inclusivity becoming policy.

For many of forward-thinking organizations, gender equality is becoming a matter of policy , whether it’s committing to equal representation of women in the boardroom or hiring diversity officers.

Discouraging and circumventing bias through hiring policy can help organizations to reap the benefits of balance and equality. Rather than political correctness or buzzwords, if diversity, inclusiveness, and gender equality become policy and are embedded in business strategy, businesses thrive .

Making a commitment to things like equitable gender representation, inclusive company culture, and work-life balance—including maternity and paternity benefits—also help organizations to attract top talent. These are a few reasons why companies like Salesforce, General Electric, and Deloitte are cited as excellent places for both women and men to work.

Entrepreneurship as the path to leadership

For a growing number of women , the fastest route to the c-suite is launching their own business. In the United States, the number women-owned businesses have increased 74% over the past 20 years—1.5 times the national average. Today’s start-up culture empowers women to be their own boss and pay their own salary, defining how they want to work and making the balance of career and family life easier. Entrepreneurship presents a path for women to close the pay gap and rise to leadership positions, on their own terms.

Running their own company also offers the opportunity for women to collaborate with and hire other ambitious, like-minded women, fostering a new generation of women in leadership roles.

Strengthening credentials with a business degree

To stand out in a competitive job market, many women hone the knowledge and expertise they need through a business degree. The number of women enrolling in business school is steadily on the rise. Whether it’s undergraduate study , an MBA , EMBA , or Masters degree , business school offers a valuable platform for women to become subject-matter experts, practice leadership skills, and gain the confidence they need to step into the boardroom.

Business school is also an invaluable networking opportunity and a chance to meet mentors in fellow students, professors, and campus speakers. A mentor can offer industry advice and serve as a sounding board for new ideas. Mentors can also become important career sponsors , offering professional opportunities and helping ambitious and talented women to take their next step up the career ladder.

“The biggest thing I left my MBA with, beyond the hard skills, was this better sense of confidence in myself. Business school was so much more than learning about finance and accounting. It can be intimidating when you’re one of the only women in the room at a work meeting. I have a lot more confidence when I’m in those situations now.” – Justine Stacey, Hult MBA Class of 2016

At Hult International Business School, empowering women to lead in business is high on our agenda. We offer courses focused on gender equality and leadership, an active Women in Business club, as well as on-campus events and seminars, discussing, inspiring, and celebrating women in business. Each year we’re proud to award scholarships to attract and support the promising women business leaders of tomorrow. Find out more about the programs we offer.

Hult offers a range of highly skills-focused and employability-driven business school programs including a range of MBA options and a comprehensive one year Masters in International Business . To find out more, take a look at our blog A Way Up for Women in Business . Download a brochure or get in touch today to find out how Hult can help you to learn about the business world, the future, and yourself.

Katie Reynolds

Related posts, club spotlight: women in business, why design thinking is an essential competency for business students in 2024, the future of finance: adapting to new technologies, generations, and esg, best & worst super bowl 2024 ads: lessons in brand strategy, the case for teaching cases, matt johnson recognized by poets&quants as one of the top 50 undergraduate business professors.

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How Women Are Rising in Business

The new arena for business is being built from recycled shards of the glass ceiling.

It’s a welcoming space for women entrepreneurs, one where collaboration, consensus and diversity rule. The number of female founders and owners has increased in recent years, as has the impact of businesses with women at the helm.

Women in business: a look at the numbers

A 2022 annual report by the National Women’s Business Council found that women owned 20.9% of employer businesses in 2019—a growth of 16.7% from 2012—while the growth of male-owned employer businesses during the same time period was only 5.2%. Additionally, the report found that women-owned businesses “employed 10.8 million workers in 2019 and grew their workforce by 28%… between 2012 and 2019.”

The 2019 “ State of Women-Owned Businesses Report ” from American Express finds women-owned businesses “now represent 42% of all businesses—nearly 13 million—employing 9.4 million workers and generating revenue of $1.9 trillion.” Women of color-owned firms saw a growth of 43% between 2014 and 2019, while firms owned by African American women saw both the highest growth rate (50%) and the highest number of “net new women-owned businesses” (42%). Women “sidepreneurs” saw even more growth than women entrepreneurs, with a growth rate of 39% compared to the 21% growth rate of entrepreneurs.

The women surveyed in Guidant’s “ 2023 Small Business Trends ” report were primarily motivated to become entrepreneurs due to being “ready to be their own boss” (28%) and “[dissatisfied] with corporate America” (23%), with only 13% seeking to pursue their passions. Other reasons included “not [being] ready to retire” and the loss of their previous job.

Women of all ages are launching businesses . While the majority—just over 47%, according to Guidant’s report—are Generation X, millennials (12.92%) and baby boomers (39.63%) are also making their mark. And the pool of millennial small-business owners is growing—just last year, they made up only 7% of the survey sample.

The industries of women in business

The industries these women settled into differed between the reports. According to Guidant, the highest number of women-owned small businesses were in retail (18%), followed by “food and restaurant” at 12% and “health, beauty and fitness services” at 10%. The National Women’s Business Council found that the top five industries (“healthcare and social assistance; professional, scientific and technical services; retail trade; and administrative and support and waste management and remediation services”) made up 66.2% of women-owned businesses. And American Express found that services such as “hair and nail salons and pet care businesses” made up 22% of women-owned businesses, followed by “healthcare and social assistance” at 15% and “professional/scientific/technical services” at 13%. 

Women are still underrepresented as business owners and in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), both as employees and business owners . And some organizations are looking to help change that. 

Betsy Dougert, vice president of external relations for SCORE , which provides free mentoring service for small business owners, wants female entrepreneurs in all fields to know that SCORE’s more than 10,000 volunteer mentors have their backs every step of the way. “We’re here for the life of your business,” she says, adding that “all resources are free because they’re prepaid with your tax dollars.”

Traditionally feminine strengths are good for business 

Modern female entrepreneurs can lead from traditionally feminine strengths as broad as collaboration and empathy to those as personal as the day-to-day challenges of being a woman. Motherhood has a potential effect as well—both as a leader and a colleague. A 2020 study by WerkLabs that looked at the effect of having colleagues who are also mothers found that “[two out of three] female employees with mom managers agree that their manager enhances overall team productivity” and 81% of mom managers “are rated favorably for encouraging collaboration among teams .” Not only that, but in workplaces where the CEO is a mother, “80% of female employees report that [ diversity and inclusion ] efforts are a top priority.”

Pioneering futurist, environmental activist and author Hazel Henderson saw this as a great time for female entrepreneurs: “One of the advantages women have now is that we’re very good at improvising, and we’ve learned that there are all kinds of niches, that you don’t have to be a big, powerful, well-capitalized organization to provide a good service.”

Henderson, a self-taught thought leader with three honorary doctorates and nine books to her credit, “served on the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment, the National Science Foundation and the National Academy of Engineering Committee on Public Engineering Policy,” according to her website. With a passion for “building the green, clean, knowledge-rich future,” she founded her company, Ethical Markets Media LLC , in 2004, when she was 72. “I have a lot of fun,” she said. “We are a typical global, internet-based media company, operated out of the garage in my house.” Her St. Augustine, Florida, home also boasted a studio from which she broadcasted a TV series and distributed it to business schools and public libraries around the world.

Women in business tend to look at the bigger picture

Growing up in a patriarchal British family, Henderson noticed the authoritarian way her father managed money , keeping her smart, competent mother at home and short of cash. Later, studying economic theory, she saw the same patriarchal thinking in texts most financial managers relied on: That is, a narrow view of market and interest-rate risk while ignoring big-picture risks like income inequality, climate change and water shortages.

She taught financial managers to shift from stranded fossil fuel assets, realize the benefits of what she called “ ethical biomimicry finance , operating your company on nature’s principles” and act in the best interests of not only the shareholders but also the stakeholders—employees, customers, the community and the planet. Her own company, Ethical Markets Media, operates as a socially responsible B corporation.

Henderson said the global view comes easily to female entrepreneurs: “Women connect all the dots… Almost every company that’s forward-looking, looking into all these issues and how to turn them into positive opportunities , tends to be led by a woman.”

She advised women starting businesses, “Don’t take outside investment unless you absolutely need it,” and even then, “Make sure investors are totally aligned with your values and understand your business plan in its long-term goals and purposes.” 

Being a parent benefits women in business 

Raising a family is a long-term goal for many women , including Sarah Lacy, the founder and CEO of ChairmanMe . She started her first company, PandoMedia, an investigative journalism site covering the technology industry, in 2011 when she was on maternity leave from her job as senior editor at TechCrunch.

Lacy found that motherhood made her not only a better entrepreneur, but a better version of herself. In her 2017 book, A Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug , she writes, “There’s something liberating about realizing that owning your motherhood could give just as many benefits in public life as denying it.”

The book chronicles how women are knocking down the longstanding “maternal wall”—male executives’ belief that women can be good managers or mothers, but not both. Raised by a mother who deferred her career, believing she “couldn’t be a perfect mother and a perfect teacher at the same time,” Lacy admits that she, too, bought into this myth for a long time. Now, however, she realizes that “the most successful entrepreneurs bring their whole selves to the job.”

Parenting skills are management skills

“I came up in newsrooms and working in male-dominated environments, and every manager I had, male or female, managed by screaming,” she recalls. “It was only after becoming a mother that I realized that managing people by screaming is a really great short-term motivator but it’s a really bad long-term motivator and a really bad way to build a culture.

“When you have a child, yelling and intimidation don’t work. You cannot tell a 2-year-old you’re going to fire him if he doesn’t get potty trained.”

She believes that motherhood enhances feminine traits like collaborative leadership, empathy, consensus building, active listening and competent multitasking. To lead effectively, she says, “You really have to learn how to meet people where they are, how to be empathetic, how to understand what’s going to motivate them, how to understand why they’re stuck where they are, and manage everyone differently, the same way you raise your children differently.”

Women in business help each other

The importance of sisterhood—“One woman at a time standing up to a hostile environment, and all of us supporting her”—is a theme that runs through Lacy’s book. In 2017, she launched her second venture, ChairmanMe, which she describes as “a subscription-based platform where badass working women can help each other solve the hardest problems they face.”

The desire to stand up for “invisible” women inspired Sharon Hadary, D.B.A., a women’s leadership and entrepreneurship thought leader, to take up the founding executive director position at the nonprofit Center for Women’s Business Research in 1988. At that time, she notes, women-owned businesses were perceived as small, not growth-oriented or creating jobs and revenue.

Her research team, based in the Washington, D.C. area, set out to identify what women needed to grow their businesses and “to showcase that women business owners in fact were running sizable businesses that were making a contribution to our economy,” she says. “In our first press release, the lead was, ‘Women-owned businesses employ more women in the United States than the Fortune 500 do worldwide.’”

That revelation led Hadary to appear on ABC’s Good Morning America , which, in turn, led to a flurry of phone calls asking to buy the research report she had mentioned on the show. “The corporations took notice, and the legislators took notice,” she recalls. The next link in this chain of support was the $1 billion in lending for female business owners, which Wells Fargo announced in 1995 and distributed by 1996.

Advocating for women in business

In her 2012 book, How Women Lead , co-authored with Laura Henderson, Hadary outlines eight success strategies women can use to embrace their strengths, advocate for themselves and design their own careers. She says, “Today, as I look around, what inspires me is that so many women are saying, ‘Yes, I can!’” 

Mina Shah, formerly a peak performance strategist and speaker in Tony Robbins’ organization, instills confidence in adult women through her company, mina meetings , a “live, interactive online course that provides the structure of the 3 things [environment, accountability and consistency] necessary to achieve any goal you are after,” according to the website.

In her TEDx Talk, “ What happens when women stop believing the lies ,” the Florida-based motivational speaker encourages women to free themselves from the sexist myths they’ve internalized from society and family as well as the “intimate lies” they tell themselves. “We’re in a transition,” Shah says. “We’re coming into a place where we’re understanding it’s OK to be a woman, it’s OK to speak up, it’s OK to be ourselves, it’s OK to take leadership positions.”

Shah says it was hard to leave the Robbins team, where she had worked for more than four years. She loved her job—while there, she felt validated and performed at the top of her game—but her inner voice told her she had another purpose to fulfill. She moved on in 2012 and founded Mina Shah Enterprises the following year, self-funding with income from consulting. “Mina meetings are profitable by design,” she says. “I’m proud to say we’ve been profitable from year one and in every year since.”

Still, partnerships between both genders can be beneficial

Each of these entrepreneurs, however, acknowledges that male-female business partnerships produce some of the best outcomes for all involved. 

“Particularly when it comes to access to capital, until men become part of the solution, we will still have the challenges,” Hadary says.

Lacy blends her roles as CEO with mothering her son, Eli, and daughter, Evie. She’s a big believer in networking and building relationships with colleagues of both genders. “If I had not spent 20 years building relationships and trust with really good men in this ecosystem, I would never have gotten past the starting block as a founder,” she says. 

In her book, Lacy quotes Andy Dunn, former CEO of the menswear company Bonobos and an early investor in ChairmanMe, as saying, “The next hundred years will be referred to as the female takeover. And by ‘takeover’ I don’t mean ‘Run for the hills, guys!’ I mean ‘Your life will be improved by the ascendance of women.’”

Cautioning against getting too hung up on gender, Shah emphasizes fostering mutual respect with everyone. “Women focusing on their own self-confidence, their own lives, how they are showing up, is really what’s going to move the needle forward for everybody,” she says.

“The really mature men know that what the planet needs now is for women to be in totally full partnership,” Henderson said. “And maybe to lead for a while.”

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2019 issue of SUCCESS magazine and has been updated. Photo by PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Suzanne Smither

Smither is a writer and researcher based in South Florida.

5473 Blair Road, Suite 100 PMB 30053 Dallas, TX 75231

Copyright © 2024 SUCCESS Magazine. All rights reserved.

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How to Be a Successful Business Woman

Last Updated: May 26, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS . Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 14 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 422,080 times.

All over the world, women are shattering glass ceilings and proving that they have what it takes to be successful business leaders. Here is some practical advice for becoming a successful business woman.

5 Key Ways to Be a Successful Woman in Business

• Identify and explore your passions.
• Build a strong professional network.
• Be assertive and speak in a clear, confident way.
• Develop creative problem-solving skills.
• Make business decisions with confidence.

Preparing Yourself for Women Specific Challenges

• The web is a great resource for researching successful business women. There are some interesting and insightful articles on websites such as Forbes and Harvard Business School.
• Sheryl Sandberg. An excellent example of one such memoir is "Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead" by Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook. She discusses issues such as the low level of women in corporate and governmental leadership roles, the pay inequalities faced by women in the workplace and the difficulty of balancing career ambitions with raising a family. She encourages young, female graduates to "believe in themselves, raise their hands, sit at the table, take risks and support each other." [1] X Research source
• Anne-Marie Slaughter. Anne-Marie Slaughter is a Princeton professor who rose to prominence in 2012 when she wrote an article in The Atlantic titled “Why Women Still Can't Have It All,” a frank assessment of her difficulty balancing her work as director of policy planning at the State Department for Hillary Clinton with her responsibilities as the mother of two sons. In the article, she argued for “changing social policies and bending career tracks to accommodate our choices” rather than expecting women to simply run themselves ragged in order to play by the current rules of the workplace. [2] X Research source
• Hillary Clinton. Former Secretary of State and potential 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has long been an advocate of women's rights. Clinton has emphasized the need to extend family and medical leave and to encourage women and girls to pursue careers in math and science. She says: "We need to empower women here at home to participate fully in our economy and our society. We need to make equal pay a reality." Many will argue that Hillary Clinton is actually not a very good example. This is because not only is she not a business woman, but she is also under the threat of investigation.

• Research what schools the women in your field went to, what internships they did, whether they worked abroad, where they got their first job, and any other information regarding their career path.
• Figure out what these women did right, then use that knowledge to work out a career plan of your own.

• Surveys have shown that most women leave their jobs due to caretaking conflicts or workplace climates which are hostile to the demands of parenthood. [3] X Research source
• The best way to ensure a balance between work and family is to find a company which offers a combination of parent-friendly policies such as paid maternity leave, company-sponsored childcare, flexible scheduling, family healthcare benefits and paternity leave.

• Do your homework. Find out what other people (men and women), with the same qualifications and in similar positions, are earning.
• Learn how to negotiate. Once you know your value, you should work on selling your qualifications, skills and achievements. Never undersell yourself. Don't offer a salary figure first, and provide a salary range if you are pressed about it.
• Never say yes to an offer immediately. Think of the first number they provide as an "initial offer" and continue to negotiate if you feel you are being undervalued.
• Realize that you are entitled to ask for a raise. If you are already in a job where you feel that your contributions are undervalued, or you find out that a colleague is being paid more for the same work, don't be afraid to ask for a raise. Just be sure to build a convincing case: do your homework and find out the salary range for similar roles both within and outside the company. Be prepared to talk about your positive contributions to the company including any recent successes or problems you have solved. Highlight any positive feedback you have received from others on your team. [5] X Research source

• Self-doubt is natural, but don't let it overwhelm you. Remember that you are where you are because you're good at what you do.
• Project confidence through your body language. You can do this by standing tall and keeping your head held high. Greet people with a firm handshake and a smile. Most importantly of all, make eye contact with the person you're speaking to. Try not to glance at them before quickly looking away, remember to hold their gaze, as this is a sure sign of confidence. If you have to address a room of people, try to make eye contact with every person in the room for at least a second or two.
• If you're having a bad day where your confidence feels shaken, try to reassure yourself using positive affirmations. It may feel silly, but looking at yourself in the mirror and repeating something like "I am great at what I do" or "I am determined to reach the top" can really help you to rediscover your confidence and determination.

• You can convey assertiveness through both your speech and your actions - have confidence in your decisions and don't second-guess yourself. Speak authoritatively, in a clear, confident manner and people will have no reason to doubt your decisions.
• When faced with criticism, try to be as rational and collected as possible. Consider what has been said and decide whether you can use the criticism constructively or whether you should just disregard it. Whatever you do, don't let it be a trigger which causes you to doubt yourself and your abilities. [6] X Research source

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

Be your own advocate. Archana Ramamoorthy, the Director of Technology Product Management at Workday, has this advice: " Stand up for yourself and always remember to speak up. If you don't make your presence felt, you're going to be forgotten. It's in your hands. A lot of younger women feel intimidated and don't want to speak up because they're worried about repercussions. If you aren't willing to stand up for yourself when someone dismisses you, no one will care, and the world will move on, but you're going to constantly to think about that incident ."

• Destructive criticism is a comment or accusation designed to hurt your self-esteem. It is not intended to help you or allow you to see what you did wrong and improve on it. An example of destructive criticism would be a coworker saying "How could you be so stupid?" or "What were you thinking?" The best way to deal with this type of criticism is simply to ignore it.
• Constructive criticism, on the other hand, usually has a good intention behind it. It is intended to help you to improve and should be viewed as a positive. An example of constructive criticism would be: "Thanks for your report. It was a good effort, but I think it could benefit from more statistics to support your findings." The best way to handle this type of criticism is to thank the person for their feedback and to use their comments to improve your work in the future.

General Steps to Success

• The road to success is long and has its fair share of ups and downs. Working towards something you're passionate about will give you strength during the tough times and added satisfaction during the good.
• If you're not sure where your passions lie, think about going to see a career coach or a good psychologist. They will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and gain a clearer vision of your life goals.
• Remember that not everyone has a pre-existing passion, it may take some time to find yours. It is also possible to become passionate about a job, with enough hard work and dedication.

• Focus on what's important. Remind yourself of your long-term goals and revise them when necessary.
• Learn to prioritize. Decide what your goals are each day, then set daily priorities in order to achieve your goals.
• Finish one task before you start another. Multi-tasking is overrated. Focus 100% of your attention on every task you set your mind to, whether it's responding to emails or filling out paperwork. This reduces the chances of you making a mistake or overlooking something important.

• Networking is all about communication — making phone calls, conducting information interviews, writing letters or connecting through online networking sites.
• Once you have made contact with a person, it is important to try to develop a relationship with them, to keep in contact with them and to help them with any requests or favors they might have. You never know what they might be able to help you with in the future!
• One of the best ways to network successfully is to do informational interviews. This is where you organize to informally meet with a senior colleague or other professional for lunch or coffee in order to ask questions, gain valuable information and insights and create business relationships. Once the meeting is over, thank them for their time, ask for a business card and try to stay in touch.
• Remember: no matter how hard you work, unless you're aware of an opportunity, you're not going to get a shot at it. Your network will open up opportunities for you and your career, both now and in the years to come.

Alena Le Blanc

Find a mentor to offer you guidance. Reach out to an expert who can offer specific business advice tailored to your industry. Consider joining online communities for entrepreneurs to build a network of like-minded individuals. You'll gain valuable knowledge for the early stages of building your business.

• When faced with a problem at work, use a blank sheet of paper, start thinking about possible solutions, and write down anything that pops into your mind. Try to free your mind from the shackles of reality and practicality. Allow your brain to think freely and to make associations you wouldn't normally make. Creative thinking requires thinking outside the box.
• Become more playful in your work. Use images and colors when writing reports. Use toys or props to stimulate creative thinking. Give a presentation from the back of the room. Break away from convention in order to think creatively.

• Attending a good school will not only provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills required for your chosen career, it will also allow you to compete for the best positions on the job market. Some of the most prestigious positions will only accept graduates from top level schools.
• Attending a good school will also provide you with an excellent opportunity to make contacts and interact with the best people in your field.

• Learn as much as you can from the people around you, read books to increase your knowledge and go to workshops to improve decision-making or interpersonal skills.
• Find a mentor. A mentor is someone, usually with a bit more experience than you, who knows the trade, offers advice, and helps you in your pursuit of success.

• Stay away from distractions. It's difficult to focus on work 100% of the time, but when you're aiming for the top it's important to minimize distractions as much as possible. It's important to take some personal time now and again, but aim to be focused and efficient whenever you're in work mode.
• Surround yourself with motivated and successful people. By surrounding yourself with other like-minded people you'll be forced to set yourself very high standards and to work extra hard in order to stand out.

• Don't be afraid to fail. Failure can be a good thing, if it helps you to learn from your mistakes.
• If you begin to feel demoralized, remind yourself of everything you've achieved already and how far you've come. Remember that your greatest achievement might be just around the corner!

Learn from challenges and failures. "It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure. Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning."

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About This Article

To be a successful business woman, start by organizing your time so that you're prioritizing meetings and activities that will help you complete your long-term goal. Additionally, work hard and surround yourself with other goal-oriented people who can help motivate you to strive for success. You should also call, write, or meet with professionals in your field who can serve as mentors or provide information about career opportunities. It’s also important to be persistent, so you can pick yourself up when you fail and continue working toward your goal. For more advice, including how to successfully balance work and family, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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10 traits of a successful businesswoman in 2024, december 18, 2023.

Being a woman is hard, being a woman entrepreneur is even harder. So it leaves us with a big question – what are the crucial characteristics of a businesswoman? 

Even though there are many successful female entrepreneurs today, we are a long way from professional gender equality in every industry. Us being us, and us being all for gender equality – decided to make a list of characteristics of a businesswoman. Why? To inspire women (regardless of their gender) to reach for the stars, whether the stars are a higher-ranking position or starting a business on your own. How? Best believe this list will convince you that all women possess the necessary skills of a business woman. 

 1.Emotional Intelligence

 2. Adaptability

 3. Multitasking

 4. Perseverance

 5. Intuition

 6. Collaborativeness

 7. Eagerness for self-improvement

 8. Having mission and purpose

 9. Seeing the big picture

 10. Never satisfied with status-quo

10 characteristics of a businesswoman 

Let’s get one thing clear – everyone can be successful in business no matter their gender. Having said that, it is scientifically proven that women have certain genetic predispositions that can be used as strengths in business. We wanted to explore and get to know the strengths of a business woman in detail. With that in mind, we asked both female and male business experts to share their opinions on what makes women more unique business leaders than men.

Emotional intelligence

The one characteristic that I believe is the greatest distinction between the two genders is emotional intelligence . Empathy, awareness, adaptability, and inspiration are all areas of emotional intelligence (also known as ‘soft skills’) that women in leadership excel in compared to their male counterparts. 

These types of skills of a business woman can foster relationships, coaching, and general rapport in the workplace community and lead to better employee retention. Also having well-developed conflict resolution and teamwork skills tend to fall under this umbrella of emotional intelligence as well. Generally, women continue to hone and develop these skills with age so they just naturally grow into more effective leaders.

Tara Dupuis, Founder and Owner of Tara Dupuis LLC

Adaptability

I believe women bring the right level of teamwork, adaptability and collaboration. Those are the fundamental characteristics of a businesswoman. Women display the same gender-based attributes as males, and vice versa and many attributes are reflections of perceptions and biases in our society. 

These softer skill sets that translate from friends and family to the office can be harnessing relationships to achieve solid business success. As an entrepreneur, I found I could often be authentic and build familiarity with my partners quickly which is one of the secrets to a good partnership.

Liz Kwo, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer at Anthem

Multitasking

The other camp, and the one I happen to fall into, believes that multi-tasking brings out my best work. I am a female entrepreneur and work best under pressure. Multitasking brings on a unique level of pressure but also relieves it at the same time.

Jaclyn Strauss, CPA and Founder of My Macro Memoir

Perseverance

David DiLorenzo, President of Valentino Beauty Pure

Women are also excellent at reading their teams and understanding where there may be trouble spots. For example, they can sense when a member of their team is having trouble outside of work or someone is struggling on a project. By leveraging this skill they are able to build teams of loyal followers because their employees feel valued and understood . 

Intuition can be honed over time and developed, however, some women may ignore their intuition if imposter syndrome is at play. Women who seek to improve their intuition will need to overcome imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs first. Fortunately, intuition is something we’re all born with and no one can take away from us.

Karin Freeland, Founder of Karin Freeland Life Coaching

Collaborativeness

Whitney Hill, Co-Founder and CEO of Snap ADU

Eagerness for self-improvement

Women in business may not be able to get by just by working hard and being talented – they need to be as impressive as they possibly can be by gaining as much business knowledge as possible . Self-growth is something I really focus on during my time in business and, especially, since I became a founder and that’s why I consider it to be one of the best characteristics of a businesswoman.

Lindsey Allard, CEO and Co-Founder of PlaybookUX

Having mission and purpose

What I really admire about women in business is that they often attach a mission to their business. They have a true purpose for their work and what they want to create and an even stronger ‘why’ behind it. Being mission-driven is a big leadership quality that so many successful high-achieving women possess.

Ali Brown, Founder and CEO of The Trust

Seeing the big picture

Kelly Shoul, Owner of In Love and Adventure

Never satisfied with status-quo

Female leaders are both empowering and inclusive, and – in my experience – more so than their male counterparts. Also, while women have been historically viewed and stereotyped as emotional leaders by men, I believe they are just passionate explorers in pursuit of excellence. 

When women leaders are not satisfied with the status quo, they want to make things better. Whether they are looking for ways to increase their business growth or to increase online sales – they will certainly find one. These women leaders get things done and avoid procrastination by using their tenacity to feed their passion for success and equity.

Andrea Heuston, Co-founder and CEO of Artitudes Design

Isn’t it obvious by now? All the characteristics of a businesswoman prove that women can be superheroes too. And not just any superheroes, but superheroes in business. Therefore, if gender was your obstacle to success we just proved the opposite. And yes, it takes a lot of work, you have to dedicate yourself fully and more times than not you have to sacrifice something for achievement – but it is worth it if it is your dream. Now go and reach for the stars.

More must-read stories from Enterprise League:

• How to ask for a deposit in a contract without being awkward or losing a client.
• Find out which brand designs tips will help you if you are running your small business on a budget . 
• What do  successful people sacrifice  in order to achieve their dreams.
• How to predict and stay ahead of business trends that will bring you ton of success.
• 15   virtual networking events   to get you back in the game.

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03-02-2024 SMALL TO FAST

6 women business owners share the moment they knew they’d ‘made it’

What does success as an entrepreneur look like? We asked and got six different answers.

[Source Photo: cottonbro studios /Pexels]

BY  Brittany Loggins long read

While more and more women have been opening their own businesses, women entrepreneurs still face challenges when branching out on their own and moving up in professional settings. 

To learn more about how some women are taking their professional futures into their own hands, Fast Company spoke with six women entrepreneurs who have created thriving small businesses. Some of these businesses add a dash of beauty to the world through flowers or jewelry, some offer joy with artisanal treats, and still others make life easier for new moms through the cutest kids PJs or functional breast pumps. But they all have commonalities that began when the women first turned their passion projects into viable incomes. 

Below, they share the stories of founding their businesses—and the moments they knew they’d made it.

Aurea Sanabria Molaei—Flower Bodega

Partnering with American Express to highlight small businesses and the refreshed U.S. Business Gold Card , Aurea Sanabria Molaei spoke with Fast Company about her journey. The 37-year-old created Flower Bodega on February 14, 2018, after spending years in the events industry. Today, Flower Bodega creates beautiful floral designs for activations, magazines, flagship retail stores, even film sets. 

What inspired you to branch out on your own?

Having worked in the event-production industry for over a decade, I learned so much about the artistry of floral design through my time hiring and working alongside florists. During an event installation in Miami back in 2015, I was able to assist our florist with flower prep, and I fell in love with the process. I immediately signed up for classes at Flower School and applied my new skills to a variety of events for the media agency I was producing for.

Soon enough, I became the in-house florist and officially launched Flower Bodega in 2018. By 2019, it was no longer sustainable to work a full-time event job and moonlight as a florist. I was burning my candle at both ends. So I took the leap and decided to make Flower Bodega my full-time project. I never looked back.

What was the moment you felt you’d made it and how did you celebrate?

There have been a few solid moments where Flower Bodega hit a new marker of success—from a feature in the New York Times to a hilarious one-on-one flower tutorial with Ryan Reynolds. But the moment that stands out the most for me, particularly as a native New Yorker, was when the panel I was invited to host and curate, titled “The Future of Flowers with Flower Bodega & Friends,” was advertised on a Times Square billboard.

Having spent a lot of after-school afternoons in Times Square as a teenager to now being featured on a billboard there, even if just for one day, that was a major moment. I felt like I finally established us as a brand that is recognized as an industry leader in New York City. There were many hugs, tears, and a champagne toast to celebrate.

Janie Deegan—Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods

Janie Deegan created Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods in 2015 after years of struggling with homelessness and addiction. The 36-year-old has inspired people everywhere with her uplifting story of overcoming obstacles and becoming a success. She now has three brick-and-mortar shops in New York City, including her first, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, where she serves her delicious Pie Crust Cookies, among other delectable treats.

Baking was an outlet for me on the other side of my struggles with addiction and homelessness. At first, it was really just for me, until friends convinced me that my baked goods were good enough to sell. One friend in particular—someone I really looked up to—approached me to make her birthday cake for a big party. I knew she could buy and serve a cake from any bakery in the city, and her choice to serve mine really gave me the push to start my business.

When I opened up my first physical storefront on the Upper West Side, that’s when I felt like I “had made it.” I was mopping the floor alone super late the night before we opened, and it just hit me: “This was my mop, my floor, my walls that I painted, my speaker playing music.”

It was a beautiful, breezy summer evening, and I stopped what I was doing and took a quiet moment on the stoop outside to recognize how far I had come, how hard I had worked—and to really be proud of myself. Sitting still is hard for entrepreneurs, but I will always remember that moment.

Eliza Ferrel—Joy Street

No one understands the issues that come with baby clothing better than moms. That’s exactly why 37-year-old Eliza Ferrel decided to launch her own business in June of 2020. Joy Street creates onesies and pajamas that are not only cute, but incredibly functional, and prioritize ease-of-use for new parents. 

What inspired you to strike out on your own? When did you start? 

I was looking for a baby gift I couldn’t find. I wanted a location-based gift that was thoughtful and felt high-end rather than a sports onesie with a big logo. I was working at the time as a merchant/buyer at New Balance and had previous experience in the children’s and baby world from J.Crew CrewCuts, so I had knowledge of how to design, manufacture, and bring a product to market.

I also enjoy painting and drawing in my spare time, so I decided to put pen to paper and come up with the design I couldn’t find, and bring it to market. I launched with our Boston collection in June of 2020 and shortly after launched in NYC, Nantucket, and Cape Cod—all places of significance to me.

I continued to work full time at New Balance and had my first child, Charlie, in December of 2020, which was a massive benefit in terms of truly understanding my product as a mom! My husband and I were fulfilling all our orders from a storage unit. My son not only came six weeks early, but was born December 5, so we were still filling holiday orders. My husband brought the package labeler to the hospital, and he was filling orders from the hospital.

We finally made the move to a fulfillment center, but filling the orders ourselves truly makes me appreciate the work that goes into fulfilling each and every order. I decided to make the leap to leave my job in July of 2021 and pursue Joy Street full time. Since then, we have done notable collaborations with the Smithsonian Museum and Serena & Lily, launched over 40 prints; and we work with around 300 small boutiques as well as J.Crew Marketplace, Maisonette, and Nordstrom.

I have the “I made it” moment every time I see Joy Street in the wild: Whether it’s spotting a kiddo in the Dallas airport wearing my pajamas, my dermatologist asking if I have heard of that brand “Joy Street,” or friends sending me photos of Anderson Cooper’s kids wearing Joy Street randomly in People magazine.

The times when I know one of our customers found Joy Street on their own and chooses us and loves the product are always my proudest moments. Nothing makes me prouder than when I get feedback from parents—that their kids reach for Joy Street in their pajama drawer first, and they always need to make sure they have a clean pair available.  

Janice Gott—Muu

As a mom, Janice Gott noticed firsthand the lack of mobile breast pump options that checked boxes for both form and function. She set about filling this hole in the market with a comfortable, discreet and easy-to-use device at an accessible price point. As the Muu pump has hit the market, Gott says the most rewarding part has been receiving positive feedback from other moms.

What inspired you to start creating the brand? When did you start?

I started developing Muu in 2020 in the final few weeks of my maternity leave because I wanted a breast pump that better fit my lifestyle. Pumping is such a personal experience; I wanted something that works for me but doesn’t hinder me.   

That moment for me was when the final iteration of the Muu pump went out for testing to breastfeeding moms, and we got 100% positive feedback. I knew we had something special with Muu, but there is no better validation than that which comes from real moms.

Alexa Mufson—Alexa Leigh Jewelry

Finding super cute jewelry that is both durable and affordable is a tall order. When Alexa Mufson found herself struggling to find pieces that fit that bill, she decided to design her own. She created her brand in 2010 while living in New York City. Now, she offers pieces that are durable, comfortable, and even waterproof. They’re also the most stunning pieces you’re likely to find south of hundreds of dollars.

What inspired you to start creating jewelry? And when did you start?

I have always loved jewelry, and I felt stuck and uninspired at my first job out of college, so I started designing jewelry as an escape. I had lost my favorite necklace and tried to recreate it. After a long journey, Alexa Leigh was born.

Professionally, I don’t feel like I have made it yet. Did I? There was a moment at the very beginning, though, that I thought I had. It was before most social media existed and Miranda Kerr wore my anklets for a photoshoot. When I tweeted at her—probably the one and only time I ever tweeted—she responded saying she loved them. I called my mom, my sister, my dad, my boyfriend/now husband, and tried many of my friends. No one answered! But I remember thinking,”This is it! It’s all going to change. Should I quit my day job right now? It’s all happening!” Meanwhile, I didn’t even get a single order that day. Nothing happened. 

I do, however, think I have made it in the sense that I’ve created a successful business and get to do a job I love with a team I love. I have a work-life balance that leans heavier to the life than the work. In that sense, I feel very grateful. 

Alissa Miky—Misaky.Tokyo

Alissa Miky was working in marketing when she got the idea to create a candy line that paid homage to some of her favorite Japanese treats. The 32-year-old had noticed that while most of the candies in Japan were both vegan and gluten-free, there were drastically fewer options available in America.

After the loss of a family member, Miky became acutely aware of the struggles facing diabetics in this country, and she was passionate about integrating Japan’s medical research into seaweed as a means of combating the disease. With these goals in mind, Misaky.Tokyo was born in 2019 in Los Angeles. Now, the brand not only makes stunningly beautiful candies, but it also produces food and beverage products, alternative packaging, and customizable collections of candies.

What inspired you to start out on your own? When did you start?

Born in 1992 in New York of Japanese descent, I grew up in Japan from the age of nine. I embarked on this journey for two key reasons. First, the loss of a family member in the U.S. to diabetes highlighted flaws in the healthcare system—a subpar medical environment and exorbitant costs. By contrast, Japan’s medical evidence supporting seaweed against diabetes led to establishing a seaweed-biotech startup in Los Angeles in September 2019.

Our focus includes developing food and beverage products, alternative containers, and medical capsules using advanced seaweed-processing technology grounded in sustainable and regenerative global blue carbon and longevity principles.

The second significant event was the tragic suicide of a dear friend, a U.S.-born lawyer in Japan. In a challenging legal landscape where only 20% of law students can pass the bar, she faced additional hurdles due to gender disparities. This fueled my commitment to support women and minorities through my businesses.

In the U.S., particularly in the fields of food and science, Caucasian men dominate, leaving women and minorities without adequate representation. Our current goal is to help establish a society with a 90% female-employment rate and an 87% minority-employment rate, striving for an egalitarian society through empowering women in business and entrepreneurship.

This mission inspired the creation of our seaweed-candy brand, Misaky.Tokyo, which combines the Japanese words for “beautiful” and “future.” Through our company, brand, and product, we aim to contribute to a joyful society for both customers and employees.

My aspirations are significant, and I am currently in the process of striving to get listed on Nasdaq. However, the most incredible experience thus far has been my collaboration with Kim Kardashian. Out of the blue, she reached out to me and purchased 100 boxes of Misaky.Tokyo crystal treats for her celebrity friends.

Subsequently, we developed flavors to complement the eight fragrances in her new fragrance line, KKW Fragrance, and officially collaborated with her. I was genuinely surprised and moved when she organically posted a long-form video on her social media. This experience made me realize that with hard work and regular 18-hour days, there will be people who support you, and that the American Dream is indeed tangible.

I was so tired that I celebrated by changing into my favorite pajamas, turned on the Taylor Swift documentary, and fell asleep before the first song.

Recognize your technological breakthrough by applying to this year’s Next Big Things in Tech Awards before the final deadline, July 12. Sign up for Next Big Things in Tech Awards notifications here .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brittany Loggins is a journalist who loves to learn about what’s new in tech, design, and fashion. She contributes to GQ, Architectural Digest, the New York Times, and lots of others.   More

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Money & Success

• Sep 9, 2021

The 20 Most Successful Female Entrepreneurs in the World

Want to find out which female entrepreneurs are dominating the business world? Here are 20 women who have broken the glass ceiling.

Joanna Zambas

Content Manager and Career Expert

Reviewed by Melina Theodorou

Men have been at the top of the leading board for years, dominating the world of business. But with the rise of influential women like Coco Chanel and Estée Lauder came the launch of a whole new era for businesswomen across the globe.

Today, women are sitting side by side and establishing their businesses as household names in a variety of industries, including publishing, technology, fashion, broadcasting and beauty.

And to inspire you to do the same, we’ve listed the top 20 female entrepreneurs in the world today.

1. Sophia Amoruso

Company:  Nasty Gal and Girlboss Media

Net worth:  $5 million (£4 million)

Sophia Amoruso had her fair share of knockbacks when building her empire but has since managed to pull through and create an inspiring brand for Millennials.

In 2015, she stepped down as Nasty Gal’s CEO and watched the company file for bankruptcy, but this was just a setback and went on to develop her new venture, Girlboss, a site that’s dedicated to advising and empowering women on wellness, beauty, careers and more. Although she went from having a net worth of $280 million in 2016 to $5 million today, her entrepreneurial spirit landed her a spot on this list!

2. Huda Kattan

Company:  Huda Beauty

Net worth: $490 million (£354 million)

Huda Kattan started her beauty empire after she quit her finance gig in Dubai. Struggling to find great quality false eyelashes as a freelance makeup artist, the beauty mogul decided to start making her own synthetic and faux minx eyelashes. After becoming the new ‘it’ product for Kim Kardashian, Huda Beauty lashes sold out within the first day, making makeup queen Kattan a person to look out for. Since then, her beauty empire has expanded to skincare with the launch of her new range Wishful, promoting natural, glowing skin.

3. Tory Burch

Company:  Tory Burch

Net worth: $900 million (£650 million)

After gaining  work experience  in some of the biggest fashion houses in the world, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and Loewe, Tory Burch decided to spread out her wings and build her own label. In 2004, she launched her very own fashion brand, which has become a huge success with unique and on-trend designs.

With her rise to fame, Burch wanted to get involved in philanthropy and founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which supports women with cancer and provides awareness to young women about the disease.

4. Arianna Huffington

Company:  Thrive Global

Net worth: $100 million (£73 million)

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and former editor-in-chief of the successful news website HuffPost (previously the Huffington Post). After creating a digital news outlet, Huffington set her sights on launching a series of books, including the most recent,  The Sleep Revolution .  She also manages the wellness site Thrive Global and offers a six-week course to improve people’s overall wellbeing.

5. JK Rowling

Profession:  Novelist, film producer and screenwriter

Net worth:  $60 million (£45 million)

British novelist JK Rowling faced her fair share of obstacles and rejection when she was trying to publish her first book,  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s  Stone. Once she managed to break through the publishing barriers, though, Rowling’s books became an instant hit seemingly overnight, turning the book series into films, merchandise and even adventure parks.

6. Vera Wang

Company:  Vera Wang

Net worth: $500 million (£361 million)

Vera Wang was a late bloomer, compared to the rest of the ladies on this list. It wasn’t until she designed her own wedding dress at the age of 40 that she decided to start her own fashion label. Luckily, Wang had all the right contacts, having worked at  Vogue  magazine , to make her brand a success. She has since expanded her company and now designs everything from jewellery to homeware and kitchenware, as well as clothes, shoes and accessories.

7. Martha Stewart

Company:  Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

Net worth: $400 million (£289 million)

Martha Stewart grew to stardom as a celebrity chef, publishing a number of cookbooks and writing columns for several magazines. In 1997, the businesswoman centralised all her ventures with the creation of her media company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. She has since delved into TV and radio, and she continues to focus on her cooking success.

8. Cath Kidston

Company:  Cath Kidston

Net worth:  $1 million (£750,000)

Following a career in furniture design, Cath Kidston decided to branch out and open her own store in 1993 that sold her quintessentially British, vintage designs. When vintage started trending again a few years later, the store quickly became a huge success and is now a household name on the British high streets.

9. Angie Hicks

Company:  ANGI Homeservices

Net worth: $200 million (£144 million)

Finding a service provider in a time of emergency is hard – you call whoever has been recommended and hope for the best! And that’s where Angie Hicks saw a huge gap in the market, forming a service that no one else had provided before. Angie’s List helps you find the ideal household service that is right for you – all at the click of a button!

10. Sara Blakely

Company:  Spanx

Net worth: $750 billion (£542 million)

With little money to invest in her idea, Sara Blakely, the future founder of Spanx, faced rejection after rejection from investors when launching her brand. It wasn’t until Oprah Winfrey publicly acknowledged her  business idea that her company got off the ground.

11. Denise Coates

Company:  Bet365

Net worth: $6.1 billion (£4.4 billion)

Denise Coates is the successful owner of betting site Bet365, which took her a year to develop and launch. She managed to fund the business by getting a £15 million loan from the Royal Bank of Scotland (about $20 million), turning it into one of the world’s largest online gambling sites.

12. Cher Wang

Company:  HTC Corporation 

Net worth: $850 million (£616 million)

Cher Wang is the founder of the billion-dollar tech company HTC, which is focused on creating new and innovative smartphones. Despite slumps in the market, Wang strives to turn the business back around and create new devices to boost sales.

13. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Company:  Biocon

Net worth: $3.7 billion (£2.68 billion)

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is not only known for her staggering wealth but also for being India’s first female entrepreneur. She founded the business Biocon in 1978, which focuses on biopharmaceuticals sold in over 120 countries across the globe.

14. Jennifer Hyman

Company:  Rent the Runway

Net worth: $300 million (£217 million)

Finding a niche in the market can be difficult, but Jennifer Hyman managed to do just that by making the runway affordable to all the Carrie Bradshaws out there. The genius subscription package allows you to rent a designer dress, wear it to an event and send it back in a prepaid envelope, all at the click of a button.

15. Yang Lan

Company:  Sun Media Group

Net worth: $3.8 billion (£2.75 billion)

Media mogul Yang Lan is undeniably the most powerful woman in the Chinese media. She not only founded the Sun Media Group but is also a  journalist  and talk show hostess. She’s interviewed many famous faces, including Bill Gates, Hillary Clinton and Keanu Reeves.

16. Rihanna

Company: Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin and Savage x Fenty

Net worth:  $600 million (£450 million)

Beauty connoisseur Robyn Fenty, also known as Rihanna, may have started her career on stage but has become an entrepreneurial idol. Since releasing her 40-shade inclusive line of foundations, she has become a household name in the beauty industry. She also owns Fenty x Savage and Fenty House with LVMH, being the only artist to come under the house responsible for other high-end brands like Givenchy and Dior. Her most recent expansion of the Fenty brand includes a skincare range suitable for all skin types.

17. Kylie Jenner

Company:  Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin

Net worth: $620 million (£448 million)

At the young age of 21, Kylie Jenner became the world’s youngest ever female entrepreneur, which, naturally, caused an uproar due to her celebrity background. All arguments aside, however, Jenner has proved to be an extremely successful entrepreneur with her ever-growing beauty brands: Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin. According to Entrepreneur , her business has grown at a faster rate than any other beauty brand before her, proving that she has an effective business strategy.

18. Oprah Winfrey

Company:  Harpo Productions

Net worth: $2.5 billion (£1.8 billion)

Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey is the founder of Harpo Productions, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, but she wasn’t always successful. Coming from a poor background, Oprah started from the bottom and built an empire as one of the most influential women in the world. Starting off as a news anchor, she moved onto her own talk show and has invested lots of time and money into philanthropy – a true inspiration for us all!

19. Beyoncé Knowles

Company:  Ivy Park

Net worth: $440 million (£318 million)

Beyoncé’s fortune began in music, yet besides being a vocal powerhouse, she has established herself as a great entrepreneur. Despite her fashion successes with House of Deréon, Ivy Park and her own fragrance line, the Queen of Pop has also been loyal to her history. Beyoncé became the first black female to headline Coachella in 2019, leaving a true mark on history and female empowerment.

20. Sofia Vergara

Company:  EBY

Net worth: $180 million (£130 million)

You’ll recognise Sofia Vergara from her on-screen role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the hit ABC series Modern Family. Still, the Latina has also expanded her business beyond the small screen: in 2019, Sofia cofounded an underwear business called EBY with Renata Black. Her company sells subscription boxes with seamless underwear for all shapes and sizes. The founders then take 10% of the profits to offer small loans to women wanting to make a living for themselves.

Final thoughts

Becoming an entrepreneur isn’t easy, but these inspiring women in business prove that, with the right amount of passion and a lot of hard work and dedication, you too can build your own empire.

Which female entrepreneur inspires you the most? Let us know in the comments section below!

This article is an updated version of a previous article originally published on 16 November 2018.

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Home / Essay Samples / Business / Women in Business

Women in Business Essay Examples

Women in business and their significance to the economy.

In this essay I will be outlining what female entrepreneurship is and how they are significant to the economy. I will also evaluate the challenges females face in entrepreneurship and then evaluate my individual intrapreneurial skills and reflect on how to develop them further. Female...

The Challenges Faced by Women in Business

Women in business – the performance of women in a position of authority in business. Women business visionaries are substantially more liable to begin and run independent ventures in small retail and administration areas. Statistics on Canadian Women in Business 13.3% were involved in newer...

Why There Are More Male Managers than Females

An essay exploring why there are more male managers than females would delve into the societal expectations and biases that perpetuate gender inequality in the workplace. Despite research suggesting that women are more effective managers than men, they continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions....

Factors Affecting the Women to Participate in Entrepreneurial Business

Successful female entrepreneurs were found to have higher level of education. Because, an educated woman have more courage to take risk and they like to be a self dependent person instead of dependent on other person. But, this scenario not same at all level now-a-day...

Women in Business Are not Worse than Men

It is not about gender, it is about experience, leadership, and vision. In the past, discrimination between men and women was widespread in all areas of society. Gender inequality can, therefore, be the obstacle of women to work in society. Gender inequality in the labor...

Challenges and Success of Vivy Yusof – Malaysian Woman Entrepreneur

The very first challenge that Vivy and her husband had faced when started up Fashion Valet was the lack of capital. Actually, it was not easy to run a business when there so many competitors around them. In fact, they did not take salary until...

Women in Leadership: the Role of Women in Business in India

Today’s Indian woman is making a mark across diverse fields – from business and politics to sports and social work – breaking stereotypes and smashing glass ceilings along the way. It is interesting to note that 6 of the Top 10 Banks in India are...

Overview of Companies that Created by Vivy Yusof – Famous Malaysian Businesswoman

Valvet was founded by Vivy Yusof and her husband, Fadza. Both of them only 23 years old when their first retail shop opened in November 2010. The shop located at Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Actually, Vivy came out the idea to open an online site when...

The Role of Self-acceptance in the Development of Female Leaders

In the past decades, women have become an essential part of the workforce. There has also been a growing ambition demonstrated by women to take on senior positions, as the rate of female graduates from universities and graduate programs surpasses the rate of males. And...

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