This article highlights and discusses the world's 20 most successful female entrepreneurs. These remarkable women have defied the odds, challenged stereotypes, and built empires across various industries, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

The rise of female entrepreneurship has been a significant trend in recent decades. While women have been involved in business and entrepreneurial endeavours throughout history, the late 20th and early 21st centuries have witnessed a surge in successful female entrepreneurs. One of the earliest and most prominent figures in this movement was Anita Roddick, who founded The Body Shop in 1976, a pioneering company that championed ethical and environmentally friendly business practices.

According to a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the global rate of female entrepreneurship has increased steadily, rising from 10.7% in 2017 to 12.3% in 2022. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including improved access to education, funding opportunities, and supportive ecosystems for women in business.

The contributions of these successful female entrepreneurs have not only empowered women but have also significantly impacted economic growth and innovation worldwide. Their stories serve as inspiration and a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and breaking down barriers.

Following and learning from these successful female entrepreneurs can provide valuable insights, motivation, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women and mothers seeking to balance their personal and professional pursuits.

Melanie Perkins - Co-founder and CEO of Canva

Melanie Perkins is the co-founder and CEO of Canva, a widely popular graphic design platform that has revolutionised how individuals and businesses create visual content.

Achievements:

• Canva is valued at over $26 billion, making it one of Australia's most valuable privately-owned companies.
• Perkins was named one of Forbes' America's Self-Made Women in 2022.
• Canva has over 60 million monthly active users across 190 countries.

Melanie Perkins inspires female/mom entrepreneurs because she exemplifies perseverance, innovation, and the ability to turn a simple idea into a global success story. Her journey with Canva showcases the power of pursuing your passion and creating solutions that address real-world problems.

Gina Rinehart - Chair and co-founder of Hancock Prospecting

Gina Rinehart is the chair and co-founder of Hancock Prospecting, a prominent minerals and resources company. She is one of the wealthiest individuals in Australia and a significant player in the mining industry.

Achievements:

• Rinehart's estimated net worth is over $30 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world.
• She has played a crucial role in developing and expanding the company's mining operations, particularly in the iron ore sector.
• Rinehart advocates for the mining industry and has been recognised for contributing to the Australian economy.

As a successful businesswoman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Gina Rinehart inspires female/mom entrepreneurs who aspire to break through barriers and succeed in challenging fields.

Sofia Amoruso - Founder of Nasty Gal (former CEO)

Sofia Amoruso founded Nasty Gal, a former online fashion retailer that gained immense popularity and success before facing financial challenges and eventual bankruptcy.

Achievements:

• Amoruso built Nasty Gal from a small eBay store into a multi-million dollar fashion empire at its peak.
• Her book, "#GIRLBOSS," became a New York Times bestseller and inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Despite Nasty Gal's eventual bankruptcy, Amoruso's entrepreneurial journey and candid insights have resonated with many.

Sofia Amoruso's story highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and learning from setbacks. Her journey reminds us that success is not always linear and that the lessons learned from challenges can be invaluable for future endeavours.

Reshma Saujani - Founder of Girls Who Code

Reshma Saujani founded Girls Who Code, a non-profit organisation dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology and encouraging young women to pursue careers in computer science and related fields.

Achievements:

• Girls Who Code has reached over 300,000 girls across the United States, providing coding education and opportunities.
• Saujani has been recognised for her advocacy and efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
• She has written several books, including Brave Not Perfect, encouraging women to embrace risk-taking and overcome perfectionism.

Reshma Saujani's dedication to empowering young women in STEM fields and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion make her an inspiring figure for female/mom entrepreneurs who aim to create a positive social impact and foster a more inclusive future.

Whitney Wolfe Herd - Co-founder and CEO of Bumble

Whitney Wolfe Herd is the co-founder and CEO of Bumble, a popular dating app that puts women in control of initiating conversations and connections.

Achievements:

• Wolfe Herd, at 31, became one of the youngest female founders to take a company public when Bumble went public in 2021.
• Bumble has over 40 million users and operates in over 150 countries.
• Wolfe Herd has been recognised for promoting gender equality and empowering women in the tech industry.

Whitney Wolfe Herd's success in disrupting the traditional dating app model and her commitment to empowering women make her an inspiring figure for female/mom entrepreneurs who aim to challenge societal norms and create innovative solutions that promote positive change.

Sheryl Sandberg - COO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook)

Sheryl Sandberg is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), a global technology company known for its social media platforms and innovations.

Achievements:

• Sandberg has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Facebook (now Meta Platforms), overseeing the company's operations and business strategies.
• She is the author of the best-selling book "Lean In," which encourages women to pursue leadership roles and overcome gender biases.
• Sandberg has been recognised for her advocacy efforts, promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in the workplace.

Sheryl Sandberg's leadership in the tech industry, her advocacy for women's empowerment, and her influential book make her an inspiring figure for female/mom entrepreneurs who aim to break through glass ceilings and create positive change in their respective industries.

Mary Barra - CEO of General Motors

Mary Barra is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of General Motors (GM), one of the world's largest automakers.

Achievements:

• Barra is the first female CEO of a major global automaker, breaking through the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry.
• Under her leadership, GM has invested heavily in electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies, positioning the company for future growth.
• Barra has been recognised for her leadership skills, strategic vision, and commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Mary Barra's groundbreaking achievement as the first female CEO of a major global automaker, combined with her strategic leadership and commitment to innovation, make her an inspiring figure for female/mom entrepreneurs who aspire to lead and transform male-dominated industries.

Ginni Rometty - Former Chair and CEO of IBM

Ginni Rometty is the former Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IBM, a global technology company known for its hardware, software, and services offerings.

Achievements:

• Rometty was the first woman to lead IBM, taking over as CEO in 2012 and serving until 2020.
• Under her leadership, IBM shifted its focus towards cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
• Rometty has been recognised for her leadership skills, strategic vision, and commitment to innovation and diversity within the company.

Ginni Rometty's pioneering role as the first woman to lead IBM, combined with her strategic guidance and emphasis on innovation and diversity, make her an inspiring figure for female/mom entrepreneurs who aim to lead and transform large, established organisations.

Meg Whitman - Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, eBay

Meg Whitman is a renowned business executive who has held leadership positions at some of the world's most influential companies, including Hewlett-Packard and eBay.

Achievements:

• Whitman served as eBay's President and CEO from 1998 to 2008, overseeing its growth and expansion into a global e-commerce giant.
• She later served as the President and CEO of Hewlett-Packard from 2011 to 2017, leading the company's turnaround efforts and strategic initiatives.
• Whitman has been recognised for her leadership skills, strategic vision, and ability to drive growth and transformation within large organisations.
• She is a vocal advocate for women in leadership positions and has supported various initiatives to empower women in business.

Meg Whitman's successful tenures at the helm of major technology companies like eBay and Hewlett-Packard and her advocacy for women in leadership roles make her an inspiring figure for female/mom entrepreneurs who aspire to lead and transform large corporations while championing diversity and inclusion.

Marissa Mayer - Former CEO of Yahoo

Marissa Mayer is a former business executive best known for her tenure as Yahoo's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a leading internet company.

Achievements:

• Mayer served as the CEO of Yahoo from 2012 to 2017, leading the company's efforts to revitalise its products and services.
• Before Yahoo, she held influential positions at Google, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company's search and user experience.
• Mayer has been recognised for her expertise in product development, user experience, and strategic leadership within the technology industry.
• She is a vocal advocate for women in STEM fields and has supported various initiatives to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in technology.

Marissa Mayer's leadership at prominent technology companies like Yahoo and Google and her advocacy for women in STEM fields make her an inspiring figure for female/mom entrepreneurs who aim to build successful technology businesses and foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Anne Wojcicki - Co-founder and CEO of 23andMe

Anne Wojcicki is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 23andMe, a pioneering personal genomics and biotechnology company.

Achievements:

• Wojcicki co-founded 23andMe in 2006 to empower individuals to understand their genetic information and its implications for their health and ancestry.
• Under her leadership, 23andMe has become a leading provider of direct-to-consumer genetic testing services and has contributed to groundbreaking research in various genomics areas.
• Wojcicki has been recognised for her entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to innovation, and efforts to make personalised healthcare more accessible.
• She is a vocal advocate for women in STEM fields and has supported initiatives encouraging diversity and inclusion within the biotechnology industry.

Anne Wojcicki's pioneering work in personal genomics, entrepreneurial spirit and advocacy for diversity in STEM make her an inspiring figure for female/mom entrepreneurs who aim to build innovative businesses that leverage cutting-edge technology while promoting inclusivity and accessibility.

Elizabeth Holmes - Founder and former CEO of Theranos

Elizabeth Holmes is the founder and former CEO of Theranos, a now-defunct company that aimed to revolutionise the blood testing industry with its innovative technology.

Achievements:

• Holmes founded Theranos in 2003 at 19 to develop a revolutionary blood testing device that could perform numerous tests with just a few drops of blood.
• Theranos attracted significant investment and attention, and Holmes eventually became a celebrated entrepreneur and one of the world's youngest self-made billionaires.
• However, the company's claims were later found unsubstantiated, leading to investigations, legal battles, and, eventually, the company's downfall.

While Elizabeth Holmes' story cautions against overpromising and emphasises the importance of transparency and ethical business practices, her initial ability to attract significant investment and attention at a young age can be seen as an inspiring example of entrepreneurial ambition and determination, albeit misguided.

How to Choose the Most Successful Female Entrepreneurs to Follow?

When choosing the most successful female entrepreneurs to follow, it's essential to consider their achievements, industry expertise, leadership styles, and overall impact. Look for entrepreneurs who inspire you and whose stories resonate with your personal and professional goals. Additionally, consider their values, advocacy efforts, and commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and positive change.

It's also essential to follow entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and industries, as this can provide a well-rounded perspective and expose you to different approaches and strategies. Seek out those who are transparent about their journeys, sharing both successes and challenges, as this can offer valuable lessons and insights.

Furthermore, consider entrepreneurs who actively engage with followers, share valuable content and foster community. This can lead to potential networking opportunities, mentorship, or collaboration prospects.

Who is the Most Successful Australian Female Entrepreneurs To Follow?

Based on the achievements and impact highlighted in the previous article, some of the most successful Australian female entrepreneurs to follow include:

1. Melanie Perkins (Co-founder and CEO of Canva)
2. Gina Rinehart (Chair and co-founder of Hancock Prospecting)
3. Naomi Milgrom (Chair of the Sussan Group)
4. Yenda Lee (Co-founder and CEO of YPL)
5. Simone McKeon (Founder and CEO of Mecca Cosmetica)

These women have built successful businesses across various industries, from technology and mining to fashion and beauty, and have made significant contributions to the Australian business landscape. Their stories, strategies, and advocacy efforts can provide valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring and established female entrepreneurs in Australia.

Who Are the Most Successful Female Entrepreneurs for Small Businesses to Follow?

Small businesses are typically defined as businesses with fewer than 20 employees and an annual revenue of less than $10 million. For small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, following individuals like Sara Blakely (Spanx), Tory Burch (Tory Burch brand), and Jessica Federer (Kin Canning) can be highly beneficial.

These entrepreneurs have built and grown their small businesses into successful brands, overcoming challenges and adapting to market demands. Their insights, strategies, and lessons learned can be invaluable for those starting or running a small business, particularly in product development, branding, marketing, and scaling a business.

Who Are the Most Successful Female Entrepreneurs for Large Businesses to Follow?

Large businesses are typically defined as companies with more than 200 employees and an annual revenue exceeding $50 million. For entrepreneurs and leaders in large businesses, following individuals like Indra Nooyi (former CEO of PepsiCo), Mary Barra (CEO of General Motors), and Ginni Rometty (former Chair and CEO of IBM) can be precious.

These women have successfully led and transformed major global corporations, navigating complex challenges, driving innovation, and embracing diversity and inclusion. Their leadership approaches, strategic vision, and ability to manage large-scale operations can provide valuable lessons for those aspiring to build and lead successful large businesses.

Who Are the Most Successful Female Entrepreneurs for Beginners to Follow?

For beginners and aspiring entrepreneurs, it can be beneficial to follow individuals who have successfully built businesses from the ground up, overcoming initial challenges and obstacles. Some inspiring female entrepreneurs to follow in this regard include Sofia Amoruso (Nasty Gal), Whitney Wolfe Herd (Bumble), and Reshma Saujani (Girls Who Code).

Their entrepreneurial journeys, from ideation to successful execution, can provide valuable insights and inspiration for those starting their ventures. Additionally, following entrepreneurs like Sara Blakely (Spanx) and Tory Burch (Tory Burch brand), who have built successful brands and businesses in competitive industries, can offer beginners valuable lessons in branding, marketing, and customer engagement.

What Are the Benefits of Following the Most Successful Female Entrepreneurs in the World?

Following the most successful female entrepreneurs in the world can provide numerous benefits for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike:

1. Inspiration and Motivation: Their success stories and journeys can be a source of inspiration and motivation, encouraging others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and overcome challenges.
2. Valuable Insights and Strategies: By sharing their experiences, challenges, and strategies, these entrepreneurs can offer useful insights into building successful businesses, leading teams, and navigating various industries.
3. Role Models and Representation: Successful female entrepreneurs serve as powerful role models and provide much-needed representation for women in business, inspiring and empowering others to break through barriers and pursue entrepreneurship.
4. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Following and engaging with successful entrepreneurs can lead to potential networking opportunities, mentorship, or collaboration prospects, which can be invaluable for aspiring and established entrepreneurs.
5. Advocacy and Support: Many of these women are advocates for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the business world. Following them can provide access to supportive communities and initiatives that empower and uplift female entrepreneurs.
6. Personal and Professional Development: By learning from the experiences, strategies, and mindsets of successful female entrepreneurs, individuals can gain valuable insights for personal and professional growth, developing essential entrepreneurial skills and cultivating a growth mindset.
7. Exposure to Diverse Perspectives: Following a diverse group of successful female entrepreneurs from various backgrounds, industries, and cultures can broaden one's understanding and appreciation of different approaches to entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and leadership styles.
8. Inspiration for Social Impact: Many women have leveraged their entrepreneurial success to create positive social impact, supporting charitable causes and advocating for critical issues. Their stories can inspire others to use their businesses as a force for good.
9. Celebration of Achievements: Following successful female entrepreneurs allows individuals to celebrate and recognise the accomplishments of women in business, which can help to challenge societal biases and stereotypes while inspiring future generations of female leaders and entrepreneurs.

Aspiring and established entrepreneurs can gain invaluable insights, inspiration, and support by following and learning from the most successful female entrepreneurs in the world. This will ultimately contribute to their personal and professional growth and the advancement of women in entrepreneurship and business leadership.

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