Changemakers Redefine Success: Insights from Google DeepMind, Skims, Reddit, Paris Hilton, and Naomi Watts
CNBC Changemakers: Celebrating Women Who Transform Business and Philanthropy
The second annual CNBC Changemakers list highlights exceptional women who are making significant impacts in business and philanthropy. This initiative recognizes leaders across various sectors who are leading innovations in industries such as biotech, artificial intelligence (AI), and women’s health. The selected individuals have achieved meaningful milestones in 2024, driving substantial growth for their businesses or addressing critical societal challenges.
Key Statistics
- Company Value: The companies represented on the Changemakers list are collectively valued at nearly $400 billion.
- Startups and Funding: Among them are a dozen startup founders with a combined valuation exceeding $11 billion and fundraising efforts surpassing $2 billion.
- Public Companies: Nine CEOs of publicly traded firms on the list manage enterprises valued at approximately $385 billion.
Diverse Representation across Industries
The Changemakers list encompasses a wide range of sectors, highlighting the contributions of women in:
- Media, Entertainment, and Sports: 9 representatives
- Financial Services: 6 leaders
- Food and Restaurant Businesses: 6 executives
- Other sectors including aerospace, construction, real estate, and pharmaceuticals are also represented.
Additionally, three women leading philanthropic organizations and two engaged in government work are included in the list.
Selection Process
The CNBC team gathered nominations from November through early 2024. With guidance from the Changemakers Advisory Board, candidates were assessed based on their impact, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Each nominee provided details about their achievements, which were thoroughly evaluated. This year’s list emphasizes the specific contributions made by the leaders over the past year.
Trends in Leadership
Recent trends identified in the Changemakers list include:
Purpose-Driven Business
Women in this list are prioritizing a dual focus on profitability and purpose, aiming to create businesses that promote social and environmental good. For example:
- Toyin Ajayi, CEO of Cityblock Health: Founded to enhance health care in lower-income areas, providing not just medical care but also mental health services.
- Carla Vernón, CEO of Honest Company: Committed to offering sustainable products designed for parents.
Health Care Innovations
Many women on the list are addressing healthcare needs, often their own, and creating products that promote better health. Notable examples include:
- Naomi Watts, founder of Stripes Beauty, aims to transform discussions surrounding menopause treatment.
- Joanna Strober, founder of Midi Health, has developed a virtual clinic focused on women’s health over 40.
Additionally, women like Katherine Stueland, CEO of GeneDX, are improving health diagnostics through genomic testing.
Advancements in AI
Many leaders are at the forefront of AI development and its practical applications:
- Lila Ibrahim, COO of Google DeepMind: Advocates for responsible AI deployment in medical breakthroughs.
- Bianca Anghelina from Aily Labs: Develops tools to enhance corporate decision-making with AI.
- Lan Guan, Accenture’s Chief AI Officer: Has significantly contributed to developing customized AI strategies for clients.
Overcoming Gender Gaps
Despite the increasing presence of women in leadership roles, challenges persist. Only 11% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, representing a record high. The Changemakers embody a mix of sectors where female success remains rare. For instance, Sheryl Palmer, CEO of Taylor Morrison, stands as one of the sole female leaders in her sector but uses her position to pave the way for other women.
Workforce Diversity
Trends indicate that female leaders are more likely to cultivate diverse workplaces. Out of this year’s Changemakers, many lead organizations where women hold at least half of managerial positions. However, outside of the Fortune 500, women still face significant barriers, with venture capital investment in female-led companies declining to just 2% last year.
The stories of these remarkable women illustrate resilience, creativity, and leadership. Their achievements inspire future generations to pursue and excel in their chosen fields. As part of the celebration, CNBC will host a summit on April 8 in Los Angeles, featuring conversations with several Changemakers about leadership, innovation, and consumer understanding.
