Changemakers Redefining Success: Insights from Google DeepMind, Skims, Reddit, Paris Hilton, and Naomi Watts
Recognizing Women Changemakers in Business
The recently launched second annual CNBC Changemakers list highlights women who are making significant impacts in both business and philanthropy. This list honors leaders from diverse fields and innovations, such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and women’s health. Many of the recognized individuals have made strides in creating products aimed at female consumers and addressing critical societal challenges.
Impactful Leadership Across Industries
The featured women on this list include a variety of impressive leaders:
- Startups: Twelve startup founders collectively lead companies valued at over $11 billion, having attracted more than $2 billion from investors.
- Public Companies: Nine CEOs of public companies operate organizations worth around $385 billion.
This year’s list showcases achievements across fourteen different sectors, which include:
- Media, Entertainment, and Sports (9 leaders)
- Financial Services (6 leaders)
- Food and Restaurants (6 leaders)
- Other sectors such as Aerospace, Construction, Real Estate, and Pharmaceuticals are also well represented.
In addition, three women are recognized for their philanthropic efforts, while two have made notable contributions to government roles.
Selection Process for Changemakers
The nominations for the Changemakers list were collected since November and were evaluated in tandem with the guidance of the Changemakers Advisory Board. Candidates were assessed based on both quantitative measures, such as financial performance, and qualitative impact, looking closely at how they have affected their companies and communities in the past year.
CNBC’s team aimed to identify women leaders who have successfully integrated purpose alongside profits in their business strategies, reflecting a trend where success aligns with social responsibility.
Key Trends and Innovations
Several critical trends emerged from this year’s list:
Health and Wellness Focus:
- Toyin Ajayi, CEO of Cityblock Health, co-founded the organization to enhance healthcare for underserved communities by offering essential medical, mental health, and social services.
- Naomi Watts, founder of Stripes Beauty, is changing how women discuss and approach menopause, aiming to break taboos surrounding this stage of life.
- Joanna Strober’s startup, Midi Health, provides a virtual clinic focused on hormone health for women over 40.
Technological Advancements:
- Lila Ibrahim from Google DeepMind is working to ensure AI applications are ethical and beneficial in medical areas.
- Bianca Anghelina from Aily Labs and Lan Guan, chief AI officer at Accenture, are at the forefront of AI development to enhance corporate functions, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology across industries.
- Female Leadership and Workforce Diversity:
- Many of the women on the Changemakers list are breaking through gender barriers, particularly in sectors where women are significantly underrepresented. For instance, Sheryl Palmer, CEO of Taylor Morrison, has worked to increase the percentage of female employees within her company—currently at 44%, exceeding industry averages.
Persistent Challenges
Despite these successes, women in leadership roles still face obstacles. Venture capital funding for companies led by women has dropped, with only 2% going to female-founded startups last year. Furthermore, disparities in leadership opportunities remain evident, as reflected in findings from the LeanIn/McKinsey report suggesting that the progress toward closing gender gaps is precarious.
Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of exceptional women leaders is crucial. Their stories of resilience and innovation serve as an inspiration for current and future generations, demonstrating that success is possible, even in challenging environments. The CNBC Changemakers list aims to not only honor these individuals but also shed light on the vital role women play in driving change across various sectors.
