Changemakers Redefining Success: Insights from Google DeepMind, Skims, Reddit, Paris Hilton, and Naomi Watts
Recognizing Influential Women in Business: The CNBC Changemakers List
The CNBC Changemakers list is back for its second year, shining a light on women who are making significant strides in both business and philanthropy. This list celebrates leaders from diverse sectors, highlighting their innovative contributions and the meaningful changes they are bringing to their industries.
Overview of the CNBC Changemakers
The latest list was officially revealed on Monday and includes a variety of talented women whose work spans multiple fields, such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), women’s health, and consumer products. Many of these accomplishments occurred within the year 2024, showing a commitment to growth and social impact.
Notable Achievements
This year’s group comprises a dozen startup founders leading companies with a staggering combined valuation exceeding $11 billion. They have collectively secured more than $2 billion in funding from investors. Additionally, nine public company CEOs on the list run organizations valued at about $385 billion combined. The companies represented cover fourteen sectors, including:
- Media, entertainment, and sports (9 women)
- Financial services (6 women)
- Food and restaurants (6 women)
- Aerospace and defense
- Construction
- Real estate
- Pharmaceutical and biotech
Among these impressive leaders, three run philanthropic organizations, while two women have been acknowledged for their government-related achievements.
Selection Process for the Changemakers List
The process of selecting these Changemakers involved gathering nominations since November and evaluating them through a rigorous approach that includes both quantitative and qualitative factors. With insights from the Changemakers Advisory Board, candidates submitted data demonstrating their impact, which was then assessed by CNBC’s team.
Key Trends in the Changemakers List
Purpose and Profit
A noticeable trend this year is the focus on purpose-driven ventures. Many of these leaders are blending their business goals with social and environmental objectives. For instance:
- Toyin Ajayi, the CEO of Cityblock Health, emphasizes improving health outcomes for low-income communities through a comprehensive approach that includes mental health services.
- Carla Vernón, CEO of Honest Company, is dedicated to providing eco-friendly products to parents without compromise.
Women’s Health Innovations
Several Changemakers are addressing pressing healthcare needs, often targeting issues affecting women directly:
- Naomi Watts, founder of Stripes Beauty, is innovating the conversation around menopause care.
- Joanna Strober has developed Midi Health, a virtual clinic that provides hormonal treatments and lifestyle coaching for women over 40.
Additionally, leaders like Katherine Stueland of GeneDX are working to enhance consumer health literacy through genomics testing.
Leadership in AI and Tech
As AI continues to shape industries, many women on this list are not only pioneering technologies but also ensuring their responsible application:
- Lila Ibrahim, COO of Google DeepMind, focuses on using AI to find new medical breakthroughs.
- Lan Guan, Accenture’s chief AI officer, led remarkable growth for AI-related projects, marking significant advancements in corporate strategy.
Representing Underrepresented Groups
The Changemakers list highlights the challenges women continue to face in business. As per recent data, women hold only 11% of CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies. Recognizing these challenges, some women on the list, like Sheryl Palmer, CEO of Taylor Morrison, are using their visibility to create opportunities for other women.
Many female leaders embrace diversity and inclusion within their organizations, with 29 women indicating that half of their workforce comprises women. This empowerment leads to a ripple effect, fostering more inclusive workplaces.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the progress celebrated in this list, female entrepreneurs encounter significant hurdles. Venture capital funding for women-founded companies fell to 2%, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for female representation in high-stakes sectors.
This celebration of Changemakers is not just about recognition; it is about inspiring future leaders by highlighting stories of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. The CNBC Changemakers event, scheduled for April 8 in Los Angeles, aims to further discussions on leadership, consumer understanding, and strategic planning for the future.
