In today's dynamic business landscape, women are not only making significant strides across various industries, but they are also rewriting the narrative around leadership, innovation, and social responsibility. From pioneering modern technologies to championing social justice, these influential leaders are driving business success while reshaping societal norms. Here's a closer look at some of the most impactful women in business today, how they achieved their remarkable success, and the lessons their journeys offer for graduate women.
Nishma Robb (Director of Consumer Marketing, Google UK)
Nishma Robb's rise to the top of digital marketing is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a keen understanding of consumer behaviour. Starting her career at Procter & Gamble, Robb honed her skills in one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, building a foundation in strategic marketing. From there, she transitioned to Google, where she now oversees consumer marketing initiatives for the UK. Under her leadership, Google has implemented various successful campaigns that have redefined how consumers interact with digital content.
As the Director of Consumer Marketing at Google UK, Robb is at the forefront of digital innovation. Her influence stretches beyond Google's brand strategy; she is helping to shape the future of digital marketing on a global scale. Her ability to blend data-driven marketing with a deep understanding of customer needs sets her apart. Robb is also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion, using her platform to support women and underrepresented groups in tech.
Robb's career highlights the importance of adaptability and staying ahead of industry trends. For aspiring marketers, her journey offers insight into the evolving nature of consumer behaviour and the power of digital platforms in shaping brand identities.
Grace Beverley (Founder and CEO, TALA and Shreddy)
Grace Beverley embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of the digital age. While still a student at Oxford University, Beverley identified a gap in the fitness market - sustainable, eco-friendly active-wear - and launched her fitness app, Shreddy. Soon after, she founded TALA, a direct-to-consumer active-wear brand that prides itself on sustainability without compromising style or affordability. Beverley's ability to leverage social media and her understanding of Gen Z consumer values have been pivotal in her brands' rapid growth.
Beverley represents a new generation of business leaders who are blending commerce with social impact. Her commitment to sustainability sets her apart in a fast-fashion world, proving that profitability and eco-consciousness can coexist. By creating a fitness brand that aligns with consumers' growing demand for ethical products, she has built a loyal customer base that values both her mission and her products.
Beverley's story illustrates the power of identifying market gaps and understanding the values of your target audience.
Baroness Doreen Lawrence (Founder, Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust)
Baroness Doreen Lawrence's path to influence was born from tragedy but has since become a symbol of strength, resilience, and justice. After the racially motivated murder of her son Stephen Lawrence in 1993, she dedicated her life to fighting racial injustice and discrimination in the UK. Her work led to the establishment of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, which supports young people from underprivileged backgrounds and provides opportunities to achieve their potential.
Baroness Lawrence's efforts have brought about significant social change in the UK, influencing policies on race relations, policing, and social justice. Her advocacy has sparked national debates and led to the inclusion of racial equality in education, employment, and the legal system. She continues to fight for systemic changes, ensuring her son's legacy lives on through the opportunities created for disadvantaged youth.
Baroness Lawrence's journey of turning personal tragedy into a mission for societal change exemplifies how perseverance, activism, and leadership can create lasting, meaningful change in society.
Adwoa Aboah (Founder, Gurls Talk)
Model and activist Adwoa Aboah used her firsthand experiences with mental health struggles to create Gurls Talk, an online platform dedicated to fostering open conversations around mental health, body image, and female empowerment. Aboah, who has graced the covers of major fashion magazines, turned her personal challenges into a force for good, using her influence to address taboo subjects and provide a safe space for young women to share their stories.
Aboah's influence extends beyond the fashion industry, where she has already established herself as a leading model. Through Gurls Talk, she is breaking down barriers and destigmatising mental health discussions among women. Her openness about her struggles has resonated with a generation of young people, making her a role model for authenticity and vulnerability in the public eye.
Aboah's success illustrates the importance of using your platform for social good. Her work with Gurls Talk highlights the growing demand for more honest, transparent conversations around mental health, especially among young people.
Whitney Wolfe Herd (Founder and CEO, Bumble)
Whitney Wolfe Herd's journey to founding Bumble began after her departure from Tinder, where she co-founded the dating app. With Bumble, Wolfe Herd set out to create a platform that empowers women by allowing them to make the first move in online dating. Her vision for a more respectful, inclusive dating environment has resonated globally, and Bumble has since expanded into professional networking and friendship-building through its Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz platforms.
Wolfe Herd's approach to online dating has disrupted the industry by flipping traditional gender roles. Bumble's female-first approach empowers women in a space where they have historically been objectified. Wolfe Herd's leadership has earned her recognition as a tech visionary and advocate for women's empowerment in both the digital and corporate worlds.
Wolfe Herd's career shows that bold, disruptive ideas can lead to new industry standards, particularly in spaces where traditional power dynamics need to be reimagined.
Liv Little (Founder, gal-dem)
Liv Little is the visionary behind gal-dem, a groundbreaking media platform created by women and non-binary people of colour. Born out of Little's frustration with the lack of diversity in mainstream media, she founded the publication in 2015 while studying at the University of Bristol. What began as an online magazine addressing issues of identity, race, and culture has since expanded into print and built a dedicated audience for underrepresented voices in the media.
Liv Little has transformed the media landscape by giving a platform to voices often ignored by mainstream outlets. Through gal-dem, she has pushed for more inclusive storytelling, highlighting the experiences of women and non-binary people of colour. Her work challenges the status quo in media representation and offers a space for diverse perspectives in an industry traditionally dominated by narrow viewpoints.
By addressing a gap in the media industry, Little has built a successful business that champions inclusivity and diversity, offering a model for socially conscious entrepreneurship.
Karen Brady (Vice-Chairman, West Ham United FC, Business Executive and Television Personality)
Karen Brady is widely recognised as one of the most powerful women in football. After beginning her career in advertising, she became the first female managing director of a football club when she took over at Birmingham City FC at just 23 years old. Today, she serves as the Vice-Chairman of West Ham United FC, where she continues to break barriers in the male-dominated world of football management.
Brady's career in sports leadership has made her a trailblazer for women in the business of football. Her success in managing major football clubs and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in sports have earned her widespread respect. She has used her platform to champion women in business, frequently speaking about the need for more female representation in leadership positions across industries.
Brady's career shows that breaking into male-dominated industries requires resilience, confidence, and strategic thinking. Her leadership in football demonstrates the growing opportunities for women to succeed in areas traditionally dominated by men.
Sophie Cornish (Co-founder, Notonthehighstreet.com)
Sophie Cornish, along with her co-founder Holly Tucker, launched Notonthehighstreet.com in 2006 as a platform for small, independent businesses to sell unique and personalised products. The idea was revolutionary at the time, as e-commerce platforms like Amazon were focused on mass-produced goods. Notonthehighstreet.com grew rapidly, offering consumers an alternative to mainstream retail and giving small businesses a chance to thrive in the online space.
Cornish's work has transformed the e-commerce landscape by supporting small businesses and artisans. Her platform allows entrepreneurs to reach a global audience, which has had a significant impact on how people shop and support local talent. Cornish has helped redefine consumer values by promoting individuality and creativity over mass production.
Krissy Cela (Founder and CEO, EvolveYou)
Krissy Cela started her fitness journey by sharing workout routines on social media while studying Law at university. What began as a passion project soon blossomed into a full-fledged business. Cela founded the EvolveYou fitness app, which offers personalised workout plans and nutritional advice for women worldwide. Her ability to build a community focused on women's fitness and empowerment has been central to her success.
Krissy Cela has harnessed the power of social media to build a fitness empire that empowers women to take control of their health and fitness. Through EvolveYou, Cela has created a global community of women who support and motivate each other, breaking down barriers of accessibility and inclusivity in the fitness industry. Her commitment to helping women feel strong, both mentally and physically, makes her a powerful force in fitness and wellness.
Cela's journey demonstrates how passion and persistence, combined with the power of community building, can lead to global success.
These influential women have made their mark across various sectors by combining expertise, innovation, and dedication. Their achievements offer valuable lessons for aspiring professionals and highlight the diverse ways in which women can impact business and society. By examining their journeys, students and graduates can draw inspiration and insights into navigating your own career paths. Their stories demonstrate that with vision, determination, and a commitment to societal betterment, women can not only shape industries but also drive the world towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
