In the business industry, there are extraordinary individuals who not only shape innovation to industries, but also drive action through leadership and inspiration. These exceptional business leaders possess unique traits such as vision, determination, mind for innovation, and the ability to change the lives of people through impactful inspiration. Taking inspiration from these business leaders is one way to build your character; both as an entrepreneur and a leader. These leaders embody the spirit of innovation and encourage others to think boldly and creatively. Do you idolize a business figure? They might be in this list! In this article, we will talk about the Top 10 world’s business leaders, in no particular order, that you can draw inspiration from.
- Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was a visionary entrepreneur and inventor. He played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the personal computer, music, smartphone, and animation industries, leaving an indelible mark on technology and popular culture.
As the co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs was instrumental in shaping the company’s identity and products. He played a key role in developing groundbreaking products like the Macintosh computer, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and iTunes, which transformed entire industries and reshaped consumer behavior. Under his leadership, Apple became synonymous with innovation, sleek design, and intuitive user experiences.
Jobs’ ability to envision and create products that combined technology, art, and functionality set him apart. He had a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of user needs, which he used to create products that seamlessly integrated hardware, software, and services. This emphasis on user experience and attention to detail set Apple products apart from competitors and garnered a fiercely loyal customer base.
- Melanie Perkins
A Filipino-Australian tech entrepreneur, Melanie Perkins is the co-founder and CEO of Canva, a popular online graphic design platform. Melanie Perkins co-founded Canva in 2012 with the vision of making design accessible to everyone, regardless of their graphic design expertise. She started Canva with the belief that designing should be simple, intuitive, and enjoyable for people of all skill levels.
Under Perkins’ leadership, Canva has experienced remarkable growth. The platform now serves millions of users worldwide and offers a wide range of design tools and templates for various purposes, including social media graphics, presentations, posters, and more. Canva has democratized design, empowering individuals, businesses, and organizations to create professional-quality designs without the need for advanced design skills or expensive software.
Perkins’ inspirational impact extends beyond her business achievements. She is known for her passion for education and supporting the next generation of creatives. Canva offers free access to its premium tools for educational institutions, providing students and teachers with the resources to unleash their creativity and foster digital literacy.
Moreover, Melanie Perkins has become a role model for women and Filipinos in technology and entrepreneurship. Her success as a female founder and CEO in a male-dominated industry serves as an inspiration for women worldwide, encouraging them to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions and challenge the status quo.
- Bill Gates
Bill Gates is a renowned business magnate, philanthropist, and co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, one of the world’s largest and most influential technology companies. He held various positions within Microsoft, including CEO and Chairman, before transitioning to a more active role in philanthropy.
As a co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates played a crucial role in the personal computer revolution. He led the development of the company’s flagship product, the Microsoft Windows operating system, which became the dominant platform for PCs globally. Gates’ strategic vision and business sharpness were instrumental in Microsoft’s growth and establishment as a technology powerhouse.
- Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg is a prominent business executive, author, and philanthropist. She stepped down as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Facebook last September 2022. She is one of the world’s leading social media and technology companies. Sandberg’s influential career and her advocacy for gender equality have made her an inspirational figure in the business world.
Sandberg’s leadership and advocacy for women’s empowerment have made her an inspirational figure for aspiring professionals, particularly women in the business world. She has been vocal about the importance of diversity and inclusion in corporate settings, emphasizing that diverse teams lead to better decision-making and improved business outcomes. Sandberg’s commitment to advancing women’s representation and leadership positions in the workplace has inspired countless individuals and organizations to strive for greater gender equality.
Sandberg is also recognized for her groundbreaking book, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.” In this book, she addresses gender disparities in the workplace and provides insights and practical advice for women to navigate challenges and advance their careers. Sandberg advocates for women to “lean in” by embracing opportunities, pursuing leadership roles, and challenging societal norms and biases that hinder women’s progress.
- Indra Nooyi
Indra Nooyi is a highly accomplished business executive and former CEO of PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies. Her leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to sustainability have made her an inspirational figure in the business world.
As CEO of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2018, Indra Nooyi led the company through a period of significant growth and transformation. She played a pivotal role in expanding PepsiCo’s product portfolio beyond carbonated soft drinks to include healthier food and beverage options, responding to evolving consumer preferences. Under her leadership, PepsiCo introduced a range of nutritious snacks and beverages and made sustainability a core focus of the company’s operations.
Indra Nooyi’s inspirational impact extends beyond her professional achievements. As a woman of Indian descent, she shattered glass ceilings and became a role model for aspiring female executives and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Nooyi’s ascent to the top of a Fortune 500 company has inspired countless individuals, demonstrating that hard work, determination, and leadership can transcend cultural and gender barriers.
- Tony Fernandes
Tony Fernandes is a Malaysian serial entrepreneur and business magnate known for his leadership in the aviation industry. Fernandes is the co-founder of AirAsia, a low-cost airline that has revolutionized air travel in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Fernandes’ career started in the music industry, where he held executive positions at Warner Music in Malaysia. In 2001, he ventured into the aviation industry when he acquired the then-struggling AirAsia, a Malaysian government-owned airline. With a vision to make air travel affordable for everyone, Fernandes transformed AirAsia into a low-cost carrier, introducing no-frills service, competitive fares, and a simplified booking process.
Under Fernandes’ leadership, AirAsia experienced exponential growth. The airline expanded its route network, introduced innovative practices, and focused on operational efficiency. Fernandes embraced disruptive technologies and digital platforms to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. As a result, AirAsia became a major player in the aviation industry, offering affordable flights across Asia and beyond.
In addition to his business ventures, Fernandes is also involved in philanthropic activities. He has launched initiatives to support education, sports, and social causes, including scholarships and community development programs.
- Mary Barra
Mary Barra is an accomplished business leader who serves as the Chair and CEO of General Motors (GM), one of the world’s largest automakers. Her position, accomplishments, and leadership style make her an inspirational figure in the business world.
As the CEO of General Motors, Mary Barra became the first woman to lead a major global automaker. She assumed the position in 2014, taking charge of a company that was recovering from a significant financial crisis. Under her leadership, Barra has successfully steered GM towards growth, innovation, and profitability.
One of Barra’s notable achievements is her emphasis on customer-centricity and quality improvement. She prioritized a shift in company culture to focus on delivering high-quality vehicles and enhancing the customer experience. Through her “customer first” approach, she aimed to rebuild trust in the GM brand and strengthen its reputation.
- Thasunda Brown Duckett
Thasunda Brown Duckett is a prominent business leader who serves as the President and CEO of TIAA, a leading financial services organization. Her position, achievements, and commitment to empowering individuals financially make her an inspirational figure.
As the CEO of TIAA, Thasunda Brown Duckett is responsible for leading the company’s mission to help people achieve lifelong financial well-being. She brings extensive experience in the financial industry, having previously served as the CEO of Chase Consumer Banking at JPMorgan Chase.
Duckett’s inspirational impact extends beyond her role at TIAA. She is known for her passion for financial literacy and empowerment, particularly among underserved communities. She actively advocates for financial education and works towards closing the racial wealth gap. Her efforts to promote economic empowerment and financial wellness have earned her recognition and respect.
- Huateng “Pony” Ma
Another business leader of Chinese descent, Huateng “Pony” Ma, often referred to as Pony Ma, is an entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Tencent Holdings Limited, one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world. His leadership, innovation, and the transformative impact of Tencent have made him an inspirational figure in the business world.
As the CEO of Tencent, Pony Ma has been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth and success. Tencent is renowned for its diverse range of products and services, including social media platforms (WeChat and QQ), online gaming, digital entertainment, e-commerce, and fintech. Under Ma’s leadership, Tencent has become a global technology giant, with a significant presence in China and a growing influence worldwide.
Pony Ma’s visionary approach and strategic thinking have been key factors in Tencent’s achievements. He recognized the potential of the internet early on and guided Tencent’s expansion into multiple sectors, capitalizing on emerging trends and technologies.
- Reed Hastings
Reed Hastings is an American entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Netflix, a global streaming entertainment company. His innovative leadership, transformative impact on the entertainment industry, and his unique approach to business have made him an inspirational figure.
As the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the way people consume entertainment. Under his leadership, Netflix transformed from a DVD rental-by-mail service into a streaming platform that has reshaped the entire media landscape. Hastings had the foresight to recognize the shift towards digital media consumption and invested heavily in streaming technology and original content production, propelling Netflix to become the world’s leading streaming service.
Hastings is known for his emphasis on disruption and innovation. He disrupted traditional business models by introducing the subscription-based streaming model, challenging the dominance of cable and broadcast television. His focus on data-driven decision-making and personalization algorithms has allowed Netflix to deliver a highly personalized user experience, keeping viewers engaged and loyal to the platform.
What are the Common Qualities of the World’s Top Business Leaders?
A Vision
Business leaders share one thing in common, a vision that drives them. Their vision may vary on what they advocate and may take on different paths to achieve their goals, but what sits in common is their vision to build a better experience for customers and people around them.
To Empower, Inspire, and Take Action
Of course, a vision will only be a vision without the ability to drive people around you to take action. The reason why business leaders are business leaders is their ability to empower, inspire, and to take a step further, the ability to turn empowerment into action. Business leaders are inspirational through the power of sharing their vision through stories. This ignites inspiration to people around them or their team to drive vision into a reality.
The Power to Listen and Communicate Effectively
Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Business leaders have the ability to listen, understand, and take that understanding into account when making decisions. An overlooked trait that most business leaders possess is having the ability to listen and communicate effectively. It may sound so simple and in fact, it is part of human nature to do this on a daily basis, but it is more than listening, replying or responding.
Determine and Nurture Potential
Successful business leaders have a unique ability to determine and nurture potential. They possess strong observational skills, intuition, and an understanding of the qualities that contribute to success in their industry. Business leaders see more beyond a person’s face value. They can evaluate a person or a team’s potential and nurture that potential into greater things.
Conclusion
Drawing inspiration from the world’s top business leader is a step in the right direction. As you absorb and take inspiration from their unique abilities, qualities, and personality, your character can be molded and developed into something like these world leaders.
Who knows, maybe you will be a great business leader in the future. With these small steps, one day, you will be sharing visions to your team or to people around you, and inspiring them through your story. Nothing is impossible if you have the vision.
