Success in business is constantly evolving, shaped by innovation, resilience, and leadership. As we enter 2025, women across industries are redefining what it means to succeed, breaking barriers, and creating lasting impact. From technology and finance to healthcare and sustainability, these leaders are transforming their fields with vision and determination.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we highlight the top 10 businesswomen who are making a significant mark. Their journeys reflect not just personal achievement but also a shift in how leadership and success are perceived in today’s world.
Top 10 Businesswomen – International Women’s Day Special
Below is the list of the top 10 businesswomen in different industries and fields who are showcasing their innovations and ideas exceptionally. Let’s get to it.
1. Synneve Goode & Sensorial Dressing® – The Avant-Garde of Deep Innovation
A visionary leader shaping the future of fashion, experience, and sustainable innovation, Synneve Goode stands at the convergence of art, wellness, and business transformation. As the founder of SYNNEVE GOODE ATELIER, she fuses avant-garde creativity with strategic vision, proving that innovation is not just about newness – but depth, feeling, and impact.
With two decades in Paris and the global luxury sphere, Synneve has worked with Chanel, Agent Provocateur, LVMH executives and leading trend forecasting bureaus. She is the co-founder of the renowned tailored clothing brand, Husbands Paris, pioneering new ways of thinking and creating. Now, through Sensorial Dressing®, she is introducing a radical shift – one that reimagines how we engage with clothing, brand experiences, and innovation itself.
“Sensorial Dressing® is not just an evolution in fashion—it’s an invitation to go deeper, to explore new dimensions within ourselves and our surroundings. It is about redefining our boundaries and how we experience creativity and innovation. The future belongs to those who dare to feel, think, and create differently. This is just the beginning.”
More than fashion, Sensorial Dressing® is a tool for transformation – a strategic approach that pushes boundaries, heightens emotional connection, and unlocks new innovation potential. Through immersive experiences, workshops, and made-to-order designs, Synneve enables both individuals and companies to engage the senses, break away from conventional models, and create something entirely new.
Recognized for her pioneering work, Synneve Goode continues to lead, inspire, and challenge industries to move beyond their own limits. Whether it’s a luxury brand redefining consumer engagement, a business seeking new creative methodologies, or an individual looking to feel truly fabulous, Sensorial Dressing® is a secret to deeper, more meaningful innovation.
Step into a new era of creativity – one where artistry, strategy, and transformation become one.
2. Dr. Mariam Shaikh | Leading The Change With Education And Women’s Empowerment
A trailblazer in education and a champion for Women’s Empowerment, Dr. Mariam Shaikh is a prominent name in the Education field based in UAE with over 35 years of experience and continued success. Associated with reputed universities in the UAE over these years in key leadership positions, Dr. Mariam has been actively working with aspiring students looking to pursue higher education. Currently, as the CEO and Founder of MS Education Consultants, she continues to lead with passion and purpose, making an indelible impact on students and communities globally.
Driven by her passion for quality education, Dr. Mariam’s career path commenced with the establishment of a nursery school, eventually making a transformative shift into the higher education sector which marked a pivotal moment in her professional journey. She has played a key role in establishing some of the most reputed foreign University Branch campuses in UAE such as the University of New Brunswick in Dubai Knowledge Village, which was the first of her pioneering efforts to encourage foreign Universities to set up their campuses in Dubai.
Dr. Mariam also attends numerous conferences as a keynote speaker and has media appearances, sharing her vision for world-class educational facilities. Recognizing her untiring efforts to establish Dubai as a leading educational hub and her position as a leading woman entrepreneur, Dr. Mariam has been entitled to several titles and awards, including the Global Excellence in Education Award, the GCC Woman Leadership Award, and the Educator of the Year 2023.
Apart from her professional endeavors, Dr. Mariam strongly advocates for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship through the Global Women Entrepreneurs Group in Dubai, where she promotes collaboration in Education and Professional Development. Her mission includes supporting and empowering women in the mainstream economy through skill development, entrepreneurial projects, and improving young women’s access to mentors and new venture incubators. Furthermore, with MS Education Consultants, she has created job opportunities for graduates and developed programs for refugee students, reflecting her deep compassion and commitment to community service.
Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s journey from a small nursery school to becoming a global educational leader reflects her vision, resilience, and dedication to education and women empowerment. Her work continues to inspire, making her a beacon of hope and a role model for aspiring educators and entrepreneurs worldwide.
3. Marie Hosatte | Pioneering Sustainable Fashion In The Middle East
Marie Hosatte has cultivated a dual-path career spanning over 25 years, characterized by her significant impact as both an accomplished entrepreneur and a corporate leader. As the Founder & Creative Director of BY MARY, a leading sustainable fashion brand, Marie has been instrumental in pioneering sustainable fashion within the Middle East. Recognized by Forbes Middle-East in 2023, BY MARY stands as a testament to her visionary leadership and commitment to ethical fashion practices. The brand is committed to using fashion as a platform to give back, supporting female education and important environmental projects in Marie’s native African continent, thereby embodying its dedication to social and ecological sustainability. Follow BY MARY on Instagram: @by.m.a.r.y.
In the corporate sphere, Marie has held transformative leadership roles in major FMCG and cosmetics corporations, including Colgate-Palmolive, L’Oréal, and Arla Foods, where she spearheaded successful eCommerce, digital, and organizational transformations. Her extensive intrapreneur expertise encompasses pivotal regional head of marketing and commercial roles, driving innovation and growth with a focus on consumer-centric strategies. Marie’s professional background is distinguished by her expertise in marketing & communication, strategic planning, retail development, trade & shopper marketing, and commercial management.
Marie’s unique career journey blends her deep entrepreneurial spirit with her corporate acumen, allowing her to lead digital transformations and eCommerce initiatives that resonate on a global scale. Known for her strategic foresight and ability to merge creative direction with digital marketing strategies, Marie enhances brand positioning and consumer engagement across various platforms, and has a strong demonstrable track record which includes implementing dynamic ideas that engage both trade and consumer through innovative brand awareness campaigns.
A trilingual leader fluent in French, English, and Spanish, Marie possesses extensive operational change management skills. Her experience spans culturally and commercially challenging regions across Africa, the Middle-East, and Latin America, as well as mature markets like the US and Europe. Known for harmonizing underinvested disaffected markets, Marie has delivered incremental market share by establishing blueprint ideas that create long-term legacy strategies, including forming alliance partnerships with government departments and securing celebrity endorsements.
In advising senior executives and teams, Marie is recognized for her ability to pose challenging questions, deliver inspiring talks, and conduct transformative workshops that foster innovation and break down silos. Her approach not only demystifies digital and e-commerce trends but also emphasizes sustainable and ethical business practices, ensuring they are at the core of corporate strategy and culture.
A champion for women in leadership and sustainable business practices, Marie continues to influence the fashion industry and beyond, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates life-driven values with business success. Her commitment to ethical leadership is encapsulated in her philosophy, “When you don’t know where you’re going, look back at where you come from”—an African proverb that echoes her upbringing and guides her visionary outlook.
LinkedIn | Website | BY M.A.R.Y | BY M.A.R.Y LinkedIn | BY M.A.R.Y Instagram
4. Amanda Elbourn | Serving Excellence In The Aesthetics Industry
Amanda Elbourn, Founder and Director of AB Aesthetic Consultant Services Ltd., has been a driving force in the aesthetics industry since establishing her consultancy in 2020. With over two decades of experience as an Operations Director for an award winning aesthetic clinic chain, Amanda has dedicated herself to supporting aesthetic businesses with tailored solutions designed to enhance every aspect of their operations. Amanda reflects, “Success in the aesthetics industry isn’t just about delivering great treatments—it’s about building strong, well-managed businesses that put patient care at the heart of everything they do.”
Amanda’s expertise spans across strategic planning, operational support, financial management, sales enhancement, training, compliance adherence, and human resources optimisation. With this holistic approach, she empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of the aesthetics industry and achieve sustainable growth.
Under her leadership, AB Aesthetic Consultant Services has become synonymous with excellence and innovation. The consultancy’s mission is to provide specialised services that enable aesthetic clinics to reach their full potential and improve profitability. By fostering strong relationships with clinic owners and placing client satisfaction at the core of their philosophy, Amanda and her skilled team of consultants conduct in-depth assessments of each business.
With meticulous analysis of operational processes, financial structures, marketing strategies, compliance, client engagement practices, and training needs, the consultancy results in bespoke action plans addressing specific challenges and capitalising on opportunities, ensuring each clinic’s success in a competitive market.
In 2024, Amanda launched the UK’s first dedicated Clinic Manager & Clinic Owner Training Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to bridge the knowledge gap in aesthetic business management. “Empowering clinic managers and clinic owners with the right knowledge and skills isn’t just an investment in their growth—it’s a commitment to the long-term success of the entire aesthetics industry,” She adds. Recognising the critical role clinic managers play in operational success, this programme offers an industry-first structured curriculum that combines leadership development, compliance training, financial acumen, and marketing strategy.
By equipping managers and clinic owners with the practical skills and confidence needed to run high-performing clinics, Amanda is driving positive change in the aesthetics industry, ensuring businesses are not only clinically excellent but also commercially successful.
5. Susana Hands – The Franchise Powerhouse Redefining Success
With over 15 years of hands-on experience in the franchise industry, Susana Hands has mastered the art of turning businesses into thriving, scalable franchise brands. As the Founder of SusanaHands.com.au, she has built a reputation as “The Franchise Lady”, helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their franchise with clarity, strategy and confidence. Throughout her career path, Susana has immersed herself deeply in the dynamic business landscape, owning and running multi multi-site franchises and independent ventures, making her a perfect fit to guide business growth.
Susana’s expertise spans from all aspects within the franchise industry but specializing in franchise business development and sales growth, ensuring businesses don’t just expand—but flourish into a successful franchise system. Having been a Franchisee, Franchisor, and Business Advisor, she understands the opportunities and pitfalls firsthand. Susana works closely with her clients to create a hands-on approach to streamline their sales process, onboarding Franchisees correctly and operations are clear and easy to follow.
Through her high-impact coaching, strategic consulting, and game-changing blueprint, Susana converts the right Franchisees for her client’s to grow, scale with success and impact. With a mission to empower entrepreneurs and business owners, she assists her clients in building franchises that attract the right people, generate profits, and create lasting success. Being a trusted advisor, business coach, and a consultant, Susana simplifies the complicated franchise recruitment process and sales strategies, helping businesses thrive and turning their dreams into a reality.
If you’re looking to franchise your business the right way, scale with confidence, or recruit quality Franchisees, Susana is the go-to expert who will help you turn interest into ownership and build a franchise model that works.
6. Liesa Euton – Transforming Corporate Training and Leadership Development
A respected professional with a diverse career spanning more than 30 years, Liesa Euton’s career is marked by significant contributions in the hospitality industry, corporate training, and community service. She is the Director for the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean at EHP International Ltd., a company specializing in customized training and leadership development solutions.
Leadership and professional development are essential areas of focus in today’s business world. Liesa is a prominent figure in this space, especially when it comes to empowering women globally. As the Director for the MENA and Caribbean regions at EHP International, Liesa has pioneered innovative Women’s Leadership workshops that aim to equip women with vital leadership skills. In addition to her role at EHP, she is also an international speaker and a presenter on both radio and television.
Liesa is deeply committed to nurturing female leadership, a commitment that shines through in her workshops and training programs. These initiatives are tailored to support women at various stages of their careers, from C-suite executives to small business owners, enabling them to advance in their professions and contribute to their organizations’ success.
Under her leadership, EHP International has become a beacon of female empowerment, breaking down traditional barriers and fostering an environment where women can excel in leadership roles. “We believe in equipping women with the tools they need to shatter the glass ceiling and take charge of their futures,” Liesa emphasizes. Through her dedication, Liesa continues to inspire a new generation of women to pursue leadership positions and drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
7. Vindou Duc | Empower Teams To Thrive For Sustainable Organisation
Vindou Duc is the Founder of The Nextep, a company dedicated to business transformation through coaching and mentoring leaders, teams, and organizations toward sustainable growth. With over two decades of global experience in people and culture, she partners with Founders and C-Suite executives to shape people and culture strategies, fostering human-centric workplaces.
Vindou specializes in designing HR strategies that align with business goals, creating psychologically safe environments, and strengthening team cohesion. Her ability to identify business challenges and develop actionable solutions sets her apart as a strategic leader in the field. Passionate about guiding individuals toward their authentic selves, she reflects, ‘By empowering leaders with the tools to create a safe space for their teams, we ensure both performance and long-term success.’
In the journey of business transformation with The Nextep, Vindou works with organizations to define what team effectiveness means in their culture and how to empower each team member to bring their authentic self to work. “The sustainability of any organization hinges on strong team dynamics and cohesion, as teams are at the heart of every organization,” Vindou adds. With a diverse network of experts from cross-industries and functions, their offerings are unique and tailor-made to the client’s needs. With her 121 coaching, Vindou helps leaders align their values and passion with actionable strategies to achieve their goals. With Vindou, business transformation is effortless, offering a platform to empower leaders and scale success.
8. Katia Triggiani | Leadership Mentor And Trainer Transforming Businesses
With 26 years of corporate excellence in marketing, business development, organizational transformation, and change management, along with neuroscience studies, Katia Triggiani brings a strategic yet people-centered approach to leadership and business success. As an ICF-certified professional coach and mentor, she aims to help companies achieve profit goals while retaining, engaging, and motivating talent.
Katia is the Founder of TKCoaching & Consulting and the Co-Founder of Minds Forward. She is also the Associate Partner of Doujak Corporate Development and cooperates with Unmind, a coaching platform to improve mental health in organizations. Addressing the entrepreneurs and women in business, Katia reflects, “Building a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about courage, resilience, and the willingness to show up. The world needs more women who own their space and lead with confidence.” Besides her business endeavors, Katia has been founding and running the Professional Women Club in Munich (2012-2017) and has been the Munich Chapter co-host of the International Coaching Federation since 2024.
With a belief in fostering intentional, purpose-driven change in organizations and society, Katia coaches executives and leadership teams to embrace new leadership cultures that strengthen trust, collaboration, and high performance. She even challenges and supports leaders in developing strategic thinking, people leadership skills, and character growth, helping them navigate complex transformations with confidence.
Her unique strengths in strategic problem-solving, creative solutions, and execution excellence, ensuring that businesses not only adapt but thrive in an ever-evolving landscape, have established Katia as a visionary leader in her field. A creative professional and networker, Katia is passionate about helping ambitious people thrive in their professional journey.
9. Trina Teo | Helping Executives Transform Expertise Into Income-Generating Streams
With over two decades of APAC Executive Portfolio Career expertise, Trina Teo has successfully navigated corporate MNCs, startups, and independent ventures, mastering the art of monetizing expertise into scalable, profitable businesses. As a Practicing Management Consultant (PMC) certified by the Singapore Business Advisors and Consultants Council (SBACC), she is a member of an elite network of consultants fostering enterprise growth and connecting professionals to regional business opportunities.
Combining her Business in a Box (BIB) Framework—which supports businesses from ideation to product rollout—with her LinkedIn Optimization Strategies for High Flyers, Trina empowers executives to validate, launch, and scale their ventures using AI-powered tools, driving structured execution and business growth. Trina helps leaders uncover high-value skills and crafts innovative income strategies that deliver lasting impact.
Beyond business strategy, Trina is deeply passionate about anti-aging, holistic wellness, and healthspan, recognizing that integral well-being is vital to sustainable success. She combines her expertise in executive coaching and digital marketing to amplify the reach of health-focused brands, including a Singapore-based startup Supplements Group poised to expand globally. She is part of a pioneering team advancing iPS Cell Banking in Singapore, a Nobel Prize-winning technology that banks personal stem cells for future regenerative treatments. Her philosophy is that when leaders optimize their health and energy, they unlock limitless potential in their careers and personal lives.
At her core, Trina is committed to leading a heart-centered, spiritually aware executive community where success is measured not by financial milestones but by authentic leadership, meaningful contribution, and impact. She empowers professionals to thrive personally, professionally, and spiritually at every level while positively influencing their families, networks, and, by extension—the world.
LinkedIn | Website | 1 Hour Executive Success Session with Trina
10. Heidi Weber Rüegg | Transforming Workplaces Into A Place Of Deep Joy
A visionary leader and the founder of Joyful Leadership, Heidi Weber Rüegg is setting new standards in modern corporate leadership. With over 30 years of leadership experience, she has been guiding executives and organizations since 2007 to embed joy as a central success factor in daily work life and to cultivate it as an integral part of corporate culture. Her vision is to transform the (working) world into a place of deep joy. Heidi firmly believes that joy enables what cannot be achieved through pressure, rigidity, or sheer effort. Joy is not only at the core of her work but also something she fully embodies and celebrates.
To foster this power of joy in the workspace, Heidi has developed Joyful Leadership, reflecting her approach for contemporary leadership, which on the one hand inspires her customers and on the other hand also guides her in her journey. With Joyful Leadership, she is committed to new, easy, joyful ways of leading and working together, as happy people are significantly more creative and productive than people who feel controlled and constrained.
Throughout these years, Heidi has been supporting customers, organizations and teams with her expertise. Regardless of whether the support is short-term or long-term, or whether it concerns the entire organization, a team or an individual, she is always there with all her years of experience, diverse leadership expertise and enormous joy.
Courageously paving new paths, Heidi’s influence extends far beyond conventional leadership topics. She seamlessly integrates leadership with consciousness practices and subtle energy work to foster holistic growth. There is a captivating energy about her that draws people in. Heidi’s unique gift lies in touching people’s hearts and creating spaces that enable healing and growth, empowering us to rise to new heights together.
Conclusion
The achievements of these top 10 businesswomen go beyond individual success—they represent progress, inclusivity, and the power of leadership. By reshaping industries and inspiring future generations, they are paving the way for a more dynamic and equitable business landscape. As we celebrate their contributions on International Women’s Day, their stories serve as a reminder that redefining success is not just about reaching new heights but also about creating opportunities for others to follow.
Also Read -:
