In the dynamic arena of startups and businesses, female leaders are creating impressions of success and innovation that resonate across the globe. As we delve into the stories of the top 10 female leaders steering their enterprises towards new horizons, we witness not just the rise of women in business but a seismic shift in how leadership and entrepreneurial spirit are defined. These formidable women have not only challenged the status quo but have set new benchmarks for excellence, merging vision with action in unprecedented ways.
Top 10 Female Leaders You Should Know in 2024
Below is the list of the top 10 female leaders who are changing the business game and showcasing their exceptional leadership skill’s.
1. Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri | An Emerging Remarkable Mindset Coach
Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri has rapidly ascended to the ranks of the elite! She is one of the top women to watch in 2024!
Dr. Al Mheiri is an award-winning Emirati trailblazer in the realm of mindset coaching, symbolizing entrepreneurial excellence in the UAE. In 2024 alone, Dr. Al Mheiri won four mindset awards. With over 17 years of experience in training, she has embraced her true calling in both group and one-on-one coaching, witnessing its transformative power firsthand. In May 2023, leveraging her extensive background and specialized coaching programs, she founded Hanan Empire—a platform dedicated to unlocking both organizational and individual potential. Her multifaceted expertise includes knowledge management, leadership, organizational culture, innovation, and excellence.
Dr. Al Mheiri offers bespoke coaching and consultation services, ranging from destiny mapping to career advancement strategies. With a proven track record of success, she remains committed to fostering innovation and empowering individuals and organizations alike.
Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri shares her thoughts on empowerment: “As a mindset coach, founder, CEO, government leader, and Emirati living in Dubai, I am deeply passionate about empowering individuals to realize their full potential and transform their lives.Many of us go through dark times and become trapped in mental prisons of our own making. I believe in the power of the human mind to transform and shift our reality to a desired one. After almost two decades, I discovered my true passion and life calling: mindset coaching. I find it fulfilling to help both women and men discover their life calling and passion and work towards it. I am very happy and grateful to change and transform people’s lives every day, showing them the path to success and helping them escape their mental prisons. Despite the challenges we encounter, if there is a will, there is always a way.”
Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri | LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Email |
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2. Edwige Dazogbo | Visionary Leader in Media and Cultural Representation
Edwige Dazogbo, the CEO of Edgy TV, stands as a formidable force in the media industry, particularly celebrated for her work in promoting cultural diversity. With over two decades of experience, she has made her mark as a cultural community spokesperson for major African film festivals and as a content producer for broadcasters in Quebec. Her entrepreneurial spirit has led to the founding of multiple ventures aimed at providing platforms for cultural communities to share their stories.
At the core of Edwige’s ventures is Edgy TV, a multicultural television network dedicated to showcasing the richness of cultural communities around the world. This network, which includes Edgy Mag, Mama Benz Mag, Mama Benz TV, and Edgy Urban, aims to celebrate diversity through a variety of programming that includes documentaries, movies, and lifestyle shows. The inclusivity and breadth of Edgy TV’s content reflect Edwige’s personal mission to foster understanding and appreciation across diverse cultures.
In addition to her contributions to media, Edwige is an advocate for representation, continuously working to ensure that cultural narratives are heard and respected. Her efforts have been recognized with multiple nominations and awards, highlighting her impact in making media a more inclusive space. Edwige’s leadership style is characterized by a dynamic blend of creativity, inclusivity, and innovation, driving her team to excel and her platforms to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving industry.
3. Dr. Mariam Shaikh | Pioneering Education with MS Education Consultants
Dr. Mariam Shaikh, the visionary Founder and CEO of MS Education Consultants, embodies a rich tapestry of experience that spans over 35 years in the education sector. Born in Mumbai and a long-term resident of the UAE, Dr. Shaikh has dedicated her career to fostering educational excellence and enabling students to reach their highest potential.
Her educational journey commenced in the 1980s when she established her own preschool, a foundation that set the stage for her future endeavors in various educational capacities. Dr. Shaikh’s career trajectory includes leading significant roles such as a Senior Leader and Vice President at renowned institutions including Canadian University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus, and Amity University Dubai. Her leadership greatly contributed to the expansion of these institutions, enhancing their reputations and student bodies.
In January 2020, Dr. Mariam Shaikh initially decided to retire and return to Mumbai. However, the lockdown led to a pivotal reflection period, rekindling her passion for education rather than retirement. This realization propelled her to establish MS Education Consultants in Dubai, marking a significant transition into entrepreneurship. Her firm is dedicated to higher education consulting, student recruitment, marketing, strategic development, international relations, and enhancing the student experience.
Dr. Mariam’s dedication extends beyond business; she is fervently committed to mentorship, particularly empowering future leaders and women entrepreneurs. Through her involvement in various international entrepreneurship groups, she offers her wisdom and experience to inspire and guide emerging businesswomen.
Her quote encapsulates her ethos beautifully: “As a startup, you’ll be facing plenty of challenges and tough moments but stay positive and keep pushing yourself until you reach your goals.” Dr. Shaikh continues to impact the educational landscape, driven by her unwavering commitment to student success and her passion for education.
4. Queenie Taylor-Wong: Bridging Global Markets in Trade and Treasury
Queenie Taylor-Wong stands out as a dynamic leader in the international trade industry. As the Co-founder and CEO of MERGE, a pioneering events and thought leadership provider, she brings a decade of experience in connecting corporates, financial institutions, legal experts, and fintech companies. Queenie’s passion for facilitating international connections has enabled her to establish a vast network and helped her to host high-demand events across MENA, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Her adeptness in event management ensures that each event not only runs smoothly but also maximizes engagement and opens up new business opportunities. Through these gatherings, Queenie has been instrumental in fostering collaboration, encouraging knowledge sharing, and facilitating growth across diverse sectors. Her work has significantly contributed to the formation of strategic partnerships that drive the industry forward.
Looking ahead, Queenie is spearheading the inaugural Qatar Trade and Treasury Transformation Summit 2025. This event promises to be a cornerstone for digital transformation discussions in the transaction banking space, aiming to empower corporate treasury teams with advanced solutions. It reflects her commitment to advancing industry practices and her belief in the power of collective endeavor.
Queenie encapsulates her philosophy by emphasizing the value in working collaboratively: “The power of connections should never be underestimated – whether you’re an established business leader or the founder of an early-stage start-up. Bringing people together and establishing impactful relationships is the ultimate trading currency.” Her leadership not only steers her company towards a fresh vision for trade and treasury content but also motivates others in the industry to strive for excellence.
5. Hifa Maleki | Pioneering Growth in Canadian Business and Hospitality
Hifa Maleki is a powerhouse in the Canadian business landscape, renowned for her strategic prowess and role in scaling major brands during their critical start-up phases. As an accomplished entrepreneur, Hifa not only owns and operates three successful restaurants but also serves as the Head of Development for Waxon Laser + Waxbar. Under her leadership, Waxon is rapidly expanding, aiming to establish 50 locations across Canada within just three years.
Hifa’s approach to business is marked by a focus on eliminating inefficiencies and optimizing performance. Her expertise in fast-paced strategic planning has significantly contributed to the aggressive growth and market penetration of the brands she works with. This skill set not only enhances the operations of her restaurants but also propels Waxon Laser + Waxbar towards becoming a dominant player in the beauty and wellness industry.
Reflecting on her journey and the challenges of rapid expansion, Hifa emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategic partnerships with a motivational quote: “You can choose to run a 100-meter sprint with or without hurdles. One is faster than the other. Working with the right people eliminates hurdles and gets you to the finish line faster!” This philosophy underscores her commitment to efficiency and collaboration, driving her ventures towards sustained success and innovation in their respective markets.
6. Dr. Desziree Richardson | Elevating Women’s Voices Globally
Dr. Desziree Richardson is a celebrated leader in global women’s empowerment, whose visionary efforts span across public speaking, media, fashion, and beauty. As the founder of the innovative platform, Face of Woha, Dr. Richardson has created a dynamic space that not only showcases women’s talents and stories but also empowers them to take center stage regardless of their background. Face of Woha is known for its public speaking events, TV productions, and a variety of products that reinforce women’s inherent power and potential.
Her commitment to women’s empowerment is deeply integrated into every facet of her work, including her role as an international speaker and branding expert. Dr. Richardson utilizes these platforms to motivate women globally, encouraging them to break barriers and pursue their dreams. Her initiatives are designed not just to celebrate achievements but to provide practical tools and a supportive community for women navigating various challenges.
One of Dr. Richardson’s notable quotes encapsulates her mission: “A man, woman, a nation, village or city unafraid to empower and uplift women and girls is among the most admired in the world.” This statement reflects her belief in the transformative power of uplifting women, which she actively promotes through her various roles and initiatives.
Dr. Richardson’s extensive work and dedication have not only earned her numerous accolades but have also made her a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for many. Her efforts to foster a world where empowerment and equality are accessible to all women are a testament to her unwavering dedication to societal progress and gender equality.
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7. Wessam Alsenafi Tariq: Strategic Growth Through Insightful Leadership
Wessam Alsenafi Tariq is renowned for her expertise as a CEO and International Certified Management Consultant, bringing extensive experience in strategic business analysis, process improvement, and change implementation. Her career is distinguished by a robust commitment to driving organizational growth through meticulous strategic planning, operational support, and the development of new business opportunities, culminating in their successful implementation.
Her qualifications, including a Post Graduate Certificate from the CIOB and a Leadership Development Programme from the Chartered Institute for Marketing Level 5, underscore her comprehensive approach to leadership and management. Wessam excels in diverse industries, where she supports clients in enhancing their operational frameworks and strategic endeavors.
Wessam believes in the profound impact of embracing challenges and learning from setbacks, as reflected in her philosophy: “Everybody targets success… I believe in Failure, Failure is the root for growth. It’s the continuous trimming of the tree leaves when the tree is growing so it reaches its best form and develops the strongest roots, I am that last tree.” This mindset highlights her focus not just on success but on the invaluable lessons derived from overcoming obstacles, advocating that “without failure, neither motivation nor passion were ever born.”
8. Helen Zeitoun | Spearheading Renewed Leadership with Data-Driven Innovation at DATAE HUMANUM
Helen Zeitoun has crafted a distinguished career over three decades, blending expertise in executive leadership, innovation, and data strategy. As CEO of DATAE HUMANUM, she leverages a rich background in evolving business models and leadership through data science and AI to guide B2B and B2C firms through human-centric data transformations. Her boutique consultancy works closely with CEOs, Boards, and Executive Committees, also CDOs, employing a unique methodology that draws on her published and awarded book, Datae Humanum.
With a storied tenure that includes pivotal roles as a global head of business units and transformative leadership in major research corporations, Helen has driven successful digital and organizational transformations. After 28 years as an intrapreneur within these roles, Helen transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding her own consultancy to extend her impact on industry-wide transformations. She is celebrated for restructuring business models to harness data science and AI, enhancing customer and employee experiences, and revolutionizing sales strategies to deliver comprehensive value.
When advising CEOs, C-suite, CDOs, she is recognized for thought-provoking questions, inspiring talks, human-led 360 digital audits, and authentic workshops that break silos, demystify AI, work on fears, and raison d’être to ensure adoption and a meaningful data strategy for the business and people. She has a track record in empowering women in tech, at the scientific and at the leadership level, advocating women’s “link leadership” style to embrace a life-driven transformation on AI and sustainability.
Helen’s visionary approach to bridging meaningful technology/AI, business strategy, and authentic people inclusion and renewal has established her as a respected advisor and an influential figure in large groups, SMEs, and start-ups across many sectors like consumer goods, retail, luxury, market research, and mobility. Her commitment to ethical leadership and innovation in data strategy is encapsulated in her philosophy: “When AI fails, it is due to underestimating the human factor… My focus is to frame the Human imperative, inclusion, and 360° strategic leadership in leading sustainable value with AI.” This guiding principle underscores her efforts to foster leadership skills that harmonize business success with societal and anthropological advancements.
9. Fabiola Luque Morales | A Visionary Leader in Finance, Innovation and Technology
Fabiola Luque, an accomplished MBA graduate from HEC Paris, has significantly impacted the finance and technology sectors through her innovative and strategic leadership. As the Founder of HEC FinTech MBA Club and Economia Sin Filtro, Fabiola has dedicated her career to pioneering advancements in financial literacy and integrating cutting-edge technology into wealth management.
Her journey in finance spans over a decade, with profound experiences in capital markets and investments across various continents. Fabiola’s role at Worldline Paris as a Project Manager in Business Innovation highlights her adeptness in identifying emerging fintech trends and spearheading strategic partnerships that amplify product offerings and market competitiveness.
Fabiola’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her founding of Economia Sin Filtro, a platform aimed at revolutionizing financial education through digital solutions. She is currently seeking grants and funding from international organizations and investors for a groundbreaking project: the world’s first financial education solution that uses a gamified virtual wallet to simulate real-life scenarios and incorporates emotional health and sustainability to teach young people how to manage their money consciously and holistically.
Her visionary approach is also showcased in her efforts to launch a U.S. Ed-tech platform, Levelship – Emerging Rule, in Peru, further emphasizing her commitment to education and technological integration.
A quote from Fabiola encapsulates her drive and visionary outlook: “No matter where you come from, keep dreaming big and pursue your goals with passion, dedication, gratitude, and humility”. This mindset has propelled her forward, making significant strides in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship, all while fostering international collaborations and enhancing business innovations.
10. Noora Ahmed: Pioneering Business, Relationship, and Customer Experience Excellence
Noora Ahmed, an influential figure in business development and customer experience, is recognized for her substantial contributions to establishing a merit-based workplace in the UAE. As she nears the completion of her doctorate, she continues to excel as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing knowledge bias in the workplace. Her expertise is backed by an Excellence Assessor certification for EFQM & DQA and multiple ISO lead auditor certifications, making her a leader in organizational excellence.
Noora challenges the notion that gender bias is prevalent in the UAE, advocating instead that the real issue is knowledge bias. She emphasizes the need for women to gain more expertise to secure leadership roles, stating, “No gender bias exists in the UAE working market; we only have the knowledge bias issue. We need the women to gain more expertise to prove themselves in any chair/position.” This approach highlights her dedication to fostering an environment where professional growth is based on skill and knowledge rather than gender.
Moreover, Noora is a staunch advocate for work-life balance, recognizing it as crucial for women’s long-term success in the workplace. She advises professionals to work hard and smart, focusing on what is urgent and important to maintain career sustainability without compromising personal well-being. Her insights are aimed at empowering women to navigate their careers with clarity and purpose, ensuring that neither professional nor personal life is neglected.
Through her visionary leadership and strategic initiatives, Noora Ahmed continues to influence the professional landscape in the UAE, encouraging a culture of meritocracy and equal opportunities for all, irrespective of gender. Her efforts not only enhance individual careers but also contribute to the broader goals of workplace equality and sustainable professional practices.
The Impact of Top 10 Female Leaders in Business
The influence of female leaders extends far beyond the confines of their companies. Statistics reveal that businesses led by women tend to exhibit a unique blend of resilience and adaptability. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, companies with more diverse leadership teams report nearly 35% higher financial returns than their industry averages. Furthermore, women-led firms are 15% more likely to outperform their counterparts, highlighting the innovative and comprehensive approach these top 10 female leaders bring to business strategies and problem-solving.
The above Top 10 female leaders are pivotal in fostering inclusive workplaces that thrive on diverse perspectives. They often champion corporate cultures that prioritize mentorship, work-life balance, and equitable growth opportunities, which are key factors in driving employee satisfaction and retention. These practices not only enhance productivity but also contribute to a more dynamic and innovative workplace environment.
Conclusion
The journey of women in the realms of entrepreneurship and leadership continues to inspire and influence the broader business landscape. The top 10 female leaders presented here exemplify this journey, showcasing the profound impact of their vision, resilience, and leadership style. As they redefine the contours of leadership, these top 10 female leaders not only pave the way for future generations but also underscore the critical role of diversity in fostering business growth and innovation. Their stories are not just narratives of personal achievement but blueprints for a more inclusive and equitable business world.
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