2024 has seen several women leaders and businesswomen making change. These female leaders aren’t just excelling—they’re rewriting the rules and inspiring people everywhere. These top 11 influential female leaders are showing impact of their leadership and passion.
Today’s female leaders are doing much more than running businesses. They’re tackling big issues like technology, sustainability, and social change. They’re showing us that true leadership is about finding solutions that make a real difference, not just for their companies but for the world around them.
From breaking into male-dominated spaces to leading in innovation, these women have shown what’s possible when determination meets vision. They are proving that success isn’t just about following the path laid out—it’s about creating your own.
In this article, we’ll dive into the stories of the Top 11 Influential Female Leaders who made 2024 their year. Let’s get started!
Top 11 Influential Female Leaders Defining The 2024 Landscape
Below are the top 11 influential female leaders who showcased their dedication and passion in 2024. Let’s talk about them in details.
1. Martina Vitulli | Pioneering Leadership in Global Property and Urban Wellness
Martina Vitulli, the Managing Director of Hotels, Resorts, and Branded Residences at Urbanew, is a trailblazer in the global property industry, embodying transformative leadership and innovation. Her forward-thinking approach to real estate advisory is reshaping the way we envision urban living and wellness-focused developments, cementing her position as a leader in the field.
At Urbanew, Martina’s deep passion for wellness transcends personal practice and has become a core principle in the concepts she develops. “Wellness is not just a trend; it’s an integral element of how people want to live, work, and experience the world today,” she explains. Drawing from over a decade of experience across real estate, fitness, and hospitality industries, Martina has witnessed a significant shift in consumer preferences toward spaces that nurture physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Martina plays a pivotal role in steering projects that blend luxury, functionality, and sustainability. Her leadership integrates wellness into the fabric of new developments, whether through holistic retreats in luxury resorts, urban wellness hubs, or residential towers featuring meditation gardens, fitness spaces, and clean-eating dining options. “For me, wellness is about designing spaces that prioritize health, connection, and longevity while ensuring financial resilience for investors,” she emphasizes.
Martina’s work has paved the way for more women to take on key decision-making roles in shaping the future of urban spaces. Under her guidance, Urbanew has emerged as a global leader in crafting sustainable, wellness-focused urban precincts. Martina’s ability to blend visionary design principles with financial viability consistently results in projects that set new industry benchmarks. “Developers have the power to shape the way people live and interact with their surroundings. By embracing wellness-driven designs, they’re not just meeting market demand but also contributing to healthier, happier communities,” she asserts.
Beyond her professional achievements, Martina is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She believes that diverse perspectives are essential for creating spaces that are inclusive, forward-thinking, and reflective of the communities they serve.
2. Isabela Tatu | Leading the Charge in Sustainable Maritime Innovation
Isabela Tatu is a visionary leader transforming the maritime and energy industries with bold innovation and sustainable solutions. As Co-Founder and CEO of Clean Marine Shipping, she leads efforts to protect the oceans and uplift coastal communities through equitable and transformative technologies.
Under Isabela’s leadership, Clean Marine Shipping is pioneering state-of-the-art sustainable maritime technologies, including zero-carbon-emission alkaline fuel cells and waste-to-energy solutions that enable a circular economy. These advancements are revolutionising clean energy practices, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping industry while ensuring that waste is repurposed into valuable resources. For Isabela, sustainability is a mission. Her mantra, “Waste should never be wasted,” encapsulates her dedication to turning environmental challenges into opportunities for progress.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Isabela champions gender equality and diversity, recognising the transformative power of empathetic and resilient leadership. Through her collaboration with organisations like UN Women and G100, she fosters an inclusive global economy and inspires others to drive meaningful change. Her dedication to education is equally profound. As a school governor at a Special Educational Needs School (SEND) and vice-chair of the Educational Committee within Women on Boards CIC, she champions diversity, equity and inclusion, while empowering female entrepreneurs through mentorship, advocacy and targeted education.
A passionate advocate for the maritime industry’s future, Isabela actively engages with younger generations through initiatives like Maritime UK and Inspiring the Future. Her goal: to ignite interest in careers across STEM, renewable energy and sustainable shipping. She also shares her vision and insights through her personal blogs, Shadow and Light on Wings and The Lady Ship’s RoundTable, where she explores topics ranging from sustainability to empowerment.
Isabela’s vision is clear: a future where sustainable innovation thrives, communities are uplifted and the maritime industry becomes a global leader in environmental stewardship. Through her work and commitment, she is not only reshaping industries but also inspiring a collective movement toward a greener, more equitable future.
LinkedIn | Clean Marine Shipping | LadyShip’s Round Table | Website
3. Stephy Scolaro | Innovating Beauty, Technology, and Property
Stephy Scolaro is a dynamic leader at the intersection of beauty, technology, and property. As the CEO of Medspa Group, she has revolutionized the beauty aesthetics industry by focusing on non-surgical procedures that enhance natural beauty. Through her business, La Beauty Dolls, Stephy has established a remarkable presence in the UK, with several locations and a loyal clientele base of over 10,000 clients. For the past four years, her dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction has positioned La Beauty Dolls as a trusted name in the beauty industry.
Driven by a passion for innovation, Stephy has also developed a strong interest in Artificial Intelligence and property. As she continues to expand her ventures, she is currently working on an exciting new project that combines her expertise in these fields. Her forward-thinking approach reflects her commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies, making her a visionary leader in both beauty and tech industries.
Stephy’s blend of entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cutting-edge advancements makes her a key player in transforming beauty aesthetics while also venturing into new realms of innovation.
4. Alicia Eastman | Pioneering the Path to a Sustainable Future
Alicia Eastman moderating the inaugural green finance panel at the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance Forum, under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco in December 2024, Monte Carlo.
With three decades of experience spanning international investment, private equity, project finance, and corporate strategy, Alicia Eastman stands at the forefront of global sustainability and energy transition efforts.
Alicia co-founded InterContinental Energy (ICE) in 2014 and was President until 2024. At ICE, she was instrumental in developing some of the world’s largest green hydrogen and ammonia projects across Australia and particularly in the GCC, driving decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors like shipping, heavy industry, chemicals, and power. Alicia is still an active Board Director of ICE and is also a Non-Executive Board Member (NED) for multiple CleanTech investment companies, including patented nanotechnology-supported highly efficient and zero-emissions semiconductors and microchips, critical mining and materials, and other global impact firms through APC Investors (APC), a group she founded to address serious financial needs in the energy efficiency and alternative fuels supply chain sectors. APC strives to provide Agile, Purposeful, Catalytic advice and investment to accelerate the energy transformation.
In addition to her role as Managing Director of APC and continued involvement with ICE, Alicia also co-founded MAP Capital, a merchant bank in the GCC focused on large industrial projects since 2009. She sits on the Global Hydrogen Advisory Board of the Sustainable Energy Council (SEC), the McKinsey & Company Sustainability Advisory Council, the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance, and the Women in Renewables Association (WiRA). Alicia is the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Hydrogen Expert driving the zero-emissions ammonia workstream, and she is the Co-Host of the cult-favorite podcast Everything About Hydrogen, shining a light on the opportunities and obstacles to decarbonization utilizing hydrogen and clean derivatives.
Alicia is a frequent speaker and moderator at prestigious platforms such as the Financial Times, Economist, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), Future Investment Initiative (FII), World Economic Forum (WEF), International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA), ADIPEC, International Energy Association (IEA), and COP26-29.
Whether as a Founder, Board Director, Impact Investor, or Advisor, Alicia leverages her Ivy League educational background from the Wharton School of Economics and the Fletcher School of International Law & Diplomacy as well as deep operational expertise across multiple industrial verticals, including renewable energy, biotech/specialty chemicals, telecoms, and technology. Her commitment to equity, sustainability, and innovative financing structures positions her as a driving force in the global energy transition.
LinkedIn | InterContinental Energy | Everything About Hydrogen | SEC | UNECE | ADIPEC Exhibition and Conference
5. Jacqui Uys | Driving Innovation and Growth in the Digital Age
Jacqui Uys, a distinguished growth strategist, has been at the forefront of innovation for over two decades, shaping transformative strategies across SaaS, e-commerce, FMCG, and consulting industries. With a career spanning 20 years, she is celebrated for delivering market penetration, exceptional ROI, and breakthrough innovations through her data-driven and AI-enhanced methodologies.
As the Chief Growth Marketing Officer at Hellopeter, South Africa’s largest online review platform, Jacqui plays a pivotal role in connecting over 8 million annual visitors and 2.3 million registered users. Under her leadership, Hellopeter has evolved from a consumer complaints platform into a comprehensive review management solution, revolutionizing the way businesses and consumers interact online. “The heart of impactful growth lies in understanding your customer, embracing innovation, and building solutions that not only meet but anticipate their needs. Growth is about vision, but it’s also about execution,” Jacqui shares.
Her expertise and leadership have garnered her recognition as a “formidable force in the marketing world.” Named a rising star in e-commerce by Yotpo (New York), Jacqui is known for leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance customer engagement and foster trusted online reputations. Her ability to drive sustained growth through innovative strategies cements her reputation as one of the industry’s most influential leaders.
Before joining Hellopeter, Jacqui served as the Global Director of Digital Marketing at Clickatell, where she achieved significant transformations in lead conversion and customer acquisition. She also co-founded the THINK Global Institute, Africa’s first female-led startup accredited by the Digital Marketing Institute. This pioneering platform established new standards for digital education, empowering entrepreneurs and professionals alike.
Jacqui’s leadership style blends visionary thinking with a collaborative approach, inspiring her teams to consistently exceed expectations. Her passion for innovation and growth is reshaping the digital landscape, making her a trailblazer in defining the future of business.
With an unmatched ability to adapt to ever-changing market dynamics and a relentless drive for excellence, Jacqui Uys is setting new benchmarks in growth strategy and innovation. As 2024 unfolds, her impact on the digital age continues to inspire and redefine success across industries.
LinkedIn | Website | Hellopeter Business
6. Erica Antonietti | Blending Heritage with Vision
Erica Antonietti, Managing Director of FGC FOOD INDUSTRIES LLC, embodies a story where tradition and modernity meet in perfect harmony. Born into a family of Italian merchants, Erica’s entrepreneurial spirit was shaped by her heritage and fueled by her passion for authentic Italian cuisine. Today, she’s a visionary in Dubai’s food industry, bridging the rich traditions of her homeland with the innovative pulse of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
In 2007, during a business trip to Dubai’s GULFOOD exhibition, Erica felt an undeniable pull toward the city’s energy and potential. That moment sparked the creation of FGC FOOD INDUSTRIES, a company specializing in fresh, authentic Italian products for hotels and airlines. Drawing on her grandmother’s cherished recipes, Erica established a factory producing pasta, sauces, and pizzas, blending time-honored techniques with modern precision. “Authenticity is not just our promise; it’s our purpose,” Erica says, reflecting on her approach.
Beyond the kitchen, Erica’s vision extends to holistic well-being. Inspired by her personal journey with yoga and meditation, she recently opened a retreat in Bali—a sanctuary for renewal and connection. This venture mirrors her belief in crafting experiences that nourish both body and soul.
With a reputation for excellence and an unwavering commitment to quality, Erica continues to shape Dubai’s culinary scene while staying true to her roots. “For me, it’s about creating something timeless—whether it’s food that evokes a memory or spaces that inspire transformation.”
7. Nisi Thusi | Shaping Leaders Through Knowledge and Action
Dr. Nisi Thusi is a name synonymous with dedication, education, and leadership. As a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg and an Associate Professor at G-CAR and South Valley University, she blends academic insight with real-world experience. Her journey spans over two decades, during which she has made a lasting impact in education and management consulting.
In her role as Executive Managing Director at Niesy Management Consultant, Dr. Thusi helps organizations navigate challenges with clarity and strategy. As the Founder of Ashes to Beauty, she is deeply committed to empowering individuals to rise above adversity and achieve personal growth. Her dual career in academia and consulting reflects a lifelong dedication to innovation and mentorship.
Dr. Thusi’s expertise extends beyond the classroom. She has a rich corporate background as an Accountant and Pricing Specialist. This experience has shaped her approach to problem-solving and leadership. Today, she is a respected consultant known for her practical insights and ability to guide teams toward sustainable success.
Mentorship is central to her work. Through the UJ and SAICA Mentorship Programmes, she inspires young professionals to embrace learning and lead with confidence. Her teaching philosophy focuses on preparing students for the future while grounding them in resilience and purpose.
As an author of Polished Pearls: Cultivating Grace and Manners in Young Women, Dr. Thusi adds another dimension to her commitment to personal growth. The book, which reflects her passion for guiding young women toward success, further highlights her dedication to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
With a passion for education and a vision for change, Dr. Thusi leads by example. Her initiative, Empowering Tomorrow: Cultivating Leadership Skills for the Next Generation, reflects her belief in building a better future through knowledge and action. Whether in the classroom or the boardroom, she is shaping the leaders of tomorrow, one step at a time.
8. Judith O’Callaghan | Unmatched SAP Advisory Expertise
As the co-founder of Global ERP Advisory, Judith O’Callaghan and her team specialize in Phase 0, Program Governance, and Escalation Management. Over the years of her career path, she has had the opportunity to run major business transformations, scale up consulting practices, craft compelling business cases, and constantly deliver groundbreaking results.
Judith’s journey in SAP-enabled business transformation over 2 decades has taken her across 3 continents. Having lived in the busiest cities and remotest places, Judith believes herself to be blessed to have developed meaningful relationships with industry pioneers and the creators of the modern ERP, solidifying her presence in the industry. Some of her pioneering ideas that have come to life are the Bluefield (Selective Transformation) approach, GIS (Spatial systems) on HANA, Phase 0 approach that focuses on Organizational Readiness, Team Readiness, and Technical Readiness.
With a focus on Digital Business Transformation, Judith believes that the initial investment in (Phase 0 activities) significantly contributes to the success of Digital Transformation by making it more informed and conscious.
Being raised in an era where reading in candlelight was the norm and access to an uninterrupted power supply or running water was a luxury, Judith has a passion for making the world a better place. She believes in diversity of thought, especially the role women play in the male-dominated industry.
With a client-centric approach, Judith emphasizes that every client benefits by surrounding themselves with advisors, obtaining independent advice, tapping into their inner wisdom, remaining true to their vision, embracing innovation, and crafting their transformation journeys.
9. Uma Rudd Chia: The Balancing Act of Running an Ad Agency, Advising Startups, and Owning the Stage
As a multi-award-winning Executive Creative Director and the co-founder of KVUR.io, Uma Rudd Chia is a trailblazing creative solutions agency specializing in branding, marketing, and martech strategies for industries ranging from travel and hospitality to healthcare, beauty, and finance. With over two decades of experience in advertising, Uma has led campaigns for global brands such as Hilton, Ascott, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Coval Technologies, and Nordaq, cementing her reputation as one of the most innovative minds in the industry.
Beyond running her agency, Uma is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, delivering keynotes and workshops on topics like AI trends for brands and marketing to Gen Z. Her Miami Ad School boot camp on the creator economy is a first-of-its-kind program designed to equip brands with the tools to connect authentically with younger audiences. Uma’s expertise has taken her to stages across the globe, from Japan and Australia to Nepal, Mauritius, and the UK.
Uma is also a bestselling author of four books, including The Spotted Zebra published by Penguin Random House. Her work combines creativity, innovation, and her passion for empowering others. She serves on multiple boards, including the Singapore Management University and the Global Leadership Summit, and acts as a fractional CMO to startups, advising on brand positioning, venture capital pitches, and growth strategies. Her approach to leadership is anchored in collaboration and lifelong learning, mentoring others while continuously embracing new knowledge to remain at the forefront of her field.
Uma reflects that true leadership isn’t just about personal success; it’s about building others up along the way. She emphasizes teaching, mentoring, and empowering those around, because strong brands are built by creating strong advocates. And rather than shying away from the unknown, Uma firmly believes in stepping boldly into opportunities, learning, growing, and embracing the journey.
10. Mika Tanaka | Making Tasks Easier By Assigning Online Secretarial Teams
The CEO of Remottosan Inc., Japan, and founder of her business, Remottosan, in the Netherlands, Mika Tanaka has expertise in talent development. With a focus on women empowerment through remote work opportunities and leadership training, Mika is on a mission to support women’s career advancement, especially those in rural areas, by promoting reskilling and increasing their income potential.
In 2024, Mika launched the Remottosan Academy, an online program dedicated to training virtual assistants, which serves as a platform for women to gain essential skills and achieve financial independence while embracing flexible, remote work lifestyles. The range of services offered by her company is handled by professional online secretarial teams who thoroughly support the clients with all the tasks they don’t want to compromise on. Assigning the best staff, Remottosan handles a wide range of tasks.
Mika’s contributions to women’s empowerment have been widely recognized, including the Special Award of the Cabinet Office’s Women’s Challenge Award in 2022. Furthermore, Mika is a co-author of the book “Zoom Master Training Course, Revised Edition” (2020), which focuses on effective virtual communication.
11. Preeti Dubey | Empowering Leaders Across Industries
Founded a decade ago by Preeti Dubey, an acclaimed global trainer, and coach, Strive High has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the soft skills behavioral training landscape, with a proven track record of empowering professionals across industries. Through innovative training methodologies, customized solutions, and unwavering dedication to client success, Strive High is recognized for delivering impactful training in topics ranging from Leadership Development to Mental well-being, Emotional Intelligence, and Cultural Sensitivity.
With a mission to bridge the gap between technical expertise and interpersonal excellence, empowering individuals and organizations to reach new heights of success, Preeti built her company, where she fosters a culture of leadership, resilience, and well-being, contributing to the safety and excellence of the maritime industry. Preeti brings a unique perspective to understanding human behavior and organizational dynamics, reflecting her strong foundation in psychology and business management. She stated, “There are no barriers to dreaming and no limitations to realizing the dream if only determination is powered by the right beliefs and actions.”
As the CEO of Strive High, Preeti has expanded the company, operating in over 20 countries worldwide, partnering with multinational corporations, government bodies, and small businesses. Her journey in this field has been focused on helping people excel professionally and unlock their fullest potential as leaders, collaborators, and individuals, earning Preeti recognition globally.
Conclusion
These were the top 11 influential female leaders who made a change in 2024. Their leadership and skills are what make them each unique in their own industries. Whether we talk about teamwork, passion, consistency or innovative ideas, these female leaders are staying ahead of the game in all these aspects.
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