Five of the most influential Women in Business

Across technology, finance, media, and global consulting, a new era of leadership is being defined by women who are reshaping entire industries. Their influence spans breakthrough innovation, cultural transformation, and the reinvention of long-established sectors through bold strategy and ethical vision. From driving advancements in AI and digital banking to championing representation and redefining online connection, they exemplify the power of forward-thinking leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Here, we introduce five of the most influential women in business today.
 
Dr Lisa Su
CEO of AMD
 
Dr Lisa Su has become one of the most influential figures in global technology through her transformative leadership at AMD. Born in Taiwan and raised in the United States, Dr Su built her career in semiconductor engineering, holding senior roles at IBM and Freescale before joining AMD in 2012. She became CEO in 2014, leading one of the most impressive turnarounds in tech history by revitalising AMD’s product roadmap and reestablishing the company as a principal player in high-performance computing. Today, Dr Su is at the centre of two of the world’s fastest-growing markets: semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Her strategic focus on advanced chips for cloud, data centres, and AI workloads continues to shape the industry’s direction in 2025. As demand for AI-capable hardware accelerates, Dr Su’s leadership positions AMD as a crucial company in powering future innovations – cementing her status as one of the most influential executives of the decade.
 
Whitney Wolfe Herd
Founder of Bumble
 
Whitney Wolfe Herd is a trailblazer in technology and a defining voice for women in business. After co-founding Tinder early in her career, she went on to launch Bumble in 2014 – a dating platform built around the empowering idea that women make the first move. Her leadership propelled Bumble to a landmark moment in 2021 when she became the youngest woman CEO to take a company public, ultimately becoming the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire. Today, Whitney remains a pivotal figure in shaping conversations around women-led tech and ethical product design. In 2025, renewed attention was drawn to her entrepreneurial journey with the release of Swiped, a film inspired by her life and business decisions. This cultural spotlight reinforces her enduring influence not just as a founder but as a symbol of how digital platforms can shift social norms and expand opportunities for women in the tech ecosystem.
 
Julie Sweet
CEO of Accenture
 
Julie Sweet stands at the forefront of global business leadership as the CEO of Accenture, one of the world’s largest professional services firms. Before assuming the top role in 2019, Julie served as Accenture’s general counsel and later as CEO of its North America division – the company’s biggest market. Her deep understanding of technology, law, and international business has positioned her as a trusted adviser to corporations navigating digital transformation. Julie also serves on influential bodies, including the Business Roundtable, the World Economic Forum’s International Business Council, and Catalyst’s board of directors. Known for championing equality and responsible innovation, she has repeatedly emphasised that a culture of inclusion drives stronger performance. In 2025, Julie’s leadership remains especially influential as organisations grapple with rapid advances in generative AI, workforce reskilling, and sustainability. Her ability to align business performance with ethical technology adoption solidifies her ranking at the top of global “most powerful women” lists.
 
Anne Boden
Founder of Starling Bank
 
Anne Boden reshaped the UK financial landscape by founding Starling Bank, one of the first fully digital banks to gain a banking licence. With more than 30 years of experience in traditional finance, Anne made the bold, personal leap of selling her home to fund the early stages of the bank. Her vision for a mobile-first, user-centric alternative to legacy banking resonated with both consumers and small businesses, leading Starling to win Best British Bank for four consecutive years from 2018 to 2021. Anne’s impact extends beyond product innovation; she demonstrated that technology and trust can coexist in an industry often resistant to change. Although she stepped down from her role as CEO, she remains an influential figure in fintech and financial policy. Anne continues to shape conversations around open banking, digital security, and the future of finance for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
 
Cathy Hughes
Founder of Radio One
 
Cathy Hughes is a pioneering force in media and one of the most influential black women in American business. She founded Radio One – now Urban One – in 1980, transforming it into the largest black-owned media company in the United States. Cathy’s rise was far from conventional; she overcame significant financial hardship, once living in her station’s offices while building the company. Her breakthrough moment came in 1999 when Radio One went public, making her, at age 52, the first African American woman to lead a publicly traded corporation. Cathy has consistently used her platform to amplify Black voices, stories, and political perspectives, shaping cultural dialogue for decades. Today, her influence remains profound as media diversification and representation continue to dominate industry conversations. Urban One’s relevance in political reporting, radio, and digital media underscores Cathy’s enduring legacy as both a business leader and a champion for community empowerment.