The business world is seeing a growing number of women leading in various industries, from technology to finance and beyond. These entrepreneurs are not only building successful companies but also shaping the way businesses operate. Their ideas, leadership, and commitment to innovation have set them apart in competitive markets. This list highlights the top 10 women entrepreneurs who are making a real impact and changing the business landscape in meaningful ways.
Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs | 2025
Below is the list of the top 10 women entrepreneurs who are changing the business landscape in 2025. This International Women’s Day, let’s learn about their journeys and work!
1. Diana Richardson | Empowering Entrepreneurs To Achieve Excellence
A seasoned business owner and university-educated entrepreneur, Diana Richardson has over 25 years of expertise in the beauty, well-being, and skincare industry. With an illustrious background as an Alumna of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, earning a first in their Strategic Innovation Program, a Harvard Medical School graduate, along with obtaining her teaching qualification from Greenwich University, and studying Communications at University Nevada Las Vegas, Diana empowers entrepreneurs through education. The philosophy at the heart of her work is all about guiding entrepreneurs to unlock their true potential.
As a Founder and CEO of 10 companies that she has started, scaled, and sold, she shares her experience and expertise with her “Glowgetter Beauty Entrepreneurs Podcast,” recent best-selling book “Glowgetters Guide to Running a Blooming Business,” and International Coaching, Mentoring and Continued Professional Development (CPD) program. With Glowgetter, Diana offers much more than consultancy to entrepreneurs; it is a revolutionary platform and a community for education, empowerment, and business growth – a complete roadmap for an entrepreneur’s success.
Her comprehensive knowledge, business acumen, customer service, and team management skills have gained her international recognition and multiple awards. Diana is a three-time winner of the PHAB Service Stars, equivalent to Michelin Stars of the restaurant industry. Moreover, her most recent accolades have been globally recognized as Best Business Mentor and welcomed into the Hall of Fame as Top Beauty and Wellbeing Entrepreneur of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP).
Diana’s wealth of experience, dedication to excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit, continue to make a lasting impact in the beauty and wellbeing industry. In the dynamic beauty industry, Diana’s visionary approach serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them achieve new heights in this field.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | Instagram
2. Worrawan Jirathanapiwat | Empowering the Human Rights and Sustainability via Education
Worrawan Jirathanapiwat, CEO and Co-founder of FN Educon and FN Acadreamy is a leading figure in Southeast Asian development, deeply committed to social justice, gender equality, and sustainable practices. Her Thai background and extensive fieldwork experience across the region inform her unique perspective, complemented by advanced degrees in International Human Rights Law, International Peace Studies, and Social Program Evaluation.
FN Educon, her co-founded company, focuses on research, evaluation, and training in social development, humanitarian issues, sustainable innovation, and others, while offering crucial consulting services to students pursuing international education and those wishing to study in Thailand. Both business solution approaches reflect Worrawan’s dedication to both individual empowerment and broader systemic change.
Her career has progressed from grassroots training to leading complex evaluation projects for organizations like Plan International and GIZ. As a recognized expert in applying theory-based evaluations and OECD DAC criteria, she ensures rigorous assessments and impactful recommendations and her projects often prioritize marginalized communities, striving for inclusive and equitable outcomes through participatory research methodologies.
Central to Worrawan’s philosophy is the transformative power of data-driven decision-making. She consistently applies rigorous methodologies and adapts her strategies to overcome challenges, ensuring the continued success of her initiatives. Her unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable groups, including stateless individuals and people with disabilities, is a hallmark of her work. This dedication results in impactful and meaningful changes within communities.
Worrawan’s belief in the potential for positive transformation through evidence-based strategies and collaborative partnerships is unwavering. Her leadership, coupled with the initiatives of FN Educon and FN Acadreamy, inspires individuals and organizations to embrace data-driven approaches, confront challenges directly, and strive towards creating meaningful, sustainable change in both personal and professional lives, and encouraging equality in both femininity, masculinity, and immigration in society. Her work serves as a powerful example of how education can be a catalyst for progress in Southeast Asia.
3. Elena Viezzoli – Transforming Business with Purpose and Impact
As a visionary leader and entrepreneur with a remarkable career spanning high-tech industries, global business strategy, and innovative startups, Elena Viezzoli has held executive positions at Aethra Spa, Aethra.net, and Almagores Srl, serving as CEO and Board Member, driving international growth and innovation. Passionate about empowering businesses and individuals, she serves as a business mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation.
Having lived and worked for over two decades in multiple cities worldwide, including London, Miami, New York, Perth, Luxembourg, San Francisco, Bologna, Milan, and Rome, Elena has developed a truly global perspective on business and leadership.
Beyond her corporate success, Elena is the Founder of Perla Business Holistic Community, an innovative Women’s Business Community dedicated to fostering high-impact individuals and developing businesses with strong social impact. Rooted in the belief that personal evolution is the foundation of professional success, this community is redefining leadership by integrating purpose, well-being, and business growth.
Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the Italo Agnelli Lifetime Achievement Award, the prestigious “Premio Agorà d’Oro della Comunicazione”, recognition as one of StartupItalia’s “Unstoppable Women,” and the title of “Ambassador of Peace” for her social commitment. She was also the first female President of Confindustria Ancona, marking a milestone in leadership representation.
A former professional athlete, Elena continues to compete in Padel, recently winning the Italian Championship Over League (2023). In addition to her business endeavors, she is an active animal rights advocate and activist, supporting international animal welfare organizations and local initiatives. With a global mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a relentless drive to create meaningful change, Elena Viezzoli is shaping the future of business leadership with purpose and impact.
LinkedIn | Instagram | Telegram | Facebook
4. Evgeniya Naumova | Offering Excellence In The IT Landscape
With over two decades in IT, cybersecurity, and strategic leadership, Evgeniya Naumova has built and led high-performing teams, driven business growth, and navigated complex challenges in corporate sales and technology.
As the Head of Enterprise Sales in Russia at Kaspersky, she drove a 20x growth in enterprise sales in Russia, tripling Kaspersky market share. As an Executive VP, she scaled Kaspersky’s B2B products and worldwide sales network—handling complex, high-stakes deals across multiple markets. Evgeniya’s team had driven Kaspersky’s growth faster than any of the trackable global competitors, moving from 5th to 2nd place of growth globally during Covid Pandemic.
As the CEO of a cybersecurity company inside a top telecom company, she has increased revenue 8.5 times, launched pioneering cybersecurity products, and shaped a team of over 300 specialists from scratch.
“Today, under my brand Endemic, my focus is on health and wealth industries that touch people’s lives every single day,” she says. With AI and deep personalization reshaping every industry, Evgeniya seeks to explore ways to integrate high-personalization and technology in transforming the experience of health and financial well-being. Although a new challenge for her, Evgeniya believes success is all about evolving, growing, and mastering the next big thing.
Firmly believing in ideas rather than material intentions and in execution more than beautiful words, Evgeniya believes the future belongs to hyper-personalized AI-driven services, where technology adapts to people — not the other way around.
Over the next 2–3 years, emotional intelligence will take center stage, as AI gradually replaces hard skills. She explains, “AI can’t truly understand and accept a human being in the same way another person can. AI can recognize patterns in emotions. AI can imitate empathy. But AI doesn’t have the ability to empathize. It’s important for people to feel understood on an emotional level. Imagine sitting across from a robot that listens to your every word, catches every nonverbal signal, reads the microexpressions on your face, and looks almost into your soul — understanding even what you cannot voice to yourself. And then, after all that, it truly understands, accepts, calms, and inspires you. One day, this may become reality. But not just yet. Today, leadership is still about human empathy, vision, and the ability to drive change.”
And change is happening fast. Technology no longer evolves in cycles — it transforms industries in real-time. Leaders who rely on rigid processes will fall behind. The ability to adapt, restructure, and rethink existing business models at the speed of technological change will be the key to success. Leadership isn’t just about hitting targets — it’s about building systems that scale, and Evgeniya lives by this philosophy. In today’s world, leadership is not about long-term strategic plans; it’s about dynamic, short-term, and highly personalized learning. Leaders must not only continuously learn themselves but also create an environment where their teams develop skills that were never taught in schools or universities.
Evgeniya believes that while AI agents will become an integral part of organizations, companies will still be built around people, with emotional intelligence being the defining trait of successful leaders. Over the next five years, the most crucial skill for a CEO will be the ability to build hybrid teams where humans and AI agents collaborate seamlessly. “The leaders of the future will not just manage businesses,” Evgeniya shares, “they will orchestrate human-AI synergy — making sure technology enhances, not replaces, what makes us human. The future belongs to those who can connect technology with human potential.”
LinkedIn | Instagram | Telegram | VK | Facebook
5. Karen Daniels | Transforming Sustainability Aspirations Of Businesses
Karen Daniels, Founder and CEO of EcoIQ, a pioneering B2B SaaS platform, is revolutionizing how companies manage ESG data and supplier engagement across global supply chains. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades at corporate giants including Shell, Heineken, and Diageo, Karen has expertly managed operations across Africa, the UK, Europe, and Asia Pacific. This global experience, combined with her unwavering commitment to human rights and women’s empowerment, gives her a unique perspective on sustainable business practices in diverse markets.
Karen initially founded Ethical Edge Advisory, a consultancy focused on sustainability and ethical leadership. However, she quickly recognized that knowledge and expertise alone weren’t enough to solve the complex challenges her clients faced. “I realized that companies didn’t just need advice—they needed practical tools to execute effectively,’’ Karen explains. This insight led her to pivot from consultation to technology, founding EcoIQ to address the critical gaps she observed in the sustainability landscape.
Drawing on her extensive supply chain expertise, Karen developed a user-centric platform that tackles real-world challenges: fragmented ESG tools, poor supplier response rates, and resource-draining reporting processes. “The most effective solutions come from intimate knowledge of the problem,” she notes. “After years in corporate sustainability roles, I understood exactly where existing systems were failing.”
Based in the Netherlands with offices in Amsterdam and Cape Town, EcoIQ maintains a global footprint with a strategic focus on developing markets across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe—regions often underserved by existing ESG solutions yet facing some of the most pressing sustainability challenges.
With more than two decades of experience across global corporate giants, Karen is an expert and seasoned professional when it comes to supply chain transformations and turning procurement processes into catalysts for sustainable growth, guiding businesses toward responsible practices for the planet.
6. Dr. Amina Wakefield | Expanding British Education Worldwide
Dr. Amina Wakefield has played a vital role in expanding British education across international markets. As the Founder and CEO of Cambridge Worldwide Academy, she has led the provision and delivery of high-quality education services to governments, educators, and investors in over 60 countries. Her expertise has been instrumental in setting up international schools, technical colleges and universities, ensuring access to affordable good quality British education worldwide.
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Wakefield has held senior leadership positions, including CEO, Trade Advisor and Chairman. Her work has not only strengthened global education systems but has also contributed to the British education sector’s economic growth, generating £220 million in international income. She has successfully established 308 education programs and institutions across 22 countries and helped British educators and exporters enter new markets.
Her achievements have earned her 29 awards from various governments and organizations. Most recently, she received the 2025 Influential Women in Business Award for the second year in a row, along with the 2025 Award of Excellence for Professional & Academic Services. Her contributions were also recognized with the 2024 She Inspires Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting the longevity of her business success and impact on education.
Beyond her business success, Dr. Wakefield is a dedicated advocate for education as a tool for global prosperity. Her influence continues to shape policies and programs that enhance learning opportunities for students worldwide. By combining strategic vision with a passion for education, she is driving meaningful change in the sector and ensuring a lasting legacy.
LinkedIn | Cambridge Worldwide Academy UK | Website
7. Dr. Desziree Richardson | Championing Women’s Empowerment and Social Change
Dr. Desziree Richardson is a dedicated advocate for women’s empowerment, social equality, and humanitarian causes. Through initiatives like FACE OF WOHA and the Women of Heart Awards (WOHA), she provides platforms that recognize and celebrate women who are making a difference in their communities. Her work encourages leadership, mentorship, and storytelling, creating spaces where women can inspire and uplift one another.
Beyond advocacy, Dr. Richardson has built Happy Mood Swagger, a brand that merges fashion and aviation to promote confidence and well-being. Her goal is to bring joy into everyday life, using clothing as a tool for self-expression and positivity. The brand reflects her broader vision of fostering happiness and resilience in people’s lives.
Her commitment to social impact extends globally. As the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Chairwoman for the Rotary Club of Global Impact, she champions multicultural understanding and inclusivity. She is also an International Brand Ambassador for child protection initiatives in India, working to create safer environments for vulnerable children.
Dr. Richardson’s influence is recognized at an international level. She holds the title of Crowned Princess for Ghana, an honor that underscores her work in fostering cultural unity and global collaboration. Her leadership roles highlight her dedication to bridging gaps between communities and advocating for meaningful change.
Through her diverse initiatives, Dr. Richardson continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide. Whether through recognition programs, business ventures, or humanitarian efforts, she remains committed to creating opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and making a lasting impact on society.
8. Cristina Passione Calò | Redefining Influencer Marketing with Starflare.AI
Cristina Passione Calò co-founded Starflare after experiencing firsthand the frustrations of influencer marketing. She saw inefficiencies in how creators connected with brands, managed campaigns, and handled payments. Determined to bridge this gap, she built a platform that simplifies operations for both sides. What surprised her most was how quickly the industry adapted to AI-driven solutions, proving the demand for smarter, more efficient tools.
Reflecting on her early days, Cristina wishes she had embraced adaptability sooner. While having a vision is key, the startup world is unpredictable, and the best opportunities often come from unexpected challenges. She also values celebrating small wins, recognizing that progress—even in small steps—keeps the momentum going.
One of her most unconventional decisions was focusing on onboarding influencers before brands. Many platforms target businesses first, assuming they drive the market. Cristina flipped this model, building a strong network of creators that naturally attracted brands. This strategy paid off, giving Starflare an edge with a thriving community before it even approached businesses.
A defining moment came when Starflare introduced a rewards program for influencers. It was a risky move, but it led to a 30% increase in user registrations with minimal marketing costs. This reinforced Cristina’s belief in taking calculated risks and staying in tune with user needs. She also sees transparency as the biggest challenge in influencer marketing—brands and creators need clearer pricing and more reliable payment systems to build trust and long-term partnerships.
Cristina describes her leadership style as empathetic, believing that understanding people—whether team members, influencers, or brands—creates stronger relationships and better outcomes. Looking ahead, she remains committed to improving the industry, ensuring that Starflare continues to make influencer marketing more accessible, fair, and effective for everyone involved.
LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
9. Saifon Chitdee | At the Forefront of AI-Powered Digital Assistance
Saifon Chitdee, the Founder and CEO of MAJESTY AI, is at the forefront of revolutionizing how brands and consumers interact through the introduction of a digital assistant powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing capabilities. This digital assistant is poised to redefine the landscape of information and data sharing, serving as a pivotal bridge between humans and the digital world. “We are creating a future where everything is seamlessly interconnected, making AI an integral part of daily life,” Chitdee shares.
The vision behind MAJESTY AI’s digital assistant goes beyond mere functionality; it aims to create a seamless, intuitive experience that understands and remembers users’ preferences, manages their diaries, and engages in meaningful conversations. “Our technology is not just about automation—it’s about making interactions smarter, more personalized, and deeply human,” she explains. This level of personalization and interaction heralds a new era of smart applications that are not only responsive but also predictive of users’ needs and desires.
With MAJESTY AI expanding into industries such as connected cars, hotel rooms, retail, airlines, and even space exploration, Chitdee is shaping a world where AI bridges the gap between technology and human experiences. Her commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI-driven interaction is paving the way for a future where digital assistants enhance every aspect of modern life.
LinkedIn | Website | MAJESTY AI
10. Katharine Budd | Transforming Fintech for Financial Inclusion
Katharine Budd has made a lasting impact in the fintech industry as the co-founder of NOW Money, the Gulf’s first mobile payment platform designed for essential workers and their employers. With more than 15 years of experience in high-growth tech startups, she has successfully navigated regulatory challenges to obtain exclusive permissions in the payments sector. Under her leadership, NOW Money has secured $12 million in venture capital funding from investors across the GCC, US, and Europe, while also setting new benchmarks for digital banking engagement in the region.
Before launching NOW Money, Budd built a strong foundation in data science at Nectar and Cardlytics, where she contributed to product development and expansion in markets such as the UK, US, Australia, and the Middle East. Her expertise in consumer data analytics has helped major banks, credit card providers, and retailers craft more effective commercial strategies. She has also played a key role in training teams on data visualization, ensuring that complex insights are presented in clear and actionable ways.
Beyond fintech, Budd is committed to increasing accessibility in technology, focusing on simplicity in coding, analytics, and user experience. She believes that well-designed tools should be easy to use while delivering real value. In addition to her work in finance and technology, she actively supports women’s inclusion in sports and leadership roles. An accomplished athlete, she holds certifications in skiing instruction, diving, and lifeguarding, and has qualified for the World Championship in triathlon. A graduate of Exeter University with a degree in Psychology and Experimental Statistics, Budd continues to support the university’s Alumni Association while driving change in the financial sector.
Conclusion
The success of these top 10 women entrepreneurs proves that determination, vision, and resilience can drive meaningful change in any industry. Their work continues to open doors for others, setting new standards for leadership and business growth. As more women take on leadership roles, the business landscape will continue to evolve, creating more opportunities for future entrepreneurs.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Inspirational CEOs & Leaders to Watch Out
