For a long time, the business world has been dominated by men. While society expected women to stay at home taking care of their children and husband, they had free passes – privileges, and females to support their home. Entrepreneurial women simply did not exist in our society.
But, fortunately, the game has turned. More and more female figures have gained prominence in the business world. They are enterprising women with inspiring stories, who have struggled and still struggle to transform their dreams into profitable and successful businesses. In general, they have the determination to spare and invest heavily in professionalism with their products and services to win the market. Following paths marked by hard work and the search for knowledge, they are examples for other women, and their trajectories are full of valuable lessons.
For you to be inspired, we brought a selection of 3 women entrepreneurs. It’s easy to see that they are as common as they are amazing, just like you!
Women entrepreneurs on the rise
Indira Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo: A woman who made history ahead of PepsiCo
Born in India, businesswoman Indra Nooyi is today the most well-known name ahead of the Pepsico Group, a North American multinational company that owns dozens of world-famous brands. Among them are Pepsi, Gatorade, Elma Chips, and Doritos.
Nooyi grew up in a conservative society with clearly defined gender roles. Despite this, she managed to make a dizzying career, going against the prejudices and traditions that have dominated her family for generations. She spoke regularly about how her childhood in the Indian city of Madras influenced her approach to business and leadership. It was thanks to her tenacity and resilience that Nooyi managed to become one of the most successful businesswomen in the United States and the first woman to head one of the largest corporations in the world – PepsiCo.
Occupying the second position on the list among the most influential executives in the world in 2017, Indra graduated in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics in India, having started her career there at Johnson & Johnson, Boston Consulting Group and Motorola before joining PepsiCo in 1994.
After serving for 12 years, while leaving the CEO position from PepsiCo, she said, “I had wonderful times in the role of CEO, but it gets to the point where you say it is a responsible act to prepare an orderly transition and let someone else take the lead.” She also added, “A CEO must have strong legs to endure race, which, in your case, was long and I want another person with strong legs and a keen vision to lead this company.”
Tan Hooi Ling, Co-founder, Grab
Tan Hooi Ling is the co-founder of Grab, a Singapore ride-hailing company, which started as a taxi company. Since then, it has expanded to all areas, from payment to food delivery, becoming the most valuable start-up in Southeast Asia in the process of the company.
Many people think that CEO of Grab, Anthony Tan was the only one behind the success of Grab. But, the reality is without Tan Hooi Ling, the ride-hailing giant might have never even existed. For many years, Anthony Tan, was relatively outgoing, leading investors and speaking to the media. But soon, Ling overcame her introvert nature and step in front of people.
She served as the keynote speaker at the RIPS Technology Conference in Hong Kong. And, on stage, she accepted a widely anticipated interview with Kara Swisher, a well-known American technology journalist and co-founder of technology news website Recode. Ling said in an interview with The Post, “When I have to participate in all-day activities, meetings, and group discussions. It’s not because I don’t like talking to people, but because it takes energy away.” Further, she added, “After I do it, I will keep myself in an apartment or hotel room all night, such as reading, walking, or having a meal by myself.”
Melaine Perkins, Co-founder CEO of CANVA
Canva is the first Australian unicorn of 2018, startup breathing down the back of Adobe Photoshop. More than 13 new designs are created every second on this platform, and about 2.5 million print designs are downloaded from this website every month. The CEO and co-founder of the company Melanie Perkins is the youngest representative of the fairer sex, whose business has received the status of a unicorn.
The idea for a cheap and easy-to-use design platform was born back in 2007, while Melanie was studying at the University of Western Australia. When she and her classmates had a hard time with indigestible design software, this idea popped into her mind. And, this prompted Melanie to create a tool that is understandable even for people who have nothing to do with design. The idea had to travel from investor to investor, but as a result, it received the support of the heavyweights of Silicon Valley. To this, Melanie adds, “We now have 100 languages, and the goal for the year ahead is to provide access to every market.” She further says, “We’ve done less than 1 percent of what we think is possible – we have 56.5 percent of the world’s population on our platform, but we want to empower the world.”
Conclusion
The stories of these 3 women entrepreneurs show that it is possible to create a successful business in any sector based on a passion or a problem. Remember that the key to success lies in planning and perseverance, regardless of age or where you decide to start your business.
