Some experts say that a revolution is taking place in the business world. Today, more and more women are taking ownership of their own businesses and taking the reins at notable, traditionally male-ran organizations. This shift appears as if it’s here to stay. Here are some of the most powerful and inspirational women in business.
Barbara Corcoran
Cast as one of the sharks on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank,” Barbara Corcoran invests in some of America’s most promising new small businesses and innovative products. But she wasn’t always in the spotlight as a reality television star. The self-made millionaire struggled through both high school and college and was waiting tables before she broke into the real estate business. By the time Corcoran was 23 she had more than 20 jobs. It wasn’t until she borrowed $1,000 from her boyfriend to start her own tiny real estate company in New York City that she made it big. Today Corcoran is a best-selling author, motivational speaker and, of course, a real estate expert. Her struggle and humble beginnings are an inspiration to women everywhere living in similar situations, following their big dreams.
Vera Wang
New York City fashion designer Vera Wang is one of the most notable bridal wear designers in the country. Before she opened her own bridal boutique, she worked as Senior Fashion Editor at “Vogue” for 15 years and designer director at Ralph Lauren. In 1989 she was preparing to get married, but she was frustrated with the selection of gowns that were available. So she did what any budding designer would do. She sketched her very own wedding dress design and commissioned a dressmaker to bring her sketch to life. The next year, Wang opened her bridal boutique at the Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue. Her story goes to show women that if you want something, sometimes you have to go out and create it yourself.
Valeria Maltoni
Strategist and speaker, Valeria Maltoni brings a human touch to the digital world. Based in New York City, Maltoni works with brands all over the world to create a profitable business growth. Her expertise in digital multi-channel marketing allows for her to bridge the gap between business and consumer. In a world that’s dominated by men, Maltoni is an inspiration to women looking for a career in the tech realm.
Gwen Baygreen
Gwen Baygreen is the Senior Vice President of Aspect Customer Care, and like Valeria Maltoni, she’s broken into the male-dominated tech world. And she’s certainly left a good impression over her 10-year tenure with the company. At Aspect, Baygreen is responsible for resolving technical issues and positively communicating with customers. In addition to her work with consumers, she’s also in charge of Aspect’s Global Customer Experience Program, which insures that the voice of the customer is heard throughout every division of the company. Baygreen is an inspiration to women who lead everywhere.
Sheryl Sandberg
Chief Operating Officer of Facebook and author of the best-selling book “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead,” Sheryl Sandberg is a self-made billionaire who is rubbing elbows with some of the most powerful men in business, which includes her seven years at a little place in Silicon Valley called Google. Sandberg’s book was a response to her 2010 TED talk on all of the ways that women are held back in business and how women hold themselves back on the job. She shared many of her personal stories, which makes her relatable to women breaking into the professional world, and she offers practical advice in her book to help women achieve more in the workplace.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
That we have to all appreciate the little things and to not take anything for granted.
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I’m blessed to have loving family and friends in my life.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
Graduating from Arizona State University in 2013
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
Nobody’s perfect and it’s been hard to accept it. I’ve learned to embrace my curly hair, my curves and my quirky personality.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my unwavering intensity. Everything I do is 100 percent.
