Top 8 Successful Business Women of 2026

Business women living success!

It is the beginning of 2026, and so far women continue to lead at the highest levels of global business. Among the most successful are Mary Barra of General Motors, Julie Sweet of Accenture a business that helps companies "update and reinvent" their services, Jane Fraser of Citigroup famous for its banking services, and Lisa Su of AMD specialised in computers —four employed executives who have risen to the top of multi-billion-dollar companies through expertise, resilience, and leadership.

The other four are founders. Melanie Perkins, co-founder of Canva, built one of the world’s most valuable design platforms. Sara Blakely founded Spanx and transformed the lingerie industry through innovation and persistence. Oprah Winfrey, once a news anchor and talk-show host, later founded Harpo Productions (named by spelling “Oprah” backward) and became a global media powerhouse. MacKenzie Scott, a philanthropist and investor, has built influential charitable initiatives and business holdings focused on social impact.

Today’s workforce is changing. Despite glass ceilings and ongoing discrimination, women are increasingly accessing leadership roles through education, skills, and entrepreneurship. To get a good job position, five key strategies help: building in-demand skills, networking consistently, gaining experience through internships or entry roles, showcasing achievements, and continuing lifelong learning.

For those without formal degrees, starting a business or gaining hands-on experience can be powerful. Jobs such as clerks, waiting tables, baristas, receptionists, retail associates, and delivery drivers build transferable skills across professional areas.

These eight women prove that women can overcome barriers—and earn big incomes—through ambition, skill, and determination.