The Top 10 Female-Led Businesses
Carbon is a 3D printing technology company led by a strong female CEO. She was recently named one of the “Best CEOs for Women” by Comparably. Kullman’s leadership team is already 45% female, to reach 50% by 2022. Since 3D printing has traditionally been male-dominated, this is a particularly significant milestone.
Female-Led Businesses – Sara Blakely founded Spanx
Sara Blakely is an American businesswoman and philanthropist who founded Spanx. Spanx is an intimate apparel company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Blakely was named to Time’s list the “Time 100” most influential people in 2012. Blakely’s success and philanthropic work are discussed in this article.
When Blakely came up with the idea for Spanx, she had no prior experience in business, fashion, or fabrication. She created a prototype before her 30th birthday after years of research. Today, the shapewear company is worth a billion dollars. In short, Sara Blakely reinvented underwear is the driving force behind the company’s success.
Sara Blakely established the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation in 2006 to assist other women in achieving success in business and life. She has also given to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, a non-profit that empowers women in business. She was the first woman to sign the Giving Pledge, an initiative founded by Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, in 2013. Some of the world’s wealthiest people have pledged to give at least half their fortune to help others through this organization.
Lisa Su, CEO of Spanx, is one of only a few Black female CEOs at Fortune 500 companies
While there are many women in leadership positions in the Fortune 500, there are few Black women. Spanx CEO Lisa Su is one of two Black women on the list of 41. Thanda Brown Duckett of TIAA and Karen Lynch of CVS Health are two other Black female CEOs.
Roz Brewer, the former CEO of Starbucks, who became CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance in March, is another notable Black female CEO. Thanda Brown Duckett, the CEO of TIAA, is another notable Black female CEO.
CVS Health CEO Karen Lynch, the highest-rated female CEO, is also on the list. This year’s list includes 41 Black female CEOs, including Spanx CEO Lisa Su. For the first time, the list includes two Black female CEOs.