20 Most Inspiring Women Leaders 2023

Women leaders tend to use an empathetic style to influence others and to build trust, which produces productive and effective teams. In fact, a 2019 S&P Global Markets Intelligence Study found that firms with female C-suite produced superior stock price performance. The study highlighted positive stock price, profitability, board diversity, and results by organizations run by female C-level leaders. One CEO who we have worked with says that she aims to balance empathy with hard data and results. This push to prove that results do go hand-in-hand with a well-balanced organization is something many female leaders have in common. They want to change the culture of their organizations and provide inspiration for other aspiring female leaders while ensuring that results and long-term thinking do not suffer; in fact, they should increase. But it’s important to note that evolution is not exclusive to women. More of the male leaders today understand that empathy and rigor can be impactful as a leader. 

Extracting what these and other studies mean for leadership is a fascinating exercise. But clearly a female leadership style — meaning, the methods and approach — of organizing and running a business favors what the world needs today. In this magazine we showcase some of the most pioneering women leaders who are transforming their respective industries.

Cover Story

Providing the Best Care | Dr. Veronique Michaud

There are moments in life that add perspective and provide purpose. We all know a family member, a friend, or a patient who experienced severe medication related side-effects or died due to a bad medication combination. As a health professional, Dr. Veronique Michaud, President and co-founder of GalenusRx, has always striven to provide patients with the best care.

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A Strategic Decisionmaker | Amanda Mocellin

An adaptive visionary best describes Amanda Mocellin. As the CEO of Finxone, Amanda embodies several key qualities that make her a driving force behind the organization’s success. She possesses a clear and concise vision for the company’s future, effectively communicating this vision to all stakeholders and employees.

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A Leader with Beliefs | Christine McHugh

Christine McHugh, the Managing Principal of White Strand Development, believes Sustainability, Community, and Innovation are the building blocks which align best with her company’s culture. “Tomorrow belongs to those shaping today’’.

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Providing Quality of Life | Dana Lasenby

Dana Lasenby is on a mission to inspire hope, empower people and strengthen communities. She is doing this by being part of Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), a provider service network that assists approximately 27,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 300 service sites across the county.

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Leading with An Open mindset & Empathy | Ioanna Fergadiotou

Leadership with a sense of responsibility is a valuable trait. It is often associated with individuals who are accountable, reliable, and committed to their roles and the people they lead. Such leaders prioritize the well-being of their team members and strive to create a positive work environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and innovation.

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A Visionary Leader | Prof. Dr. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h. c. Jivka Ovtcharova

Jivka Ovtcharova, head of the Institute for Information Management in Engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), learned to take on a leadership role as a child. She had the advantage that her parents, who worked, gave Jivka the freedom to shape herself professionally and personally and decide which path she wanted to take.

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The Honest Food Provider | Mary Clark Bartlett

According to Harvard Public Health article, federal food law is clear: It bans “any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render [a food] injurious to health.”
Regulators have used that provision for decades to crack down on food adulterated with toxic chemicals or microbes, including the likes of Listeria and salmonella, that can make us acutely ill. Protecting people from these harms is essential, but let’s also put them in perspective: These regulated pollutants kill an estimated 1,400 Americans annually.

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A Transformational Leader | Neha Sahi

What makes a good leader? Competence, expertise, communication skills, integrity? Likely no one would argue that. But what makes an exceptional leader? How about all that plus a wonderful personality? That will distinguish one from the crowd, especially if the people following that leader are the ones who placed them in that leadership position in the first place.

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Delivering Change that Sustains | Sarah-Mae Amde

Leadership is about people – impacting and shaping lives positively. To be an effective leader, one must genuinely desire to serve others. We require Servant Leaders in our world today – leadership that measures and prioritizes the conditions of the people before self. Whether you are a religious head, corporate leader, or political leader, the necessities and well-being of the people must be your utmost concern.

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