From headlines to boardrooms, fearless female CEOs are writing the book on leadership—one step at a time. Trailblazers in Heels are aware of the fearless, passionate, and fabulous women guiding the world’s most successful start-ups and companies to blazing successes.
It is no roll call of names—it is a hymn to vision, energy, and determination. From building technology dynasties to painting the face of health care with bold, new colors to blazing new trails through Fortune 500 giants, these women are demonstrating that andit takes strength to lead but not gender in any way. Highlighting, as we are doing here in this cover story, we put the spotlight on their background, challenges overcome, and blazing a trail through new, uncharted territory.
Revisit inspiring stories, non-conformist path-breaking journeys, and force-to-be-reckoned-with leadership lessons from women who broke barriers to lead, that itand never looked back. Discover their leadership approach, thinking outside the box, and how they’re creating workplaces that are inclusive as well as future-proof.
If you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or just a reminder that glass ceilings were made to be shattered, you’re in the right place.
Because when women lead, the world listens. 💼
1.
Mary Barra
CEO | General Motors
General Motors’ Auto Renaissance Woman, Mary Barra, charted the century-old automaker’s master plan with vision, vigor, and momentum that cannot be undone on its path to renewal. Barra’s leadership has changed GM irreversibly. She took GM from the brink of bankruptcy to record profits and sales globally and charted a vision for a world in 2035 where electrified, zero-emission mobility puts GM at the forefront of sustainable mobility.
2.
Jane Fraser
CEO | Citigroup
Jane Fraser is the first female CEO of Citigroup, leading the major U.S. bank since 2021 with a focus on transformative restructuring, digital modernization, and global consumer banking excellence.
3.
Karen Lynch
CEO | CVS Health
Karen Lynch is the CEO of CVS Health, leading one of the largest health solutions companies in the U.S. with a focus on improving health outcomes, expanding care access, and lowering costs across a network serving over 100 million people.
4.
Julie Sweet
CEO | Accenture
Julie Sweet is the chair and CEO of Accenture, the first woman to lead the company since 2019, recognized for driving digital transformation, advancing diversity and inclusion, and spearheading AI innovation at the global professional services firm.
5.
Carol Tomé
CEO | UPS
Carol Tomé is the CEO of UPS since 2020, known for her transformative leadership in global logistics, financial expertise from her long tenure as CFO at The Home Depot, and her focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.
6.
Thasunda Brown Duckett
CEO | TIAA
Thasunda Brown Duckett is the President and CEO of TIAA, a leading provider of retirement and investment solutions, and a former CEO of Chase Consumer Banking, recognized for her leadership in financial inclusion and as one of the few Black women to lead a Fortune 500 company.
7.
Safra Catz
CEO | Oracle
Safra Catz is the Israeli-American CEO of Oracle Corporation, known for her strategic leadership since 2014 and for driving Oracle’s growth through major acquisitions and a focus on cloud computing.
8.
Emma Walmsley
CEO | GSK
Emma Walmsley is the CEO of GlaxoSmithKline since 2017, the first woman to lead a major pharmaceutical company, known for revitalizing GSK’s consumer healthcare and driving innovation in global pharmaceuticals.
9.
Corie Barry
CEO | Best Buy
Corie Barry is the CEO of Best Buy, known for rising through the ranks since 1999 with a strong background in finance and strategic transformation, leading the company’s digital growth and innovation since 2019.
10.
Lynn Good
Former CEO | Duke Energy
Lynn Good is the former Chair and CEO of Duke Energy, recognized for leading the company’s transition to cleaner energy, modernizing its infrastructure, and advancing sustainability in the utility sector.
11.
Maggie Timoney
CEO | HEINEKEN USA
Maggie Timoney is the President and CEO of Heineken USA, recognized as the first woman to lead a major U.S. beer company, known for her transformational leadership, delivering consistent business growth, and driving cultural change in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
12.
Rosalind Brewer
CEO | Starbucks
Rosalind Brewer is a pioneering business leader, the first Black woman to serve as CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and Sam’s Club, and former COO of Starbucks, renowned for breaking barriers and championing diversity in corporate America.
13.
Sue Nabi
CEO | Coty
Sue Nabi is the CEO of Coty, a visionary beauty industry leader with over 30 years of experience, known for revitalizing global brands like Lancôme and driving Coty’s transformation with innovative, inclusive, and award-winning strategies.
14.
Michele Buck
CEO | The Hershey Company
Michele Buck is the first female Chairman, President, and CEO of The Hershey Company since 2017, known for driving growth, innovation, and strategic expansion in the global confectionery and snacking industry.
15.
Tricia Griffith
CEO | Progressive Insurance
Tricia Griffith is the first female CEO of The Progressive Corporation, rising from a claims representative in 1988 to lead the company since 2016, known for driving historic growth, innovation, and championing diversity and inclusion in the insurance industry.