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Almost every study proves that companies, where more women occupy the leadership positions, are often considered to be “higher quality” companies. Also, such companies that use female talents for their benefits are 45% more likely to have improved market share. In addition, having women in business and leadership roles is useful for society. So, the modern labor market continues to be taken over by proactive and determined women, who know how to be a successful CEO or how to write a press release in 10 minutes. There are so many truly inspirational women whose business success stories should be heard and serve as a beacon and motivation for other women who want to follow in their footsteps.

Are Women Better Leaders?

According to the recent survey by the World Economic Forum, societies that have greater women representation are more competitive and prosperous. For instance, more than 52 percent of all professional, management and related positions were occupied by women in the US in 2015. Yet only 5% of the CEOs of the top companies and less than 20% of the board members of Fortune 1000 companies are taken by women. It means there is still a lot of work to do in order to help women climb higher on the corporate ladder.

[tweetthis]Studies show companies w/ #women in leadership roles have better returns on equity. @IreneKotBlog[/tweetthis]

Inspirational Women Leaders

You are probably thinking why there are so few high-level women executives? It’s not that the women don’t want to take leadership roles. Gallup survey has found out that 69 percent of women admit they actually want to become a CEO or hold another leadership position and are determined to reach their goal. According to the research made by the Center for Women’s Business, women business leaders generate $2.3 trillion to the US economy and employ over 18 million people. And it is now as difficult as it seems to start you own business from scratch.

So, here are a few career success stories of inspirational women business leaders.

Advancing Women in Business

Katherine Graham, CEO Washington Post: At first, Graham didn’t dream about becoming a publishing leader. After the death of her husband from suicide depression, she decided to follow in his footsteps and continue his work as the Post’s publisher. She had no idea what huge success is waiting for her in the future. “In the beginning, I just closed my eyes and had the courage to step off the edge,” mentions Katherine in her autobiography “Personal History”. Later, her courage and enthusiasm helped her to become the first woman CEO of Washington Post. Her best advice to other determined women can be summed up by her own words, “All you need is to love what you are doing and achieve your goals.”

Oprah Winfrey, Chairman Harpo, Inc.: She is the first African-American woman who became a billionaire. Oprah’s early life wasn’t easy and she started her TV career at the age of 17. Once she started working for the failing at that time “AM Chicago” show, her career start was lit and she became famous. Her desire for helping others and dedication to her work has helped her become one of the most influential and powerful women in the world. As she said about the target of The Oprah Winfrey Show, it is “to use TV to change people’s lives for the better, help them see their life differently, and to bring a sense of fulfillment and happiness into every family.”

Mary Kay Ash, Founder Mary Kay Cosmetics: Her positive attitude and generosity were the main reasons of motivation for other women who would like to succeed in business. Mary Kay started her career in the world of selling in Stanley Home Products Company. She was very persistent and won many awards throughout her career. But only upon retirement, she decided to make her “dream business” idea come true. Her philosophy helped her build prosperous Mary Kay Cosmetics. She says, “If you believe in yourself, you can do it. If you don’t believe, you won’t reach success.

These were just a few examples of many great women who reached career success. Even though that success doesn’t always come easy, these challenges are totally worth it.

 

About Author: Irene Kot, a happy wife and mother, and owner of IreneKet blog that shares inspiring and motivating articles. She can be found on Instagram and Twitter.

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