Leadership takes many forms, but the common thread among true leaders is their ability to inspire change and create impact. Across industries, women are stepping forward with fresh ideas, strong values, and the determination to make a difference. The women on this list are not only excelling in their fields but also setting examples of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. These ten leaders show us what it means to combine vision with action in ways that truly move the needle.
Olga Petrova-Podolskaya
Olga Petrova-Podolskaya, founder of KOD.objects, recently took part in the international exhibition 40×40 in New York, organized by the A’ Design Award in collaboration with Utopia and hosted at The Blanc Gallery. The exhibition brought together 40 designers from around the world, showcasing innovation at the intersection of culture, design, and technology.
For Olga, it was more than just an opportunity to present a work; it was a way to demonstrate how design can reinterpret cultural heritage and carry it into the present. Her Echo Stool-Bench, featured at the exhibition, is a sculptural object inspired by the archetypes of Old Russian architecture and traditional domestic artifacts, reimagined in a contemporary form.
KOD.objects is a design laboratory that studies the forms of Russian architecture and everyday artifacts of the past, transforming them into modern collectible objects. By participating in 40×40, KOD.objects became part of the international dialogue on design, presenting Russian cultural heritage not as something frozen in the past, but as a living source of new ideas and forms.
Beyond this exhibition, Olga’s works have been presented at iSaloni in Milan, Venice Design, and in galleries across Russia and Europe. Her projects have been published in leading Russian and international media. Among her professional accolades are the A’Design Award, SIT Furniture Design Award, and ADD Awards.
With more than 16 years of experience, Olga has also realized concept installations in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and France, created bespoke kitchens for SilverHome, and designed lighting collections for Italian brands Laudarte and Selene Illuminazione.
Carol Zatt
For years, Carol Zatt shaped the world’s biggest brands, Google, YouTube, Lego, and Sonos, crafting stories that resonated globally. As a marketing strategist and brand storyteller, she built campaigns that made an impact. But amidst the success, she realized she had lost touch with her own creative identity.
Determined to reclaim her artistic voice, Carol made a bold move. She shifted from strategy decks to song lyrics, from brand campaigns to cinematic storytelling. Her latest project, a short film and a music album launching March 30th, is more than just creative work; it’s a movement. Carol now leads by example, proving that true influence comes from authenticity and reinvention. She’s not just shaping brands, she’s shaping culture. Experience her latest project at www.carolzatt.com and witness the power of creativity without limits.
Jennifer Bassett
For nearly 25 years, Jennifer Bassett has led a highly successful event management company, renowned for curating extraordinary experiences for premium brands and discerning clients. Specializing in fundraising, weddings, and private events, Jennifer’s expertise is backed by a national network of top-tier professionals, from British Columbia to the Maritimes.
Jennifer is celebrated for her ability to deliver exceptional results, blending creativity with meticulous attention to detail. Her team excels in every aspect of event planning—from photography and set design to budgeting and artist bookings—all while remaining unflappable under pressure.
As a philanthropist, Jennifer has made a profound impact by organizing some of the most iconic charity galas. Her leadership extends to board and committee roles with esteemed organizations, including SickKids, the National Ballet School of Canada, and the Sunnybrook Foundation. She also co-founded the Young Patrons Council at the Royal Ontario Museum and serves on the University Health Network’s Capital Campaign Cabinet.
A devoted mother of two, Jennifer cherishes time with her family and pursues her passions for food, pilates, music, and travel. Her visionary approach and unwavering dedication have made her a trusted name in event management and philanthropy alike.
Maris Segal
From mindset to marketing, Maris Segal collaborates, coaches & consults with executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and rising leaders to identify and bring their professional & personal visions to life. Maris combines her relationship marketing expertise with the power of head & heart leadership to build meaningful connections & winning strategies that create maximum impact for her clients and their teams. From Harvard to the White House, she has served a wide spectrum of local and global leaders, brands, and policymakers in the U.S. and 30 countries. Known for bringing a creative voice to issues and causes to unite and empower diverse populations, Maris's work spans the consumer goods, entertainment, technology, arts, sports, culinary, finance, pharma, and health care industries. Maris is also an eight-time best-selling collaborative book author, a dynamic keynote speaker, and a certified executive & relationship coach. Often referred to as “America’s Master Connector,” Maris’ philosophy is that “We are people first and that’s where the bottom line begins.”
Marilene Tentomas
Marilene Tentomas, founder of Slimwave Technologies and co-founder of NuBody Medica, is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their aesthetic and wellness goals naturally, leveraging cutting-edge, non-invasive technologies.
More than a visionary entrepreneur, Marilene is a forward-thinking leader with an innate ability to predict emerging trends in the wellness industry. She is at the forefront of bringing infrared therapy, red light treatments, and muscle stimulation back as the new wave in wellness, redefining how people approach body contouring and overall health. Her early recognition of the potential of muscle stimulation technology—long before it gained mainstream attention—showcases her exceptional business insight. This foresight, paired with a relentless commitment to innovation, has cemented her reputation as a pioneer in non-invasive body contouring and wellness solutions.
A passionate advocate for women in business, Marilene is devoted to empowering and supporting female entrepreneurs in the beauty and wellness sectors. She is driven to leave a lasting legacy not only as an innovator but also as a champion of women’s success in the industry.
Isabelle Mercier
Isabelle Mercier is the Brand Positioning Strategist & Business Performance Catalyst
Co-founder/CEO of LeapZone Strategies & Host of LeapTV.com
One of the most inspirational branding, marketing, and customer experience keynote speakers, Isabelle is a ‘no-nonsense’ dynamo who learned the art of strategic positioning at her family’s dinner table by age seven. With an entrepreneurial spirit hardwired into her DNA, she empowers passionate entrepreneurs and thought leaders to build businesses and brands designed to make life better.
As one of North America’s Top Business Influencers, a bestselling author, and a two-time TEDx speaker with over 4 million views, Isabelle brings over 30 years of branding, marketing, and customer experience expertise. She has helped thousands of business owners, as well as some influential and iconic brands like A&W, TEDx, ICBC, TD Bank, IMAX, and HSBC, just to name a few. Isabelle teaches how to grow businesses and brands that are designed to thrive in any economy by becoming and remaining The First, The Best, or The Only.
Tamie Wilson
Congressional Candidate Tamie Wilson is a dedicated entrepreneur running for office to unseat Jim Jordan and return national politics to problem-solving and public service. For 23 years, Tamie has served as a Life Coach, Business Strategist, Inspirational Teacher, and Speaker within the fields of Personal and Professional Development. Through her work, she helps people discover and overcome limiting beliefs needed to make mindset and lifestyle changes, so they may achieve their personal and professional goals. She helps her clients advance their careers through Corporate America or improve their small businesses with marketing, personnel, and business expansion support.
Traveling throughout the United States, Tamie speaks to women and inspires them to increase their influence and impact by diving into the world of Politics. Her highly anticipated book, “LEADERSHIP– Why Women Should Run for Office and How to Win Elections,” will be released soon.
Dyrse Charaf
Dyr has dedicated herself throughout her career to helping people, work teams, and high-ranking business leaders worldwide set up for growth and acquire valuable skills through mindset, purpose, and passion to thrive in life, business, and success to become high-performance people. Founder and CEO of BSGN Consulting Group, an 18-year-old specialist company in strategy communication, public image, business development, and management that enhances highly effective strategies and business solutions that fuel innovation and performance improvement to contribute to growth and goal achievement for entrepreneurs, businesses, and brands.
As a business and strategy communication consultant, master's in public image, specializing in body language and non-verbal behavior, leadership, and innovation from Harvard University, Dyr has been able to combine her expertise and knowledge in all areas and industries by aiming for meaningful changes and results, becoming an expert on creating brand conceptualization and high-end experience. Her main passion is to empower people and brands to raise self-awareness, work side by side in the pursuit of happiness and success, and provide powerful productivity tools to achieve their goals and dreams. All are available at bsuccess.online
LaWanna Bradford
LaWanna Bradford is a force in the world of entrepreneurship, recognized for her visionary leadership and transformative impact. With over three decades of strategic acumen, she propels the growth of federal entities, private enterprises, and budding entrepreneurs. As COO of The Bradford Group mortgage brokerage and Principal of The Bradford Group Consulting, LaWanna drives industry evolution with a customer-centric approach, boosting client bottom lines.
LaWanna’s influence spans prominent media like Market Watch and Business Trendsetters. She frequents Cyrus Webb Presents Blog Talk and The Mortgage Voice national radio shows. Her programs on e360TV.com—Power of the Pen, Choose to Challenge, and Business & Financial Raw Talk — amplify women’s voices and challenge hindering norms. As a five-time best-selling author, global speaker, and philanthropist, LaWanna’s mission empowers individuals, nurturing their potential for a brilliant future. Her unwavering faith in human genius propels her as a harbinger of the change we aspire to see.
Nicovanna Shannon
Nicovanna Shannon brings over 10 years of executive-level leadership experience. Her credentials include, but are not limited to, holding positions such as Investor Accountant with Colonial Mortgage Company, Area Sales Manager with Belk, Assistant Business Office Manager with CarMax Superstore, plus Co-owner of family businesses Shannon, Shannon, & Associates, Inc., and Phoenix Fire, Inc. Nicovanna received her Undergraduate Business Degree from Auburn University. She went on to receive her MBA in Business Administration from Troy University. Her accomplishments include induction into the National Honor Society.
Nicovanna is a proven leader and aspires to be a business mentor for future leaders. For now, she is striving to maximize every opportunity carved out for Shannon, Shannon & Associates, Inc., and Phoenix Fire, Inc. Her goal is to push Shannon, Shannon & Associates, Inc., and Phoenix Fire, Inc. to be known as a storehouse for financially trained individuals who are financially secure and creditworthy.
Final Thoughts
Each of these women is proof that leadership is about more than titles; it’s about influence, integrity, and the drive to leave things better than they found them. Their stories highlight the power of leading with both strength and compassion, and the ripple effects their work creates will be felt for years to come. As we look to the future, these leaders remind us that impact is the legacy of true leadership.