Throughout history, women have been pivotal in shaping the business world. Their innovations, leadership, and relentless drive have not only contributed to their individual success but have also paved the way for future generations. Despite facing challenges such as gender bias and societal expectations, many female entrepreneurs and business leaders have broken barriers, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire.

On this Business Women’s Day, CA Global is taking a moment to reflect on the lessons we can learn from some of the greatest business minds in history. These women showed resilience, creativity, and business acumen that helped transform industries and inspire modern-day business practices. Here, we highlight five influential women in business and the key lessons their journeys teach us. These lessons can help you shape your career path to success.

1. Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919)

The First Female Self-Made Millionaire in America

Born as Sarah Breedlove to formerly enslaved parents, Madam C.J. Walker became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in American history. After experiencing hair loss, she developed a line of hair care products for African American women. This venture eventually led to the creation of her business empire, with beauty schools and manufacturing companies employing thousands of women.

Lesson: Leverage Personal Experience to Create Solutions

Madam C.J. Walker’s business was rooted in her personal challenges. She understood the needs of her target audience because she was one of them. This deep connection to her customers was a key component of her success. Today, many entrepreneurs find success by identifying a problem they’ve personally encountered and creating solutions that resonate with a broader audience.

Legacy

Walker’s focus on empowerment extended beyond her products. She was a pioneer in hiring and training women, particularly African American women, giving them opportunities to gain financial independence. Her legacy continues to inspire entrepreneurs to not only build businesses but also uplift others within their communities.

2. Coco Chanel (1883-1971)

Founder of Chanel and Revolutionizer of Women’s Fashion

Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel was a French fashion designer whose influence on fashion continues to be felt today. Chanel revolutionized women’s fashion by introducing designs that focused on simplicity and comfort, moving away from the restrictive clothing of the early 20th century. Her introduction of the “little black dress” and the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume made her a household name.

Lesson: Challenge Norms and Embrace Innovation

Chanel’s success was rooted in her ability to challenge societal norms. At a time when women were expected to wear corsets and heavy fabrics, Chanel promoted a more liberated, modern style. She was bold enough to introduce new ideas that many initially resisted but eventually embraced.

Legacy

Chanel’s innovative spirit lives on in her brand, which remains one of the most recognized names in fashion. She taught the business world the importance of being a trendsetter and not being afraid to defy conventions.

3. Estée Lauder (1908-2004)

Co-Founder of Estée Lauder Companies, A Pioneer in Cosmetics

Estée Lauder co-founded Estée Lauder Companies with her husband in 1946, growing it into a global cosmetics empire. Lauder was a master marketer, known for giving away free samples to potential customers, a strategy that revolutionized how beauty products were sold. Her company remains one of the most influential players in the beauty industry.

Lesson: Focus on Customer Experience and Brand Loyalty

Estée Lauder understood the importance of building relationships with her customers. She developed a marketing strategy focused on customer experience, ensuring that her clients felt valued. Her innovative use of free samples allowed customers to try products without risk, building trust and brand loyalty.

Legacy

Lauder’s commitment to customer satisfaction and her innovative marketing strategies still resonate in today’s business world, where customer experience and personalized marketing are key to success. Her focus on creating high-quality products while maintaining strong relationships with her clients set a new standard in customer-centric business models.

4. Anita Roddick (1942-2007)

Founder of The Body Shop and Pioneer of Ethical Business

Anita Roddick founded The Body Shop in 1976 with the goal of creating ethical, environmentally conscious beauty products. She was one of the first entrepreneurs to promote cruelty-free products and advocate for fair trade. Her company’s commitment to sustainability and social activism helped reshape how consumers viewed corporate responsibility.

Lesson: Social Responsibility is Good Business

Roddick understood that consumers increasingly wanted to support businesses that aligned with their values. By focusing on environmental sustainability and human rights, The Body Shop attracted a loyal customer base that appreciated the brand’s ethical stance. Roddick demonstrated that social responsibility and profitability could go hand in hand.

Legacy

Roddick’s focus on ethics in business has had a lasting impact, particularly as more companies adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies. Today, sustainability and ethical practices are not just buzzwords but integral parts of many successful business models. She proved that you can build a profitable enterprise without compromising on core values.

5. Oprah Winfrey (1954-Present)

Media Mogul and Philanthropist

Oprah Winfrey’s rise from poverty to becoming a billionaire media mogul is one of the most inspiring stories in business history. Through her groundbreaking talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and her subsequent ventures in television, publishing, and film, Oprah built a brand that is synonymous with empowerment, inspiration, and self-improvement.

Lesson: Build an Authentic Brand

Oprah’s success stems from her authenticity. She built her media empire on her ability to connect with people on a personal level. Her genuine interest in the human experience made her audience feel understood and valued, creating a deep sense of trust in her brand.

Legacy

Oprah’s empire extends far beyond television. She has transformed her personal brand into a diverse business portfolio, including her OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), book club, and philanthropic efforts. Her story emphasizes the importance of authenticity in brand building and the power of using personal influence for positive change.

6. Wangari Maathai (1940-2011)

Environmental Activist and Founder of the Green Belt Movement

Wangari Maathai, from Kenya, was a renowned environmental activist and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1977, she founded the Green Belt Movement, which focused on environmental conservation, community empowerment, and women’s rights. Maathai’s leadership was not only rooted in environmentalism but also in economic sustainability, as she helped communities in rural Kenya earn a livelihood through tree planting initiatives.

Lesson: Align Business With Purpose

Maathai’s success teaches us that businesses with a clear social purpose can create long-term impact. She aligned her environmental efforts with sustainable community development, providing economic opportunities for rural women while addressing environmental degradation. Modern entrepreneurs can learn the importance of purpose-driven business models that seek to address broader societal issues.

Legacy

Maathai’s Green Belt Movement has planted over 50 million trees and inspired similar initiatives globally. Her leadership showed how environmental sustainability can be linked to economic empowerment, particularly for marginalized communities. Today, the Green Belt Movement continues its work, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of business, environment, and social good.

7. Wendy Luhabe (1957-Present)

South African Entrepreneur and Economic Activist

Wendy Luhabe is a pioneering South African entrepreneur and businesswoman who has made significant contributions to women’s economic empowerment. She co-founded Women Investment Portfolio Holdings (WIPHOLD) in 1993, which became South Africa’s first women-owned company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Through this venture, Luhabe opened doors for black women to participate in South Africa’s mainstream economy.

Lesson: Empower Others Through Inclusive Economic Models

Luhabe’s work demonstrates the importance of building inclusive business models that offer economic opportunities to marginalized groups. She saw the importance of bringing women, particularly black women in South Africa, into the economy by providing them access to investment opportunities and opportunities to make money.

Legacy

Wendy Luhabe remains a powerful advocate for women’s economic empowerment. Her ventures have helped many women enter the business world and inspired a new generation of female entrepreneurs in South Africa. Her influence continues to shape the conversation around inclusive business practices and diversity in leadership.

Key Takeaways for Today’s Business Leaders

These seven women exemplify unique qualities that have helped shape their industries and leave lasting legacies. Their stories offer several lessons that are still relevant in today’s business world:

• Identify Problems and Create Solutions: Many of these women built their businesses around solving specific problems, whether it was addressing hair care for African American women or creating cruelty-free beauty products. In today’s competitive market, solving a problem in a way that resonates with consumers is a powerful strategy.
• Embrace Innovation and Break Barriers: These women weren’t afraid to challenge societal norms or bring innovative ideas to the market. In business, being ahead of the curve and introducing something new can set you apart from competitors.
• Put Customers First: Whether through building personal relationships or providing free samples, focusing on customer experience was central to the success of several of these women. Today, customer-centric businesses thrive because they prioritize the needs and preferences of their audience.
• Align with Social Values: As Anita Roddick’s success showed, integrating social responsibility into your business model can build a loyal customer base. Consumers are increasingly making choices based on the ethical stances of the brands they support.
• Build an Authentic Brand: Authenticity was central to Oprah Winfrey’s success. In a world where consumers crave genuine connections, being authentic and transparent can help build a brand that people trust.

As CA Global celebrates Business Women’s Day, we honor the great business minds of the past and take their lessons to heart. These women broke barriers, innovated, and left legacies that continue to inspire the world. Their stories remind us of the power of resilience, creativity, and authenticity in business—a timeless recipe for success.

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Wanting to elevate your business to success? Reach out to CA Global today for staffing and business solutions that will make a difference.