Word to the Wise
It's always fascinating to peek behind the curtain at the lives of the most successful people on the planet. Whether they inherited a massive empire or built one from the ground up, these women have navigated the complexities of global business with grace and grit. You'll find that their paths to the top are as diverse as their industries, but they all share a common thread of resilience.
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1. Alice Walton
The daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton has graced previous lists consistently because she has one of the most outrageous net worths of all time. Alice Walton has not spent her life running Walmart day to day; however, she has thrown her energy into art and philanthropy. She created the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers
The granddaughter of L’Oreal founder Eugène Schueller, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers sits on the list as having one of the biggest fortunes of all time. She is not only an entrepreneur but also an author and avid pianist who practices daily. Francoise prefers to keep her life private, but her stake in L’Oreal helps control a large piece of the beauty industry.
3. Julia Koch
Julia Koch came into wealth after inheriting over a quarter of Koch Industries when her husband David Koch passed. Born in Iowa, Julia moved to New York City during the 1980s to pursue a career in fashion before marrying David Koch. Today, you’ll find Julia mostly working as the president of the David H. Koch Foundation, in which she sponsors medical research and the arts.
4. Iris Fontbona
After her husband passed away, Iris took the reins of a massive mining and beverage empire based in Chile. She's known as the matriarch of the wealthiest family in her country, and she's done an incredible job keeping the business steady. While she stays out of the media spotlight for the most part, her control over Antofagasta PLC makes her a titan in the global copper market.
5. Jacqueline Mars
Owns approximately one-third of the world’s largest candy company, Mars. The business was founded by her grandfather over 100 years ago. Mars worked for the family company for nearly two decades and is considered an active member of the horse community.
6. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
Rafaela is one of the favorite women on this list because she built this fortune alongside her husband. They are the co-founders of Mediterranean Shipping Company, which began with only one ship in 1970. Today, MSC is the largest shipping line in the world because of Rafaela and her husband’s hard work.
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7. Savitri Jindal
Indian billionaire who manages the conglomerate company called the Jindal Group. After her husband’s sudden death in 2005, Savitri took control of the company, which has since doubled in value. Jindal started working in the family business when she was only 16 years old and holds a seat in the Haryana Legislative Assembly.
8. Miriam Adelson
Miriam Adelson is a doctor by schooling, but you’re most likely to know her as the wife of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. She is the current majority controller of Las Vegas Sands. Miriam is also passionate about medicine and has spent years treating patients.
9. Abigail Johnson
The current CEO of Fidelity Investments. Johnson has been working for the family business since she was in college and took over from her father in 2014. She knows the firm through and through and has continued to adapt to changes within the market.
10. Zheng Shuliang
Zheng is from China and is the vice chair of China Hongqiao Group, one of the largest aluminum-producing companies in the world. After her husband passed away, Zheng took on more responsibilities within the company. She has been able to help the company grow within.
Now that 10 women who have risen to the height of wealth have been discussed, here is the advice they have to give.
1. Learn The Value Of A Dollar
Alice Walton likes to remind people that having so much money can make you lose track of how dollars work. Alice grew up very poor, with her family preaching humility despite their success. Never forget where you came from and the work it takes to earn money.
2. Don't Fear The Pivot
The stock market changes all the time, which is why adaptation is necessary. Abigail Johnson isn’t afraid to grow her company with new interests like cryptocurrency. You have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone.
3. Focus On Your Passions
Running a global enterprise can be stressful. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers makes sure to allow herself plenty of time to write and play the piano. Find what makes you happy outside of work and indulge in it.
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4. Support Your Local Community
Growing your business is important, but growing with your community is essential. Savitri Jindal makes sure her business is helping those around it. Look for ways to better others as you pursue your dreams.
5. Persistence Is Key
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant didn’t become a billionaire overnight. Her company started with one ship in 1970 and grew to become the largest in the world. If you want something badly enough, never give up, even if things aren’t instantaneous.
6. Keep It In The Family
Jacqueline Mars places a high value on the legacy and culture that a family-run business can provide. She's advocated for long-term thinking rather than just chasing the next quarterly profit report. When you think about the future in terms of generations instead of months, you tend to make much healthier choices for your organization.
7. Use Your Voice For Good
Miriam Adelson is used to people listening to her because of her wealth. She uses her voice to help others and further the research of medical studies. If you believe in something, use your voice and platform to speak on it.
8. Diversify Your Interests
Julia Koch's life has taken her from the world of high fashion to the top of an industrial conglomerate, and she's handled every transition with ease. She's a great example of why you shouldn't pigeonhole yourself into just one identity or career path. Learning new skills and exploring different industries can give you a much broader perspective on how the world works.
9. Trust Your Instincts
Owning a big company can be difficult, especially when you’re a female in a man’s world. Iris Fontbona made tons of executive decisions for her companies and stuck with her gut. Don’t let others intimidate you because of your position.
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10. Stay Humble
Even with all the wealth in the world, many of these women suggest that keeping a level head is the most important thing you can do. Zheng Shuliang has maintained a relatively low profile while helping run a global giant, focusing on results rather than fame. You'll find that when you let your work speak for itself, you don't need to shout to be heard.
