Forbes is back in list mode for 2012 and last week released their “Worlds 100 Most Powerful Women.” And in case you don’t want to scroll through all 100 slides, we’re giving you the trends and highlights you need to know to be savvy in the world of powerful women.
- Playing Politics
Numbers 1, 2 and 3, held strong for the second year in a row as all political women. We can expect to see a continued trend here of highlighting women who are doing good for their countries and changing the game for women politically. The top 10 also includes three other politically successful women – Sonia Gandhi, Christine Lagarde, and Janet Napolitano – making for a total of 6 out of 10 political officials topping the list.
- Slow Rise to the Top
At her highest place on the list, Melinda Gates takes the #4 slot. From #27 in 2010 to #6 in 2011, Melinda Gates is receiving long due recognition for her work at the Gates Foundation and the way she is changing the world for women and girls specifically. As the healthcare debate heats up and Gates becomes more involved in women’s health issues, we hope her rise will continue. She is, for Career Girl Network, a beacon of hope for women in the world and for philanthropy globally.
- EntertainersExit
In 2010, the top 10 contained Oprah, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Ellen Degeneres. But both in 2011 and this year, the top 10 contains not a single entertainer. The first slot for a woman in entertainment comes in #11 with Oprah Winfrey and in #14 with Lady Gaga. Perhaps women rising to the top in the business world (Sheryl Sandberg is #10, Jill Abramson is #5) are beginning to have their own “rock star” appeal that takes precedence over big sets and big hair?
- The Sleeper
Some were shocked to see that the new rockstar CEO of Yahoo! Marissa Mayer again didn’t crack the top 20. She rose fast from her #42 spot in 2011, but watch this lady. If she plays her cards right, she could very well eclipse many of these top spots and hit top 10 or even top 5 in 2013.
It’s always exciting to see 100 incredible women profiled by Forbes. Keep reading. We’ll be bringing you more lists from Forbes every day this week! Here at Career Girl Network, there’s nothing better than a big list of savvy, smart, stylish stars in the world of women!
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
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