How Women Leaders are Reshaping the Future of International Business

In today’s dynamic business world, I see more and more women stepping into leadership roles, not just as participants but as true trailblazers. We are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and challenging the norms across every industry—from tech and finance to fashion and global trade. As someone who’s led teams and companies across logistics, tech-enabled services, and real estate, I know firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities we face. I’m proud to be part of this movement that’s reshaping the way business is done, and I’m constantly inspired by the incredible women who are leading alongside me.

This journey is not mine alone. I stand with remarkable women like Whitney Wolfe Herd, Adena Friedman, Sara Blakely, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala—each of whom has made waves in their respective fields, breaking down barriers and setting new standards. Together, we’re creating a business landscape where diversity isn’t just welcomed; it’s celebrated.

In this blog post, I want to share not just my story but also highlight the journeys of these incredible women. Let’s dive into how we are turning challenges into opportunities and, in the process, redefining what leadership looks like in the global business arena.

Laura Varela Fallas – A Catalyst for Change in International Business

When I first stepped into the world of international business, I knew I wanted to do more than just build companies—I wanted to create lasting impact. As the CEO of The Varela Group, my focus has always been on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in logistics, real estate, and tech-enabled services. I believe that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise, and my mission is to turn those obstacles into pathways for innovation and growth.

Leading companies like Verat, iCubica, Opti-Prime Properties, and V-Shapes Latin America has taught me that the key to success lies in a combination of strategic vision and a relentless drive to make things better. Whether it’s developing smart solutions in property management or introducing innovative packaging technologies, I’ve always been committed to creating value not just for my businesses but for the entire industry.

But I’m not alone in this journey. The more I grow, the more I’m inspired by the incredible women who are also leading the charge and making waves in their own fields. Women like Whitney Wolfe Herd, who has revolutionized the tech industry, remind me that there’s no limit to what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves and our vision.

Whitney Wolfe Herd – Disrupting the Tech Industry

When I think of women who are changing the game in the tech world, Whitney Wolfe Herd stands out as a true visionary. She took on the challenge of transforming the online dating industry by creating Bumble—a platform where women make the first move. This simple yet groundbreaking idea wasn’t just about dating; it was about empowering women to take control of their choices and lead with confidence in all aspects of life.

What I admire most about Whitney is her resilience and her willingness to turn adversity into innovation. She faced countless challenges when she launched Bumble, from skepticism in the tech community to intense competition from established players. But instead of letting those challenges hold her back, she used them as fuel to create a billion-dollar company that stands for more than just connections—it represents a movement towards gender equality in digital spaces.

Whitney’s journey reminds me that in business, it’s not just about what you do, but how you do it. Her courage to disrupt the status quo and her commitment to empowering women in tech align perfectly with my own values as a leader. Just like Whitney, I believe that our success lies in lifting each other up, creating platforms where women can thrive, and using our influence to inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

Adena Friedman – Pioneering Innovation in Finance

Adena Friedman is a powerhouse in the financial world, and I’ve always been inspired by her journey to becoming the first woman to lead a major global stock exchange, Nasdaq. What Adena has done for finance is nothing short of revolutionary. She’s not just running one of the world’s largest financial markets; she’s transforming it with innovation, technology, and a forward-thinking mindset.

What I find most remarkable about Adena is her vision of making the financial industry more accessible and efficient through technology. In a field that’s often dominated by tradition and resistance to change, she has pushed for a culture of innovation that embraces the future of digital finance. Whether it’s through blockchain technology, AI, or new market strategies, her leadership is all about breaking new ground and challenging the old ways of doing things.

Adena’s focus on fostering diversity within Nasdaq’s ranks is also something I deeply resonate with. She’s proven that when you open doors for different voices and perspectives, you get better ideas, stronger teams, and more sustainable growth. Just like Adena, I believe in building inclusive business environments where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, innovate, and lead.

Her story is a reminder that being a leader is not just about guiding your team through what you know—it’s about exploring what’s possible and inspiring others to see beyond the current horizon. Adena Friedman’s impact in the finance sector serves as a powerful example for all of us who strive to push boundaries and create lasting change.

Sara Blakely – Reinventing the Fashion Industry

Sara Blakely is a true embodiment of entrepreneurial spirit. She took a simple idea—something as everyday as shaping undergarments—and turned it into a global brand that transformed the fashion industry. When she founded Spanx, Sara wasn’t just creating a product; she was addressing a real need for women, bringing innovation to a space that had been largely overlooked.

What inspires me most about Sara is how she built her business from the ground up with nothing more than her savings, grit, and a vision. She faced countless rejections from manufacturers and skeptics who couldn’t see the potential in her idea. But instead of giving up, Sara used those setbacks as motivation to push even harder, ultimately disrupting an entire industry.

I relate to Sara’s journey on so many levels. Like her, I believe that success often comes from seeing possibilities where others see limitations. It’s about believing in your idea so strongly that you’re willing to put in the work, face the challenges head-on, and carve out a space for your vision to thrive. Her story reminds me that the biggest breakthroughs often come from the smallest ideas, and that resilience and perseverance are the true ingredients of entrepreneurial success.

Sara Blakely’s approach to business is a perfect example of how a single individual can redefine an industry and empower millions of people around the world. Her journey is a testament to the power of creativity, determination, and believing in your ability to make a difference—qualities that I strive to bring into my own work every day.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Leading Global Trade and Economics

When I think of leadership on a global scale, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala immediately comes to mind. As the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), she’s not only the first woman but also the first African to hold this prestigious position. Her career in global finance and development has been nothing short of extraordinary, and her dedication to creating a fairer, more inclusive global economy is truly inspiring.

Ngozi’s approach to leadership goes beyond the traditional frameworks of economics. She’s a fierce advocate for trade policies that benefit developing nations, and her work has been instrumental in pushing for more equitable opportunities within global markets. What I admire most about her is her unyielding belief that the economy should work for everyone—not just for the few. She’s been a driving force in transforming how we think about economic growth and sustainability, especially in regions that have historically been left behind.

Her resilience and ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes remind me of the importance of staying focused on the bigger picture, even when the challenges seem insurmountable. In my own journey, I’ve learned that true leadership is about making tough decisions that drive long-term impact, and Ngozi embodies this principle perfectly. She shows us that leadership is not just about occupying a position of power—it’s about using that power to create meaningful change that lifts others up.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s work resonates with my belief that business and economics are tools for building a more just and inclusive world. Her vision of a global economy that prioritizes equity and sustainability is one that I fully support, and I’m inspired to integrate these principles into every aspect of my own business strategies.

The Collective Impact of Women in Business

As I reflect on the stories of Whitney Wolfe Herd, Adena Friedman, Sara Blakely, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, I am reminded of the collective power that women bring to the business world. Each of these leaders, in her own way, has redefined what it means to be a woman in business, proving that we can not only succeed but thrive in industries that have historically been dominated by men.

We share a common thread—an unwavering belief that challenges are opportunities and that innovation stems from adversity. Whether it’s Whitney disrupting the tech industry with Bumble, Adena transforming finance at Nasdaq, Sara revolutionizing fashion with Spanx, or Ngozi reshaping global trade, we are all pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. And we are doing so by lifting others along the way.

For me, this collective impact is about more than just personal success. It’s about creating a ripple effect that empowers the next generation of women leaders. When one of us breaks through a barrier, we create pathways for others to follow. This isn’t just about breaking glass ceilings; it’s about building a world where diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but the norm.

As I continue my journey in international business, I am inspired by the stories of these incredible women. They remind me that leadership is about service, about using our platforms to inspire, mentor, and uplift others. Together, we are reshaping industries, creating more inclusive workplaces, and proving that women belong at the helm of business.

The future of business is female, and I’m proud to be a part of this movement that’s leading us towards a more equitable and innovative world.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

As I look back on the paths we’ve carved and the barriers we’ve shattered, I feel a deep sense of pride in how far women in business have come. Leaders like Whitney Wolfe Herd, Adena Friedman, Sara Blakely, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and countless others have shown the world that our voices, perspectives, and ideas are not just valuable—they’re game-changing. Together, we are creating a new narrative, one where women don’t just participate in business, but redefine it.

The journey is far from over, and there’s still much work to be done. But with every challenge we face, we also uncover new opportunities to innovate, empower, and inspire. As we continue to push forward, let’s remember that our success lies not just in reaching the top, but in building ladders for others to climb alongside us.

I believe in a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead, to create, and to drive change. Let’s continue to break down barriers, support one another, and reshape the business world into a place where everyone can thrive.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you! Who are the women in business that inspire you the most? Let’s celebrate their stories and continue this conversation about leadership, innovation, and breaking new ground. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—together.