Here are five successful businesswomen who started their businesses the same way we do, with a hope, a dream, and a vision. Two of these women are now billionaires and three are millionaires. There are several lessons we can learn from these powerful and successful role models.
A role model is defined as: any person who serves as an example, whose behavior is emulated by others.
- A successful role model was literally there, did it, and succeeded.
- A successful role model has the same values and beliefs that we do.
- A successful role model has not only been successful but is willing to share the lessons learned with others.
1. Oprah Winfrey- A self-made billionaire and entertainment mogul. What amazes me most about Oprah is the unwavering belief that she has always had in herself. Her mission was to make a positive difference in the world, especially for women. She has broken through racial and gender barriers to change the way we view the entertainment industry. Oprah Winfrey has had a great influence in improving the self-esteem of millions of women.
2.JK Rowling- A single mother living on welfare, yet never losing sight of her dream and vision. With a handwritten story about a boy wizard, she has become an entertainment phenomenon. In fact, she is the only billionaire author in the world. JK Rowling is truly a “magical woman”.
3. Roxanne Quimby – From living without electricity in 1984 to earning more than $300 million as the owner of Burt’s Bees, Roxanne Quimby has remained true to her values and beliefs, her children, her love of nature and her independent artistic spirit. She’s a woman who bought Burt some honey and saw a business opportunity. The rest, as they say, is history.
4.Paula Deen- A truly inspiring story of a single mother of two who suffered from anxiety attacks so severe that she was afraid to leave her home, yet knew she had to overcome these fears to provide for her family. With a love of cooking and spirit that is second to none, Paula Deen has become a Food Network star, restaurant owner, and author of numerous cookbooks.
5.Raquel Ray- As a child, Rachel Ray had “pep.” She harnessed her independent spirit and her passion for food to carve out a special niche for herself in the world of cooking. Rachel looked for opportunities and was willing to take career risks and explore new ways of doing the “old” things. Today, Rachel Ray is a well-known television personality, cookbook author, and has her own line of kitchen products.
What are the lessons we can learn and emulate from these wealthy self-made businesswomen?
- They never lose sight of what is important to them, personally and professionally.
- They were and are looking for a better financial way for their family and for themselves.
- They hold true to their core values and beliefs.
- They are willing to take risks and get out of their comfort zone.
- They have a vision, a dream, and a passion that keeps them going when the going gets tough.
- They believe in themselves and what they have to offer the world.
- They are determined to give back.
Who are your professional women role models? Wouldn’t you agree that we could learn a lot from the other women in business who have been there, done that, and blazed a trail for the rest of us?
