When we think of the world’s wealthiest individuals, our minds often first go to the likes of Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett. However, many female entrepreneurs and heiresses have amassed tremendous wealth over the years.
The world is increasingly recognizing the power and potential of women, and the realm of finance and business is no different. It’s heartening to see that women are playing an increasingly critical role in the global economy, and in many instances, outshining their male counterparts in terms of wealth generation.
My friend Janet Thaler, from Unbox Mattress, recently posted on Facebook:
Know who the wealthiest woman in the world is right now? Francoise Bettencourt Meyers. We often talk about and know who the wealthiest men are (or were as the case may be). So I find it fascinating that it’s likely you don’t know the wealthiest woman’s name.
2023 has a good year for her. Her net worth has risen to $93.3B. That’s nearly $22B more than she had in early 2023.
She’s a French businesswoman who owns L’Oreal makeup and skincare company, which was founded by her grandfather. After the fire that severely damaged Notre-Dame, she and L’Oréal pledged $226 million to repair the cathedral.
Who is the richest man in the world? Also from France. As of April 1, 2023, the richest man in the world is Bernard Arnault, the CEO and chairman of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. He’s worth nearly $226 billion.
Janet, who also runs the Happy House Deals Facebook group, was the inspiration for today’s blog post.
Contents
The 7 Wealthiest Women in the World
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the wealthiest women in the world, their business ventures, and how they came to be so successful.
1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers
Topping the list of the wealthiest women in the world is Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, with a net worth now of $95.5 billion (up from when Janet posted a month ago). She is the granddaughter of the legendary industrialist L’Oreal’s founder, Eugene Schueller. Francoise inherited 33% of L’Oreal’s shares after the death of her mother in 2017, and since then has taken an active role in managing the company’s finances. Meyers earned a degree in philosophy and started her career as a journalist before joining L’Oreal’s board of directors in 1997. She is also a philanthropist who is committed to causes related to education, science, and the arts.
2. Alice Walton
Alice Walton is the daughter of the retail giant Walmart’s founder, Sam Walton. With a net worth of $61.2 billion, she is one of the richest women globally, and her primary source of wealth is the 11% stake she owns in Walmart. Alice is also an art collector and founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, which houses works of some of the most noteworthy American artists. She is also heavily involved in supporting education initiatives, particularly those related to charter schools.
3. Mackenzie Scott
Mackenzie Scott is the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos and has a net worth of 27.9 billion. Although a significant portion of her wealth came from her divorce settlement, she has directed much of her fortune toward charitable causes. In 2020 alone, she donated over $4 billion to various organizations working on causes such as racial justice, economic mobility, and climate change.
4. Jacqueline Mars
Jacqueline Mars is the co-owner of Mars Inc., a family-owned chocolate and pet food company. With a net worth of $38.3 billion, Mars has worked in a variety of roles at the company, including marketing and business development. She is also a philanthropist and has donated to organizations focused on animal welfare and environmental conservation.
5. Julia Koch
Julia Koch is the widow of David Koch, who was a co-owner of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the world. After her husband’s death in 2019, Koch inherited a portion of his fortune and is now worth $59 billion. Over the years, Julia has been actively involved in philanthropic work through the David H. Koch Foundation, which focuses primarily on cancer research, medical causes, and cultural institutions.
6. Zhong Huijuan
Zhong Huijuan is a Chinese entrepreneur who founded the pharmaceutical company Hansoh. With a net worth of $19.7 billion, she is one of the wealthiest self-made women globally, and Hansoh is among the leading pharmaceutical companies in China.
7. Diane Hendricks
Diane Hendricks is an American businesswoman and the co-founder of ABC Supply, a leading distributor of roofing, windows, and siding materials. Her net worth is estimated at $13.7 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women in the US. Hendricks’ contributions to philanthropy focus on education, health, poverty alleviation, and the arts.
As we can see from the women listed above, the world of business is an ever-evolving realm, and women are increasingly playing a significant role in driving this change. Their wealth generation, business acumen, and philanthropic work are inspiring, and the world can truly benefit from such progressive visionaries who strive for success and societal improvement. We must continue to support the women who pave the way for others and foster an environment of equality, respect, and empowerment. Their success stories are essential, and we should celebrate them as they challenge norms, break barriers, and inspire generations to come.
Conclusion
These women serve as inspiration to the next generation of young entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and business leaders. They have shown that through hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to their passions, anything is possible. These women’s success stories are not just a testament to their skills but serve as a reminder of the power of women in business and society as a whole. The world would be a better place if more women had the resources and opportunities to make such an immense impact.
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