Most Powerful Women List Released: Annual Forbes List Contains CEO’s, Heads Of State, And Pop Princesses?
Forbes has released its annual list of the most powerful women in the world, and in addition to the expected mix of politicians and businesswomen, the list also includes a purveyor of bubblegum pop, a fashion icon, and more than a few philanthropists and scientists.
For the fifth year in a row, the most powerful woman in the world is German chancellor Angela Merkel, who is dangerously close to losing her spot at No. 1 to another politician, Hillary Clinton (No. 2).
“Hillary Clinton has appeared on this Forbes ranking every year since it launched in 2004 as, in order, a senator, secretary of state and influential personality. In 2015 Clinton is No. 2, just a breath and a ballot away from the Most Powerful Woman crown.”
An unexpected newcomer to the Most Powerful Women list, coming in at No. 64 is pop megastar Taylor Swift. Love her or hate her, you have to admire her business savvy, says Telegraph writer Sarah Carson.
“Swift is also one of the savviest businesswomen in music… For a young star to have avoided a single publicity disaster in nine years of life in the spotlight is the mark of some seriously slick PR, and Taylor Swift’s image is squeaky-clean, even if she’s no longer projecting the image of perfection from her teenage years. She’s known for her professionalism and approachability.”
Other entertainers to make the list include Oprah (No. 12) and Beyonce (No. 21).
Women in business always get their fair share of spots on the Most Powerful Women list, and this year is no exception. The highest-ranking businesswoman on the list this year is GM CEO Mary Barra (No. 5). Other powerful businesswomen on the list include Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg (No. 8) and another tech heavyweight, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, comes in right behind her at No. 9.
The remainder of the Most Powerful Women list is rounded out by scientists, such as mathmetician and Epic Systems co-founder Judy Faulkner (No. 88); and philanthropists, such as Melinda Gates (No. 3).
Forbes has compiled a list of the 100 Most Powerful Women every year since 2004 (Hillary Clinton has been on every list since the beginning). Although the term “most powerful” is, of course, subjective, Forbes tries to be somewhat scientific about it.
“To determine the rank within each category, as well as overall rank on the list of 100, we apply four metrics: money, media presence, spheres of influence and impact.”
Which women do you think should and should not be included on the list of the Most Powerful Women in the world? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
[Images courtesy of: Getty Images]
