Leadership today looks different from what it did even a few years ago. It is more transparent, more purpose-driven, and more connected to real-world impact. Across industries, women are stepping into roles where they are not only leading organizations but also shaping conversations, setting new standards, and building solutions that respond to the challenges of our time. The women featured in this list are doing exactly that. They are innovators, decision-makers, and change agents whose work is already influencing 2026 in meaningful ways.

Samantha Dang

Samantha Dang is a music producer, writer, and entertainment executive whose work bridges legal expertise, cultural storytelling, and independent music production.

After practicing law in Oregon for 11 years, Samantha relocated to California in 2013 to teach at Irvine University College of Law. While teaching, she began working closely with her aunt, Vietnamese musician and VietFace TV news anchor HaDo BichPhuong, supporting her as a creative collaborator across composition, writing, and production.

In 2014, Samantha was recognized as Professor of the Year for her excellence in teaching. Alongside her legal academic career, she continued to deepen her role in music production, contributing to the creation of 13 albums with HaDo BichPhuong. Their most recent collaboration, Roses of Humanity (2025), is a nine-track instrumental album honoring lives lost during and after the Vietnam War. The project blends traditional Vietnamese instruments— the zither, monochord, and bamboo flute—with piano, violin, and guitar, reflecting a dialogue between heritage and contemporary expression. The album commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and was submitted for GRAMMY consideration.

In addition, Samantha has co-produced Alana Rich’s pop single The Thrill (2025) and co-written portions of Deuandra T. Brown’s Dancing in the Dark (2025), both of which were also submitted for GRAMMY consideration.

Samantha currently serves as President of Final Bow Entertainment, where she oversees creative development, production strategy, and Public Relations. She is actively involved in writing, producing, and guiding multiple music projects slated for release and Grammy award consideration in 2026.

Carol Zatt

Carol Zatt is a creative marketing strategist and international entrepreneur who empowers women to feel confident in front of the camera, in the boardroom, or while running their businesses from home.

Unfulfilled in her previous job, Carol pursued her passion for photography. Eventually, she landed a role as Google's leading content creator and worked with brands like YouTube, Lego, and Sonos. Since then, Carol has embarked on a mission to teach others to craft impactful social media content and authentically stand out from the crowd.

She hosts the “Marketing FLOW” podcast, where she interviews leaders and visionaries like Joe Foster, founder of Reebok, and other successful entrepreneurs to provide short and valuable insights about marketing and business that people can apply to their businesses.

She runs a disruptive marketing agency that provides accessible and personalised marketing services for small business owners and co-runs a community called SisterShip, where she passionately advocates for women's issues, diversity, inclusion, and equality.

She shares her inspirational story of leaving a simple life in the south of Brazil to travel the world and work with luxury brands. She is now dedicated to transforming the digital landscape and empowering women to turn their visions into impactful realities, proving that everything is possible when you have a “Marketing FLOW”.

Marilene Tentomas

Marilene Tentomas, founder of Slimwave Technologies and co-founder of NuBody Medica, is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their aesthetic and wellness goals naturally, leveraging cutting-edge, non-invasive technologies.

More than a visionary entrepreneur, Marilene is a forward-thinking leader with an innate ability to predict emerging trends in the wellness industry. She is at the forefront of bringing infrared therapy, red light treatments, and muscle stimulation back as the new wave in wellness, redefining how people approach body contouring and overall health. Her early recognition of the potential of muscle stimulation technology—long before it gained mainstream attention—showcases her exceptional business insight. This foresight, paired with a relentless commitment to innovation, has cemented her reputation as a pioneer in non-invasive body contouring and wellness solutions.

A passionate advocate for women in business, Marilene is devoted to empowering and supporting female entrepreneurs in the beauty and wellness sectors. She is driven to leave a lasting legacy not only as an innovator but also as a champion of women’s success in the industry.

Melissa Wahe

After her surgery went wrong, Melissa Wahe faced death and had a revelation. Her life had been spent serving others, but now it was time to become her own hero. Setting aside her career in social work, Melissa renewed her journey of becoming an actor, a stunt driver, and a screenwriter. Her passion for driving led her to the Motion Picture Driving Clinic, where she learned how to make her car pirouette in a controlled spin. But 360 degrees wasn’t enough.

She attended Drift 101 driving school and developed the ability to slide her car around corners like a cheetah. However, Melissa never forgot her love of performance through acting. She discovered she could bring others into her emotional experience while acting with Greg Finley. She can currently be seen on Life Lessons with Luis, in multiple commercials, and heard as Mika Gray in the Frijoles y Arroz Podcast.

Ihsane Haouach

Ihsane Haouach is a societal entrepreneur and author dedicated to promoting equitable and sustainable transitions. As a mother of three, her life's mission is to bridge the social, public, and private sectors. Driven by the belief that our society's future lies in integrating energy solutions with social challenges, she has always maintained a dual focus. Haouach has spearheaded numerous international projects targeting efficient and effective organizations and founded several non-profit initiatives aimed at promoting equity. Her efforts particularly emphasize educating women and young people, and she co-initiated "L'Epicerie," a center in Brussels. She also serves on the board of the Brussels regulatory energy and water agency. Recognized as one of “Belgium's 40 under 40” leaders, Haouach has received multiple awards for her contributions. Her first book, "Open Up Your Organisation," presents an innovative and inclusive leadership model, while her second, “C’est pas personnel,” blends reality and fiction to enhance societal dialogue with humanity and humor.

Natalie Perkins, PhD

Natalie Perkins, known affectionately as "You Got This," is a creative and purpose-driven CEO who embodies passion and dedication. A self-proclaimed data nerd and a connoisseur of product design, Natalie has a knack for merging sophisticated simplicity with true effectiveness. Her commitment to women's empowerment and health fuels her mission: ensuring no aging woman is left behind in redefining menopause as a time to take control of their health.

Natalie's belief in the importance of listening to and investing in one's brain and body forms the foundation of her philosophy for professional success. She advocates for a holistic approach to health in order to achieve one's full potential.

As a mother of four and a partner to an incredible man who values teamwork and support, Natalie believes ‘balance’ is a four-letter word; rather, we make choices on what we prioritize our time, but quality over quantity and communication are key.

She is determined to turn PAUZ Health into a brand that every woman over the age of 35 accesses to empower them to grab life by the ovaries, driving forward a vision where health and success are accessible to all.

Jennifer Bassett

For nearly 25 years, Jennifer Bassett has led a highly successful event management company, renowned for curating extraordinary experiences for premium brands and discerning clients. Specializing in fundraising, weddings, and private events, Jennifer’s expertise is backed by a national network of top-tier professionals, from British Columbia to the Maritimes.

Jennifer is celebrated for her ability to deliver exceptional results, blending creativity with meticulous attention to detail. Her team excels in every aspect of event planning—from photography and set design to budgeting and artist bookings—all while remaining unflappable under pressure.

As a philanthropist, Jennifer has made a profound impact by organizing some of the most iconic charity galas. Her leadership extends to board and committee roles with esteemed organizations, including SickKids, the National Ballet School of Canada, and the Sunnybrook Foundation. She also co-founded the Young Patrons Council at the Royal Ontario Museum and serves on the University Health Network’s Capital Campaign Cabinet.

A devoted mother of two, Jennifer cherishes time with her family and pursues her passions for food, pilates, music, and travel. Her visionary approach and unwavering dedication have made her a trusted name in event management and philanthropy alike.

Morgan Myles

At 26, Morgan Myles is creating waves and disrupting many different industries. Along with having a full-time role as a strategist, she is a Co-Founder of Collective Brains, a Global Learning and Development Platform, the Founder of her own marketing consulting and research firm, morganmyles.net, and has a successful self-help podcast, Start with Morgan Myles. On Instagram, she is known for being a lifestyle Influencer who’s open about mental health, and her authenticity has generated more than 11K followers. Leveraging her passion for marketing, gaming, nutrition, and mental health, she founded Spark Energy Gaming, which is a health drink for gamers. It is in the early stages of raising capital through dropshipping and her recent Kickstarter campaign, but she is not shy to start marketing the brand, which has already generated an impressive 5 million views and 500K likes on TikTok.

Caroline Podgurski

Caroline Podgurski is a multifaceted Belgian woman with deep roots in the film and television industry, particularly in fiction. However, her talents and passions extend far beyond this realm. A true artist at heart, Caroline harbors a profound love for various forms of artistic expression, including musical theater, music, and traditional theater.

Feeling undervalued in her home country's industry, Caroline aspires to transition into the broader arts sector, where she believes her true calling lies. She dreams of creating music and working in theater as a performer, hoping to find the recognition and opportunities that align with her abilities.

Caroline describes herself as a sensitive, romantic, and unique individual. She firmly believes in perfect timing, the power of dreamers, and the importance of mutual support among like-minded individuals. In her leisure time, Caroline enjoys practicing yoga, engaging in aerobics and party aerobics, and finding tranquility through meditation.

Caroline Balinska

As the host of two podcasts, Life On Purpose Over 40 and More Clients Less Hustle, Caroline Balinska inspires women to live intentionally, work smarter, and embrace wellness while building impactful lives. Through expert insights and candid conversations, she empowers her audience to redefine success in both business and life.

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Caroline is passionate about helping others achieve freedom, balance, and fulfillment. With over 20 years of business experience, she specializes in streamlining businesses through proven systems and strategies.

Caroline’s mentoring programs and Ignite Sales System enable clients to save time, attract leads, and scale their businesses—all while working smarter, not harder.

Through her podcasts and coaching, Caroline’s mission is to equip ambitious women with the tools to create thriving businesses and meaningful lives they love.

Final Thoughts

The leaders highlighted here represent more than professional success; they reflect the direction in which modern leadership is moving. Their influence extends beyond titles and achievements, reaching into communities, industries, and future generations. As 2026 unfolds, their work will continue to inspire progress and open doors for others. Keeping an eye on their journeys is not just about recognition; it is about understanding who is helping shape what comes next.