When MBAs graduate from B-schools they hold the power of changing the world. They carry the most important tool with themselves i.e. innovation. Many MBAs in the world have brought enormous changes to the world. Not only by their work but also by their determination to see a change. Here is a list of 5 famous MBAs who changed the world with the power of their innovation.
Melinda Gates, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Class of 1987
Melinda Gates is one of the smartest businesswomen and she has been ranked Forbes sixth most powerful woman in the world. Now you must be wondering that she must have been under shadowed by the success of her husband, Microsoft CEO Bill Gates. The answer is NO. She did her MBA from Fuqua School of Business, Duke University which gave her the expertise in this field, which also inspired other women in the male-dominated tech industry. She announced her desire of diversifying the tech industry stating that “Every company needs technology, and yet we are graduating fewer women technologists. That is not good for society. But we have to do it.” In 2019 she debuted as an author of the book The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World. Her work has always been for the betterment of society.
Indra Nooyi, IIM Calcutta, Class of 1976:
Indra Nooyi was born in India. She completed her MBA from IIM Calcutta. She is one of these 5 famous MBAs who changed the world who are from India. She is currently the CEO of PepsiCo. She has consistently ranked among the world’s 100 most powerful women. As PepsiCo CEO, Nooyi always pushed her company to bring healthy foods fore through their “Good for You” products. Her strategic direction of PepsiCo, called Performance with the Purpose, has been very successful and involved in creating long-term growth for her company while leaving a great impact on the economy and environment. As a part of the performance with the purpose, Nooyi also focused on the environment, sustainable development, redesigning of packaging to avoid wastage, conserving water, switching renewable energy sources and recycling. She has been honoured with several awards and mentions. She never thought of making this big. But apparently, she did because she wanted to see a change.
Tim Cook, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Class of 1988:
Tim Cook is the CEO of Apple Inc. and previously worked as COO under its co-founder Steve Jobs. Under Cook, Apple has turned from being dubbed one of Greenpeace’s least environmental friendly companies to the company which is making constant efforts towards sustainability. This has also included employing Lisa Peterson, former administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as Apple’s top environmental advisor. They also made sure to use 100% renewable energy sources for all of their facilities. In 2014, he has been mentioned as Financial Times Person of the Year. Apart from the business world, he has been also contributing towards society’s welfare. He remains a strong advocate for LGBT rights around the world.
Sheryl Sandberg, Harvard School of Business, Class of 1955:
Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook. In June 2012, she was elected to Facebook’s board of directors, becoming the first woman to serve on board. Since Zuckerberg nabbed her from Google in 2008, Facebook has gone making a net loss to turning a 22$ billion profit. Yet, she is a supremely respected woman in business. In 2013, she launched her first book Lean In. Pointing out the lack of women in leadership. In March 2014, Sandberg sponsored the Ban Bossy campaign, a television and social media campaign designed to discourage the word bossy from regular use due to its harmful effects on girls and women.
Sallie Krawcheck, Columbia Business School, Class of 1922:
Sallie Krawcheck is the CEO and the co-founder of Ellevest, a digital financial advisor for women launched in 2016. The organization stands in the face of the male world and even the gender-neutral approach of investing, offering unique tools and services to women to help build their portfolios to offer them the same success. It has a total of $83.3 million valuations; it has already started impacting so many lives of young and professional women. Bank of America has hired Krawcheck to head the new division.
Conclusion
From sustainability to promoting women in business, these were the 5 famous MBAs who changed the world using their degrees to make a real difference. They believed in themselves and they made it happen. If they can do it so can you. All it requires is a little courage and willingness to bring a change. It’s not important to graduate from a reputed B-school. If you have that zeal to bring the change no one can stop you. To know more about the courses which can take anyone in the list of 5 famous MBAs who changed the world with the tool of their innovation, refer to the links below: