By Qingqing Ouyang (‘23)

March is a month celebrating women and reading, and it is important to appreciate both.  Let’s take a look at female business individuals that have widely impacted the financial world. Not only their contributions and influence, but I  also encourage you to read more about their story. Here, you will read about three strong women we have chosen, and books relating to their work. 

We all know the term “independent women” but what truly makes them strong and independent? Well, the answer lies under an individual’s ambition, hard work, and perseverance. Through the three women mentioned below, they have truly demonstrated those strengths, and we wish to share that knowledge during the month of March. 

Indra Nooyi is an Indian American businesswoman, who was the CEO of Pepsi Co. She also held management and executive board positions in multiple firms and businesses. She has constantly been ranked in Forbes and also is known as a strong mom of two daughters. Overall, she has inspired women across the world in the field of business. Her book, My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future, discusses her life and her ways of balancing work and personal life. As she serves as a role model to women across the globe and a mentor for immigrant women, this book published recently will undeniably motivate you and your dreams. 

Lisa Su is a Taiwan-American who worked at many businesses including Texas Instruments, and now working as the CEO at Advanced Micro Devices. She especially is focused on conductors and technology-related innovation and has widely contributed to the world of STEM.  The New York Times covers an interview with Lisa Su, called “Lisa Su on the Art of Setting Ambitious Goals,” which is a great reading piece to check out for motivation. Lisa mentions how she immigrated when she was two years old, and how she has always had a heavy education and high expectations. This allowed her to achieve higher goals, and she believes her experiences can also be shared with the rest of the world. 

Safra Katz is an Israeli-American billionaire who has worked in Oracle and is now the CEO. She has held various investment banking positions and was also part of numerous banking corporations. She has been ranked many times in Forbes as a powerful businesswoman and is a powerful business woman behind the technology. Katz recommends the book Connecting the Dots, by John Chambers, which discusses the business lessons to success. Chambers provides insights and tools during the age of technology and business.