6 Inspiring Women Who Are Changing the Definition of Executive Leadership

As more and more women enter leadership positions and change the direction of some of the most powerful companies in the world, the very role of leaders—and definition of what being the head of a leadership team means—are evolving.

Each bringing a unique experience, leadership style, and story, these six great women are changing not only their role and that of the business they represent, but also the business landscape and ability for women around the world to move into leadership roles and create their own paths.

The Chief Operating Officer of Facebook has not only devised the strategy to make the social media giant profitable; she's also the author of Lean In and founder of Leanin.org, a nonprofit that supports women in the workplace.

PepsiCo's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is routinely ranked as one of the most powerful and influential women—and people—in the world by Forbes, Fortune, and Time. Under her leadership, the company has prioritized healthier alternatives for snack foods. Nooyi also intends to create snacks geared toward women.

As CEO of YouTube, Wojcicki raised the company's percentage of women from 24 percent to nearly 30. (For her insights on breaking the glass ceiling of the tech industry, read her excellent Vanity Fair op-ed, How to Break Up the Silicon Valley Boys' Club.) 

The Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the most powerful—and generous—philanthropists in the world. In occuping one of the Foundation's two top leadership roles, Gates has prioritized education, along with seeking to address global poverty and health.

The senior vice president of retail strategy and online stores at Apple is the highest-paid employee at the tech giant. This hugely successful executive is credited for bringing a personal touch to Apple retail stores everywhere.

Did you know that the Chairman and CEO of General Motors also sits on the board of Disney—the 12th person elected to Disney's board? In her role at GM, she has made important acquisitions, such as the driverless-technology startup Strobe. She has also pushed the company to be more customer centric.