In a rapidly evolving global landscape, certain individuals stand out for their extraordinary ability to shape our collective future. These are the people whose ideas, actions, and innovations ripple across borders, industries, and cultures. They are business titans revolutionizing how we work, political leaders navigating complex global challenges, scientists unlocking the mysteries of our universe, artists redefining cultural narratives, and activists championing causes that affect millions.
Power and influence take many forms. For some, it's the financial capital to move markets and fund ambitious ventures. For others, it's intellectual contribution, the ability to move hearts through artistic expression, or the courage to stand firm for principles even when facing tremendous opposition. What unites everyone on this list is their outsized impact on our world today.
This comprehensive examination of global influence spans diverse fields and geographies, highlighting both established power brokers and emerging voices whose impact promises to grow in the coming years.
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
1.Elon Musk
As the world's richest person with a net worth of $342 billion in 2025, Musk has transformed multiple industries simultaneously. His companies—SpaceX, Tesla, xAI, Neuralink, and The Boring Company—continue pushing boundaries in space exploration, sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, neural technology, and infrastructure.www.linkedin.com After successfully establishing a permanent human presence on Mars, Musk's focus has increasingly turned toward xAI, his company dedicated to developing artificial general intelligence with human values at its core.
2.Mark Zuckerberg
With a fortune of $216 billion, Zuckerberg has successfully transformed Facebook's parent company Meta into the dominant force in social media and virtual reality.www.linkedin.com His persistent vision of the metaverse, despite initial skepticism, has begun to show significant traction as adoption of Meta's Reality Labs hardware has reached critical mass, creating a new digital economy that impacts how millions work, play, and connect.
3.Jeff Bezos
Worth $215 billion, Bezos continues to shape global commerce and space exploration through Amazon and Blue Origin.www.linkedin.com His acquisition of several major media properties has expanded his influence into journalism and entertainment, while his philanthropy has focused increasingly on climate initiatives and healthcare innovation.
4.Sam Altman
As CEO of OpenAI, Altman has become the face of the artificial intelligence revolution. His leadership has turned OpenAI from a research lab into a company valued at over $150 billion, with products that have fundamentally altered how humans interact with technology. Despite controversies surrounding AI regulation, Altman's diplomatic navigation of complex technical and ethical landscapes has kept him at the forefront of the AI discourse.
5.Jensen Huang
NVIDIA's founder and CEO has become the kingmaker of the AI era, with his chips powering virtually all major AI breakthroughs. Under his leadership, NVIDIA has transformed from a gaming hardware company into the essential infrastructure provider for the AI revolution, making Huang one of the most influential figures in determining how quickly AI capabilities advance.
6.Satya Nadella
Microsoft's CEO has orchestrated one of the most remarkable corporate transformations in business history, pivoting the once-stagnant software giant into a cloud computing and AI leader. His strategic partnerships, including the landmark investment in OpenAI, have positioned Microsoft at the center of the AI revolution while maintaining its enterprise dominance.
7.Lisa Su
As CEO of AMD, Su has engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in tech history, transforming a struggling semiconductor company into a formidable competitor to Intel and a key player in the AI chip market. Her technical expertise combined with business acumen has revolutionized the semiconductor industry.
8.Bernard Arnault
The chairman and CEO of luxury goods conglomerate LVMH has built an unparalleled empire of prestigious brands. Worth $178 billion, Arnault's influence extends beyond fashion into fine wines, spirits, hospitality, retail, and increasingly, technology.www.linkedin.com His strategic acquisitions have preserved heritage luxury brands while modernizing them for contemporary consumers.
9.Mukesh Ambani
Through Reliance Industries, Ambani has revolutionized telecommunications and retail in India, bringing affordable internet access to hundreds of millions and transforming how the world's most populous country shops, communicates, and consumes content. His pivot toward renewable energy promises similar disruption in that sector.
10.Shantanu Narayen
Adobe's CEO has transformed creative software, positioning the company as an essential partner for virtually all digital content creation. Under his leadership, Adobe has expanded beyond creative tools to become a comprehensive digital experience platform that powers much of the world's digital commerce and marketing.
11.Zhang Yiming
The founder of ByteDance created TikTok, the short-form video platform that has transformed global entertainment, marketing, and even politics. Despite regulatory challenges in multiple countries, TikTok's cultural influence continues to grow, shaping trends and public discourse worldwide.
12.Alexandr Wang
As the youngest self-made billionaire on this list at age 28, Wang co-founded Scale AI, which has become fundamental to training the world's most advanced AI systems.www.linkedin.com His company's data labeling technology underpins autonomous vehicles, large language models, and AI applications across virtually every industry.
13.Artis Stevens
As President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Stevens has transformed youth mentoring in the United States. Under his leadership since 2020, the organization has been recognized as a Top 10 Most Trusted Nonprofit, doubled its annual revenue, and expanded its reach to serve more communities.www.bbbs.org
14.Ryan Detert
Founder and CEO of Influential, Detert has built the largest influencer marketing company in the world by revenue. His data-first approach has transformed how brands connect with audiences, developing partnerships with major technology companies including Meta, TikTok, IBM Watson, and Oracle.www.bbbs.org
15.Larry Ellison
With a net worth of $192 billion, Oracle's founder and CTO has positioned his company as a critical infrastructure provider for the AI era, with specialized cloud offerings that power some of the world's largest enterprises and government agencies.www.linkedin.com
16.Tim Cook
Apple's CEO has successfully diversified beyond the iPhone, overseeing development of new product categories in wearables and spatial computing. Under his leadership, Apple has continued setting the standard for hardware excellence while expanding its services business to create an ecosystem competitors struggle to match.
17.Mary Barra
As CEO of General Motors, Barra has accelerated the automotive giant's transformation toward electric vehicles and autonomous technology, positioning GM to compete effectively in the post-internal combustion era while managing a complex transition for one of America's largest manufacturers.
18.Sundar Pichai
Google and Alphabet's CEO navigates the complex challenges of maintaining Google's search dominance in the AI era while expanding the company's influence across cloud computing, consumer hardware, and emerging technologies. His leadership during antitrust scrutiny and AI competition has kept Google at the center of the digital economy.
19.Bob Iger
After returning to Disney as CEO, Iger has orchestrated a complex restructuring to position the entertainment giant for the streaming era while maintaining its unmatched intellectual property empire spanning films, theme parks, merchandise, and increasingly, virtual experiences.
20.Andy Jassy
Amazon's CEO has expanded beyond the foundation built by Bezos, accelerating growth in Amazon Web Services while restructuring the company's retail operations for a more challenging economic environment. His strategic investments in healthcare and logistics have expanded Amazon's reach into critical infrastructure.
POLITICS & GOVERNMENT
21.Joe Biden
The U.S. President has navigated complex domestic challenges while managing America's global relationships during a period of realignment in the international order. His administration's economic and climate policies have had far-reaching impact domestically and internationally.
22.Donald Trump
The former U.S. President has maintained extraordinary influence over American politics. His strategic investments, including in cryptocurrency and media, have more than doubled his fortune to $5.1 billion, strengthening his political position ahead of his return to the presidency.www.linkedin.com
23.Xi Jinping
China's President continues to consolidate power while pursuing an ambitious vision of China's role on the world stage. His policies on technology, trade, and international relations significantly impact global affairs, with China's diplomatic and economic influence expanding under his leadership.
24.Ursula von der Leyen
The European Commission President has strengthened the EU's global position through policies on technology regulation, climate change, and strategic autonomy. Her leadership during multiple crises has reinforced European unity while elevating the bloc's global influence.
25.Narendra Modi
India's Prime Minister leads the world's most populous democracy during a period of economic transformation and geopolitical realignment. His domestic initiatives and international diplomacy have positioned India as an increasingly influential global power.
26.Vladimir Putin
Russia's President maintains significant influence over global affairs through energy policy, military interventions, and strategic partnerships. His willingness to challenge Western-led international norms has altered the security landscape across multiple regions.
27.Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister has overseen dramatic social and economic reforms while pursuing an assertive foreign policy. His Vision 2030 initiative aims to transform the Saudi economy, reducing dependence on oil while expanding into sectors from tourism to technology.
28.Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukraine's President has become a global symbol of resistance and democratic determination. His leadership during conflict has mobilized international support and reshaped security considerations across Europe and beyond.
29.Olaf Scholz
Germany's Chancellor guides Europe's largest economy during a period of energy transition, security reassessment, and industrial transformation. His policies significantly impact European unity and economic direction.
30.Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Brazil's President leads Latin America's largest economy with policies focused on environmental protection, social inequality, and regional integration. His return to power has altered Brazil's diplomatic approach and environmental stance.
31.Justin Trudeau
Canada's Prime Minister balances progressive domestic policies with pragmatic economic and diplomatic initiatives. His approach to climate change, immigration, and international cooperation influences debates well beyond Canada's borders.
32.Yoon Suk Yeol
South Korea's President navigates complex regional security challenges while positioning his country as a technological and cultural powerhouse. His administration's approach to North Korea, China relations, and semiconductor policy has significant global implications.
33.Anthony Albanese
Australia's Prime Minister has reoriented the country's climate policy while strengthening security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. His government's approach to China relations and regional diplomacy impacts stability across the Asia-Pacific.
34.Giorgia Meloni
Italy's Prime Minister has defied expectations, pursuing pragmatic governance while successfully navigating European politics. Her leadership has influenced conservative politics across Europe while maintaining Italy's position in EU and NATO structures.
35.Emmanuel Macron
France's President continues pursuing an ambitious agenda of domestic reform and European strategic autonomy. His vision for Europe's place in the emerging world order influences debates on defense, technology, and economic policy across the continent.
36.Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
The UAE's President has transformed his nation into a global hub for finance, technology, and diplomacy. His strategic investments and diplomatic initiatives have positioned the UAE as an increasingly influential player in regional and global affairs.
37.Janet Yellen
The U.S. Treasury Secretary shapes economic policy affecting global markets. Her approach to inflation, financial regulation, and international economic coordination influences monetary policy and financial stability worldwide.
38.Christine Lagarde
The European Central Bank President navigates monetary policy for the eurozone, influencing global financial conditions. Her leadership during inflation challenges and economic uncertainty has profound implications for the European and global economy.
39.Jerome Powell
The U.S. Federal Reserve Chair makes monetary policy decisions that reverberate through global financial markets. His approach to inflation, employment, and financial stability shapes economic conditions worldwide.
40.Kristalina Georgieva
The International Monetary Fund Managing Director oversees financial assistance and economic policy guidance affecting countries across the globe. Her leadership during economic disruptions has reinforced the IMF's central role in the global financial architecture.
SCIENCE & HEALTH
41.Jennifer Doudna
The Nobel Prize-winning biochemist continues pioneering work in CRISPR gene editing technology, revolutionizing medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Her research has opened new frontiers in treating genetic diseases while raising profound ethical questions.
42.Özlem Türeci and Uğur Şahin
The BioNTech co-founders whose mRNA technology transformed vaccine development have expanded their research into cancer treatments and other applications of synthetic mRNA, promising revolutionary approaches to previously untreatable conditions.
43.Francis Collins
The former NIH director continues influencing global health policy and research priorities. His advocacy for scientific collaboration and ethical research frameworks shapes how the international community approaches health challenges.
44.Feng Zhang
The biochemist and CRISPR pioneer has developed new gene editing tools that promise greater precision and expanded applications. His innovations continue transforming possibilities in genetic medicine and biotechnology.
45.Demis Hassabis
DeepMind's co-founder has revolutionized scientific discovery through AI. His company's breakthroughs in protein folding prediction and other complex scientific problems have accelerated research across multiple disciplines.
46.Bill Gates
Through the Gates Foundation, Microsoft's co-founder shapes global health priorities with unparalleled resources and influence. His focus on disease eradication, agricultural innovation, and pandemic preparedness directs billions of dollars toward specific global health challenges.
47.Anthony Fauci
The infectious disease expert and former presidential advisor continues influencing public health policy and research priorities. His decades of leadership in responding to infectious disease threats has made him one of the world's most respected medical voices.
48.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
The World Health Organization Director-General leads global health coordination during multiple simultaneous health crises. His approach to pandemic preparedness, vaccine distribution, and health system strengthening impacts populations worldwide.
49.Katalin Karikó
The biochemist whose decades of work on mRNA technology enabled COVID-19 vaccines continues developing applications beyond vaccines. Her persistence in pursuing once-overlooked research has transformed biomedicine.
50.Eric Lander
The geneticist and founding director of the Broad Institute shapes the direction of genomic research and its applications. His leadership in the Human Genome Project and subsequent genomic initiatives continues influencing how we understand and treat disease.
51.Esther Duflo
The Nobel Prize-winning economist's evidence-based approach to fighting global poverty has transformed development economics and policy. Her rigorous methods for evaluating interventions have improved the effectiveness of billions in development spending.
52.George Church
The geneticist and synthetic biology pioneer continues pushing boundaries in gene editing, synthetic genomes, and resurrection biology. His work raises profound questions about the future of human evolution and our relationship with other species.
53.Soumya Swaminathan
The physician and former WHO Chief Scientist shapes global health research priorities and evidence-based policy. Her leadership in promoting equitable access to medical technologies has influenced international health cooperation.
54.David Liu
The chemist and biological engineer has developed improved gene editing technologies that expand the potential applications of genetic medicine. His innovations promise more precise treatments for previously untreatable genetic conditions.
55.Emmanuelle Charpentier
The Nobel Prize-winning microbiologist continues advancing gene editing technologies with applications across medicine and biotechnology. Her foundational work on CRISPR systems has opened new possibilities in genetic medicine.
56.Sarah Gilbert
The vaccinologist whose work enabled rapid COVID-19 vaccine development continues advancing vaccine technologies for other diseases. Her approach to vaccine design has transformed how we respond to emerging infectious threats.
57.Sahin Amrolia
The pediatric hematologist's pioneering work in CAR-T cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. His innovations in cell therapies have created new hope for patients with previously untreatable conditions.
58.Kizzmekia Corbett
The viral immunologist whose research contributed to COVID-19 vaccine development continues work on vaccines for other viral threats. Her scientific contributions and public communication have advanced both vaccine technology and public understanding.
59.Karen DeSalvo
Google's Chief Health Officer influences how technology intersects with healthcare delivery and public health. Her leadership in digital health transformation affects how millions access and experience healthcare.
60.Matshidiso Moeti
The WHO Regional Director for Africa leads public health initiatives across a continent facing complex health challenges. Her approach to health system strengthening and disease response impacts the wellbeing of over a billion people.
CULTURE & ARTS
61.Beyoncé
The musician, businesswoman, and cultural icon continues reshaping entertainment while building a business empire. Her artistic choices and business ventures influence cultural conversations and industry practices globally.
62.Bruce Springsteen
The legendary musician joined the billionaire ranks in 2025, confirming his status not just as a cultural icon but as a savvy business figure whose catalog value and touring revenue have reached unprecedented heights.www.linkedin.com
63.Jerry Seinfeld
The comedian and actor's business acumen has made him another entertainment billionaire in 2025, proving his enduring cultural relevance decades after his sitcom ended.www.linkedin.com
64.Arnold Schwarzenegger
The former governor and actor has joined the billionaire ranks through strategic investments while maintaining cultural relevance through new media ventures and philanthropic work.www.linkedin.com
65.Eden Bridgeman Sklenar
As owner, Chairwoman and CEO of the iconic EBONY and JET brands since their acquisition in 2021, Sklenar has revitalized these culturally significant publications while serving as CMO of Manna Inc., which operates over 500 restaurant franchises.www.bbbs.org
66.Taylor Swift
The musician and businesswoman has transformed the music industry through her catalog ownership battles, re-recording project, and record-breaking tours. Her business decisions have altered how artists approach ownership and control of their work.
67.Oprah Winfrey
The media mogul, actress, and philanthropist continues influencing cultural conversations through her production company, media network, and philanthropy. Her platform elevates authors, thought leaders, and causes to national prominence.
68.Ryan Murphy
The prolific producer and director has reshaped television through groundbreaking series and a record-setting Netflix deal. His storytelling has mainstreamed diverse perspectives while creating new opportunities for underrepresented talent.
69.Phoebe Waller-Bridge
The writer, actress, and producer continues influencing television and film through critically acclaimed projects and high-profile collaborations. Her distinctive voice has elevated expectations for complex female characters and innovative storytelling.
70.Shonda Rhimes
The television producer and writer has built an unparalleled production empire, creating shows that consistently dominate cultural conversation. Her business success and creative choices have expanded opportunities for diverse talent on both sides of the camera.
71.BTS
The South Korean boy band has transformed global entertainment, breaking records while building a passionate international fan community. Their cultural influence extends beyond music into fashion, language learning, and tourism.
72.Ava DuVernay
The filmmaker and producer has expanded representation in Hollywood through her creative work and business initiatives. Her approach to storytelling and production has created new opportunities for underrepresented voices across the entertainment industry.
73.Tyler Perry
The filmmaker, actor, and studio owner has built an entertainment empire focused on underserved audiences. His business model and creative control have established a blueprint for creative independence in Hollywood.
74.Rihanna
The musician and entrepreneur has transformed beauty and fashion through her Fenty brands. Her business approach to inclusivity has forced entire industries to reconsider their practices.
75.Bob Dylan
The legendary songwriter completed the sale of his entire publishing catalog and recorded music rights in a landmark deal that has reshaped how musical legacies are valued and preserved. His business decisions have influenced how artists approach their intellectual property.
76.Lin-Manuel Miranda
The composer, lyricist, and actor has transformed theater through groundbreaking productions while expanding into film, television, and other media. His creative and business choices have influenced how theatrical productions are developed and monetized.
77.Spike Lee
The filmmaker and producer continues creating influential work while mentoring the next generation of diverse talent. His independent approach to filmmaking has maintained his artistic voice while building a substantial body of work.
78.Yayoi Kusama
The Japanese artist's immersive installations draw record crowds worldwide, influencing contemporary art practices and public engagement with visual art. Her distinctive aesthetic has transcended the art world to influence fashion, design, and popular culture.
79.Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The author and public intellectual shapes conversations about identity, feminism, and globalization through her writing and speaking. Her ideas have influenced how readers worldwide understand complex social and political issues.
80.Jordan Peele
The filmmaker, comedian, and producer has redefined horror as a vehicle for social commentary. His creative and business success has expanded opportunities for genre filmmaking with substantive cultural critique.
ACTIVISM & IMPACT
81.Greta Thunberg
The climate activist has transformed youth engagement in environmental advocacy. Her direct communication style and moral clarity have mobilized millions and influenced policy discussions at the highest levels.
82.Malala Yousafzai
The Nobel Peace Prize winner continues advocating for girls' education worldwide through the Malala Fund and other initiatives. Her personal story and persistent advocacy have kept girls' education on the global agenda.
83.Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi
The Black Lives Matter co-founders have permanently altered conversations about racial justice in the United States and globally. Their organizing model has influenced social movements across causes and borders.
84.Bryan Stevenson
The lawyer, social justice advocate, and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative continues challenging systemic inequalities in the American legal system. His approach to addressing historical injustice has created new frameworks for reconciliation and reform.
85.Lotay Tshering
Bhutan's surgeon-turned-Prime Minister continues practicing medicine while leading his country, embodying a unique approach to leadership that balances personal service with national governance. His policies on wellbeing measures beyond GDP influence development metrics globally.
86.Jacinda Ardern
The former New Zealand Prime Minister continues influencing global discussions on leadership, crisis management, and social media regulation. Her distinctive leadership style during multiple crises has established new benchmarks for political communication and compassionate governance.
87.António Guterres
The United Nations Secretary-General navigates complex global challenges from climate change to conflict resolution. His leadership of the world's primary international organization affects coordination on transnational issues affecting billions.
88.Christiana Figueres
The former UN climate chief continues influencing international climate action through advocacy and partnerships. Her diplomatic approach to building consensus has shaped how nations approach climate cooperation.
89.Sanna Marin
The former Finnish Prime Minister continues influencing political discourse on leadership, work-life balance, and progressive governance. Her approach to transparency and authenticity in leadership has resonated particularly with younger generations.
90.Gloria Steinem
The feminist icon and journalist continues shaping intergenerational feminism and coalition building. Her decades of advocacy have influenced how gender equality is understood and pursued globally.
91.José Andrés
The chef and humanitarian has transformed disaster response through World Central Kitchen. His innovative approach to food security in crisis situations has established new standards for humanitarian aid.
92.Alice Walton
The Walmart heiress and philanthropist has become the world's richest woman, using her fortune of over $100 billion to influence healthcare access, arts education, and regional economic development.www.linkedin.com
93.MacKenzie Scott
The author and philanthropist continues revolutionizing charitable giving through unrestricted, large-scale donations to diverse organizations. Her approach to philanthropy has challenged traditional foundation models and power dynamics in giving.
94.Paul Farmer
The physician and anthropologist expanded healthcare access for marginalized populations worldwide through Partners In Health. His approach to community-based care has influenced global health practices and ethical frameworks.
95.Vanessa Nakate
The Ugandan climate activist centers African voices in the climate movement, highlighting climate justice dimensions often overlooked in global discussions. Her advocacy has expanded how climate impacts are understood and prioritized.
96.Ilwad Elman
The Somali-Canadian peace activist leads peacebuilding and human rights work in Somalia. Her approach to integrating gender perspectives in conflict resolution has influenced international peacebuilding practices.
97.Ashutosh Labroo
As Chief Mentor, Board Advisor & Co-Founder of SuccessionIQ, Labroo challenges traditional leadership models that emphasize stoicism and silence. His research on influential leaders shows that many are "explosive, loud, vocal and hugely vulnerable in the expression of their emotions," using conflicts as opportunities to influence critics and promote unique ideas.www.forbes.com
98.Pope Francis
The Catholic Church leader continues influencing global discussions on economic inequality, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. His leadership of a global religious institution with 1.3 billion followers gives his statements on social issues extraordinary reach.
99.Marilyn Simons
As the richest newcomer to the billionaire ranks in 2025 with a fortune of $31 billion, the widow of hedge fund legend Jim Simons wields extraordinary philanthropic influence, particularly in scientific research and education.www.linkedin.com
100.Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
The richest self-made woman in the world, this Swiss shipping magnate has transformed global logistics while maintaining a remarkably low public profile.www.linkedin.com Her business decisions affect global supply chains and maritime transportation that underlies the world economy.
Conclusion
Influence takes many forms—from the visionary entrepreneur transforming industries to the activist challenging entrenched systems, from the artist reshaping cultural narratives to the scientist unlocking new possibilities for humanity. What unites these diverse leaders is their exceptional ability to create change that extends far beyond themselves.
As we navigate an era of unprecedented technological advancement, environmental challenges, geopolitical realignment, and social transformation, these 100 individuals stand at the forefront—guiding, disrupting, inspiring, and sometimes dividing. Their decisions, ideas, and actions reverberate across borders and generations, shaping the world we inhabit and the future we are creating.
In recognizing these influential figures, we acknowledge not just their power but their responsibility. With great influence comes the possibility to address humanity's most pressing challenges—or to exacerbate them. How these individuals choose to wield their extraordinary influence will significantly determine the course of human progress in the years to come.
Their stories remind us that influence, at its core, is about impact—the capacity to effect meaningful change in service of a vision. Whether that vision brings us closer to a more just, sustainable, and humane world remains the essential question that each of these influential figures must ultimately answer through their actions.
