Top 5 Business News Highlights from the 40 Under 40 List
If you’re a business enthusiast, you’ll be excited to know that Forbes has rounded up the 40 innovative minds under the age of 40 who are disrupting the industries they operate in and pushing the limits of innovation. This year’s 40 Under 40 list is packed with outstanding entrepreneurial minds with ideas that have reshaped the world of business over the past year. Here are the top five business news highlights from the 40 Under 40 list that you should know:
1. Zoom’s Eric Yuan Takes the Lead
Zoom’s Founder and CEO, Eric Yuan, took the top spot in Forbes’ 40 Under 40 list. Yuan’s story is an inspiring tale of a Chinese immigrant who dropped everything he had to move to Silicon Valley in pursuit of a software development career. Zoom’s phenomenal success has been attributed to Yuan’s relentless focus on product development and customer satisfaction. As a result, the video conferencing platform created by Yuan has become an indispensable tool for businesses worldwide.
2. Female CEOs Lead the Way
This year’s 40 Under 40 list features 10 female CEOs who are making waves in male-dominated industries. Among them is Professional golfer-turned-businesswoman, Michelle Wie West, who funds startups with a focus on tech and e-commerce. Others include Whitney Wolfe Herd, CEO of Bumble, the popular dating app, and Katrina Lake, CEO of Stitch Fix, the online styling service. These female leaders are proving that gender should not be a barrier to success.
3. San Francisco-based Fintech Founders are Thriving
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic downturn, the founders of the San Francisco-based fintech companies are doing well, thanks to pre-existing venture capital investment funding. Under the leadership of industry innovators like Tanya Van Court, Founder, and CEO of Goalsetter, and John Collison, Co-founder of Stripe, the San Francisco Bay Area is increasingly becoming a global hub for fintech innovation.
4. NBA Players Take on Social Justice Issues
NBA players have been vocal about social and racial issues in the United States, and many of the league’s current and former players are taking this fight outside the court. 40 Under 40’s list features several NBA players like Chris Paul, who is determined to inspire a new generation of voters and activist Athletes, and Kevin Love, who has started a fund to cover mental health expenses for those who can’t afford therapy.
5. Fast Food Chains Buckle up for a New Era
Fast food chains like Chick-fil-A, KFC, and Marcus Samuelsson have embraced new business models that emphasize the need for more eco-friendly and sustainable practices. For example, Marcus Samuelsson, Founder of the Red Rooster restaurants, took an active role in curbing food waste and using eco-friendly packaging solutions for his restaurant chain. Others like KFC and Chick-fil-A have also been investing heavily in alternative energy and eco-friendly initiatives.
Final Thoughts
This year’s 40 Under 40 list features talented entrepreneurs and business leaders who have succeeded against all odds, and their unique perspectives and insights offer fresh approaches to solving complex business challenges. Their vision for innovation and passion for impact make them excellent role models for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. As the world continues to navigate unprecedented disruptions, their stories inspire us to keep pushing the limits of innovation and fostering sustainable business practices.
