Most Powerful Women Gets Socially Conscious

The rankings universe could not exactly publish a 2020 October list without taking this extraordinary year into account. As I have written before on this blog, there are now many lists that have a Covid-19 and racial justice filter. Therefore it goes without saying that Fortune’s 2020 Most Powerful Women list revamped its criteria to meet the new world reputation requirements: “Since its beginning in 1998, this list has relied on four criteria: the size and importance of each woman’s business in the global economy; the health and direction of the business; the arc of her career; and her social and cultural influence. This year, we added a new dimension: We wanted to understand how an executive is wielding her power. In this moment of crisis and uncertainty, is she using her influence to shape her company and the wider world for the better?”

I agree that bottom line factors are important but how women leaders use their influence to impact others and the many problems this world faces demands notice. And dare I say, women leaders add a great deal to making our work environments better for us all — employees, customers, communities and families. And yes, for investors.

Might I add that the list is also more diverse than previous lists, making the mosaic of female leadership more equitable and fair. Thank you Fortune.