Top 10 Women Leaders from Australia - 2025

Women's leadership in Australia is in a process of rapid change. There is an increasing recognition of the benefits related to diverse leadership in organizational performance, innovation and workplace culture. A growing number of Australian women are taking on positions of influence, in corporate, government and entrepreneurial sectors, shaping strategic direction while also leading sustainable growth. These leaders are not only leading their organizations but have also emerged as change-makers for a more equitable system, advancing gender equity, higher inclusion, and progressive workplace practices. Australia achieved a massive shift with women taking leadership roles of some of our largest public and private companies, startups, public sector organisations and not-for-profit organisations (NFPs).

The progress of women has improved governance, stakeholder engagement and bottom line business results. The opportunities provided through leadership development initiatives - mentoring programs, gender lens investing, networks for women leaders - have played a role in building energy. However, women leaders still experience systemic barriers such as unconscious bias, pay inequity, limited access to executive positions as well as limited access to funds (venture capital) to enable female-founded ventures. However, Australian women leaders exhibit resilience and adaptability with a teamwork-based leadership style which is increasingly desirable in a complex and rapidly changing business world.

They have shifted management styles, created a focus on wellbeing and flexibility, and are utilizing technology to innovate as a strategy. Moreover, Indigenous women and culturally diverse leaders are starting to gain visibility but require greater representation and support. As organizations begin to shift towards a more purpose-led approach, they have also demonstrated to women leaders in Australia the way to lead authentically and with genuine empathy for impact. The future of leadership in Australia is going to be determined in part by how well the business ecosystem continues to support and elevate women to lead, not just lead but to thrive and scale meaningful change.

In this issue, Global Woman Leader magazine brings a list of ‘Top 10 Women Leaders from Australia - 2025’, who are domineers of change in the corporate realm of the country. This list of ten leading and inspiring women is crafted by a team of CEOs, VCs, and the editorial board, delivering inspiring stories of their journey and the contributions & roles played by them in the creation and empowerment of an economically powerful nation.