Joyce Mealey
March is Women’s History Month—a time to honor the visionaries who have shaped industries and paved the way for future generations. At The Round Table Group, we’re spotlighting eight trailblazing women whose influence in media, branding, marketing, and entertainment continues to inspire. Their leadership, creativity, and resilience have redefined success, proving that boundaries are meant to be broken.
Beyond their accomplishments, their bold career moves offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders looking to make their mark.
Anna Wintour: Taking Risks and Trusting Vision
For over three decades, Anna Wintour has dictated the course of fashion journalism. As Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief since 1988 and Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast, she pioneered the celebrity-driven magazine cover, transforming the industry’s approach to branding and media. She is also the mastermind behind the Met Gala, turning it into fashion’s most prestigious global event.
Career Moment: When Wintour took over Vogue, her very first cover featured a model in jeans and a high-fashion jacket—an unconventional choice that broke industry norms. This bold move signaled a new era of fashion journalism, proving the power of trusting one’s instincts.
Lesson for Entrepreneurs: Innovation often requires breaking tradition. Don’t be afraid to make bold, visionary moves in your industry.
Bozoma Saint John: Owning Your Authenticity in Business
Bold, fearless, and unapologetically herself—Bozoma Saint John has redefined marketing in the modern era. With leadership roles at PepsiCo, Apple Music, Uber, and Netflix, she has brought culture and storytelling to the forefront of branding, proving that inclusivity isn’t just a strategy—it’s a necessity.
Career Moment: While at PepsiCo, she spearheaded Beyoncé’s Super Bowl halftime sponsorship deal, creating a game-changing cultural moment that set a new standard for brand partnerships.
Lesson for Entrepreneurs: Culture and storytelling matter in branding—connect with your audience authentically and make them feel something.
Ava DuVernay: Betting on Yourself
Ava DuVernay is a powerhouse in the film industry, breaking barriers as the first Black woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars (Selma). Through her production company, ARRAY, she champions underrepresented voices, proving that diverse storytelling is not just a trend—it’s the future.
Career Moment: After being rejected by Hollywood studios, DuVernay self-funded her first feature film, I Will Follow. Its success opened doors, leading to Selma and a major Netflix deal.
A Great Lesson: Don’t wait for permission—create your own opportunities. If you believe in your idea, invest in it and let the world catch up.
Shonda Rhimes: Understanding the Power of Ownership
Shonda Rhimes doesn’t just create TV shows—she creates cultural moments. With Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton, she revolutionized television by centering powerful, complex female characters. She made history as the first woman to land a $100M+ deal with Netflix, giving her greater creative control and ownership.
Career Moment: After years of creating hits for ABC, Rhimes leveraged her success to secure a groundbreaking deal with Netflix, ensuring she maintained creative ownership over her work.
A Great Lesson: Ownership is power. Structure deals that allow you to maintain control of your work and its future value.
Carol H. Williams: Seeing an Underserved Market and Acting on It
Carol H. Williams made history as the first Black woman to be named a Creative Director at a major advertising agency. She later founded Carol H. Williams Advertising, a firm that created groundbreaking campaigns for General Motors, Procter & Gamble, and Walt Disney.
Career Moment: Williams recognized that major brands weren’t authentically marketing to Black consumers. She launched her own agency, crafting culturally resonant campaigns that reshaped brand messaging.
A Great Lesson: Pay attention to gaps in the market—success often comes from solving a problem that no one else has addressed.
Sylvia Rhone: Leading with Vision in a Male-Dominated Industry
Sylvia Rhone is a music business powerhouse, currently serving as the Chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records. She made history as the first Black woman to lead a major record label and has guided the careers of legendary artists like Missy Elliott and Travis Scott.
Career Moment: Rhone’s leadership decisions at major labels helped shape the sound of modern music, proving that strategic vision can drive both artistic and commercial success.
A Great Lesson: Leadership is about vision and persistence. Stay committed to your craft and push forward even when the odds are against you.
Anne-Sophie Pic: Reinventing a Legacy and Making It Her Own
Anne-Sophie Pic is a legend in the culinary world, holding ten Michelin stars across her restaurants. As the most Michelin-starred female chef in history, she redefined French fine dining with her delicate yet bold approach to flavor.
Career Moment: Despite having no formal culinary training, she took over her family’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant and elevated it to new heights through innovation and risk-taking.
A Great Lesson: You don’t need a traditional path—if you have passion, resilience, and creativity, you can carve your own success.
Katharine Hepburn: Defining Success on Her Own Terms
A true Hollywood legend, Katharine Hepburn holds the record for the most Academy Awards for Best Actress, with four wins. She was known for her fierce independence and refusal to conform to industry norms, paving the way for strong, unconventional female leads.
Career Moment: Hepburn rejected Hollywood’s expectations, wearing trousers when it wasn’t fashionable, turning down roles that didn’t align with her vision, and shaping an acting career on her own terms.
A Great Lesson: Authenticity and staying true to your values will set you apart in the long run.
Why These Women Inspire Us
These eight women embody innovation, leadership, and the power of breaking barriers. Their contributions to media, branding, marketing, and entertainment remind us that influence is limitless.
Celebrating the Women of The Round Table Group
At The Round Table Group, we are proud to work alongside an incredible team of women who bring creativity, expertise, and leadership to everything we do. From shaping brand narratives to executing groundbreaking campaigns, they continue to drive our company’s success. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate not only the trailblazers who have paved the way but also the women of TRT who push boundaries and redefine what’s possible every day.
This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate their achievements and continue amplifying the voices of women shaping the future. At The Round Table Group, we believe in empowering individuals and businesses through dynamic storytelling, branding, and communication.
If you enjoyed learning about these incredible pioneers, check out our 2024 list of trailblazing women to discover even more inspiring figures who have shaped history.