The WomELLE Summit 2025, will be held on March 22 at The Linq Hotel Casino, Las Vegas.  

Learn More
SUBSCRIBE

Search

5 Women Over 50 Changing the Equation of Leadership

5 Women Over 50 Changing the Equation of Leadership

There are many inspiring stories of women who have succeeded in business later in life. Many women over 50 have found success by starting their businesses. Starting a business can be extremely rewarding to use your talents and skills while gaining control and independence. These women prove that it's never too late to start your own business and achieve your dreams. This write-up will spotlight some incredible women who started their businesses after 50.  

Age Doesn't Matter  

In the United States, women over 50 are a powerful force in the business world. In fact, businesses started by women over 50 have a median revenue higher than those started by men in any age group. There are several reasons age is just a number when it comes to women in leadership. First, older women often have more personal and professional experience than younger generations. This can be beneficial when making decisions, managing employees, and handling stress. Additionally, older women are often more mature and confident than younger women, which can help them deal with challenging situations. 
 
Furthermore, many studies have shown that women over 40 are more successful in business than younger women. One reason is that older women generally have more financial resources and can better access networks of other successful businesspeople, which can provide valuable advice and mentorship. 
 
But perhaps the most important reason women over 50 make great entrepreneurs is that they are not afraid to take risks. Thus, while there may still be some barriers facing older women entrepreneurs, it is clear that age does not need to be a deterrent to success. With the right skillset and mindset, any woman can be a successful leader, no matter her age. 

5 Women Entrepreneurs Over 50 

In a society that often values youthfulness, it can be easy to feel like you are too old to start something new. But these five women entrepreneurs over 50 have proven that age is just a number, and it is never too late to achieve your dreams. 

1. Lisa Laird Dunn 

Lisa Laird Dunn is the founder and CEO of LL Consulting, a global management consulting firm. She has over 25 years of experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, and organizational development. Lisa has worked with clients in various industries, including healthcare, financial services, consumer products, manufacturing, and technology. 
 
Lisa holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a recognized expert in change management. She has been quoted in numerous international publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, and Forbes. Lisa is the author of two books on change management: Leading Change from the Middle and The Change Management Handbook. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and company events on change management.  

2. Jenny Patinkin 

Jenny Patinkin is the founder and CEO of Lazy perfection, a natural cosmetics company based in New York City. She is also a self-proclaimed "lazy perfectionist" who believes in taking a holistic approach to life. 
 
In her twenties, Jenny suffered from chronic fatigue and digestive issues. After years of struggle, she finally found relief through diet, yoga, and natural beauty products. This experience led her to create Lazy perfection, a line of cosmetics handmade with organic ingredients designed to be gentle on the skin. 
 
Jenny's products are sold online and in select stores across the country. In addition to her business ventures, Jenny is also an author and public speaker. She is passionate about helping others find balance and empowering them to live their best lives. 

3. Falguni Nayar 

Falguni Nayar is the Founder and CEO of Nykaa.com, one of India's leading multi-brand beauty retailers. Starting in 2012, Nykaa.com today has over 1 million registered users and ships to over 1000 cities in India. 
 
Nayar is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and business leader. Before launching Nykaa, she spent 15 years in the Indian corporate sector, including stints with Kotak Mahindra Bank and McKinsey & Company. In 2014, Nayar was honored as one of Business Insider's "25 Most Powerful Women In India". She was also featured on the cover of Fortune India's "40 Under 40" list in 2015. 

Read Also: Three Successful Women Entrepreneurs in India

4. Joan Steltmann 

Joan Steltmann is a woman entrepreneur who has significantly impacted the business world. She is the founder and CEO of Jolt Consulting Group, a successful consulting firm helping businesses grow and succeed. Joan is also a highly sought-after speaker and trainer, delivering inspirational keynote speeches and workshops on business growth, leadership, and success. 
 
In addition to her work with Jolt Consulting Group, Joan is also an active philanthropist and supporter of many causes. She is a founding member of the Women's Venture Fund, which provides financing and support to women entrepreneurs, and she serves on the board of directors for several nonprofits. Joan's passion for giving back has led her to start her foundation, The Joan Steltmann Foundation, which provides financial assistance to women entrepreneurs worldwide. 
 
Joan Steltmann is an impressive woman entrepreneur who has significantly impacted the business world and many people's lives. Her work with Jolt Consulting Group and her involvement with various philanthropic causes are truly inspiring. We are grateful to have her as an example of what women can achieve when they set their minds to it. 

5. Diana Bomer 

Diana Bomar is the founder and CEO of Brazen, a women-led startup that provides an AI-powered career development platform. She is also a founding member of #Angels, an angel investment group leading the charge in investing in female entrepreneurs. 

Bomar was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. After graduating high school, she attended UC Berkeley, earning her business administration degree. She then worked in various startups and tech companies before starting Brazen in 2013. 
 
Brazen's mission is to help women navigate their careers and reach their full potential. The company offers online tools and resources that help women connect with mentors, find jobs, and develop their skills. Bomar is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She has spoken at numerous conferences and events about investing in women-led startups. In 2017, she was named one of Silicon Valley's Most Influential Women by Business Insider. 

Conclusion 

When considering starting a business, you should keep a few things in mind. First, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want your business to achieve. Second, put together a solid business plan. And third, don't be afraid to ask for help from those who have been successful before you. With hard work and dedication, there's no reason why you can't achieve your goals.  

So if you are a woman over 50 who is discouraged about starting a business, do not let anyone tell you it is too late. Take inspiration from these amazing women; their stories prove that it is never too late to find success after 50.

The Editorial Team

The Editorial Team

Hi there, we're the editorial team at WomELLE. We offer resources for business and career success, promote early education and development, and create a supportive environment for women. Our magazine, "WomLEAD," is here to help you thrive both professionally and personally.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *