1. Mariana Mazzucato, Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London, by Mary Goldman, Director of Environmental Risk Analytics

Mariana Mazzucato, is an Italian-American economist and academic who is working to disturb the fantasy that innovation always springs, fully formed, from the minds of so-called ‘tech bros’.

In her book, The Entrepreneurial State, she points out that governments, not venture capitalists, have historically taken on the real risks that drive significant technological breakthroughs citing public investment in the space programme, vaccines and the internet.

In Mission Economy, she argues that public investment should tackle actual problems, not just clean up after markets fail, for which she is labelled ‘provocative’.

Her work reminds us that complex legal, cultural and economic institutions have a critical role in building the future and that the over-simplified account of those so-called ‘tech bros’ riding in to save the day will probably not save the day.

2. Angella Rainford, Founder Soléco Energy, by Natalie Doyle, Client Support Analyst

Angella Rainford is a leader in renewable energy, driving sustainable transformation across the Caribbean. As the founder of Soléco and Rekamniar Frontier Ventures, she has played a key role in developing Jamaica’s largest solar plant, demonstrating the power of clean energy in emerging markets.

With a background in investment and infrastructure, she merges finance and sustainability to unlock renewable energy potential in underserved regions. Her work is not just about energy access, it’s about economic empowerment and resilience.

By championing solar power, Rainford is helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower emissions and create a more sustainable future. She is also paving the way for more women in the renewable energy sector, challenging industry norms and proving that diverse leadership drives innovation.

Through her vision and expertise, Rainford is accelerating the Caribbean’s transition to clean energy and setting a global example for sustainable business.

3. Pamela Gill-Alabaster, Global Head of Sustainability, Kenvue, by Suzanne Hopkins, Head of Strategic Partnerships

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the women making a real impact. This year, I want to recognise, Pamela Gill-Alabaster, Global Head of Sustainability at Kenvue, for her leadership in shaping a more sustainable future for consumer health.

I had the privilege of hearing Pamela speak at GreenBiz, where her thoughtful, strategic approach stood out. At Kenvue, she weaves sustainability into the fabric of the business, promoting circular design and responsible product innovation to benefit both the health of people and the planet. She works across teams and with partners to push the company toward its sustainability and growth goals.

Through initiatives like Kenvue’s ‘Healthy Lives Mission’ and her commitment to teaching the next generation of sustainability leaders at Columbia University, Pamela is making a lasting difference.

4. Fiona Morgan, Chief Purpose Officer, Sail GP, by Georgia Decagny, Sales Solution Consultant

Fiona Morgan is the Chief Purpose Officer of Sail GP – a new league in the sport of sailing launched in 2019. Sail GP’s ambition is to be the world’s most sustainable and purpose-driven global sports and entertainment platform, and Fiona’s role is pivotal.

Sail GP’s ambition comes to life through its Impact League – a season-long competition that rewards the teams for taking action to protect the planet, running parallel to the championship on the water.

Activities include low-carbon meals at events, reducing waste and single-use plastics and engaging local school children and communities around sustainability topics in the host cities, including Dubai during COP28.

Fiona is an inspirational role model for her drive and ambition to make sport and business integrate sustainability into their strategy and their day-to-day actions.

5. Victoria Jenkins, Founder and CEO Unhidden, by Lisa Millard, Content Writer

During one of many hospital stays following life-changing surgery in her twenties, Victoria Jenkins met a cancer patient who inspired an idea.

The woman was having a third stoma fitted and struggling to maintain her dignity while wearing a hospital gown and being treated by a group of doctors. Even at home, she couldn’t dress for herself, forced to wear loose joggers and baggy T-shirts to accommodate her medical needs.

Victoria has combined her lived experience of disability and career as a garment technologist to make a difference. Launched in 2017, Unhidden is Victoria’s adaptive, inclusive and sustainably-minded fashion brand that is proving to be a game changer.

Designing stylish clothes adapted to individual needs and working with other brands, including Lucy & Yak, to adaptively upcycle deadstock garments and, most recently, Primark, to make affordable adaptive versions of the high-street brand’s best-selling designs, Victoria Jenkins is one to watch.