Who’s the World’s Richest Woman and What Can Women Learn From Her Success?
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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With a net worth of $97.1 billion as of May 7, per Forbes, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers — the L’Oreal heiress — is the world’s richest woman. The business was started in 1909 by her grandfather Eugène Schueller and today the 70-year-old multi-billionaire owns 34.7% of the company’s share capital with her family, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The drugstore cosmetic brand launched to mega success through the perfect blend of science, research and creativity to stay relevant and ahead of the curve. Bettencourt Meyers, a key figure on the board of directors since 1997, has played a pivotal role in growing the global empire and shaping it into the leading worldwide beauty brand.
She Helped Diversify the Company
Following the passing of her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, in 2017, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers inherited a significant portion of L’Oréal’s assets. Her strategic decisions to diversify the company’s business interests and venture into new markets have been instrumental in the company’s growth. Per LinkedIn, her unique blend of risk-taking and innovation has expanded L’Oréal’s empire and solidified her reputation as a “visionary business leader.”
“Diversification strategy is essential for businesses,” per The Strategy Institute. “It ensures that a company’s revenue streams are not tied to a single product or service. By entering into new markets or product lines, businesses can capitalize on emerging trends and generate new revenue streams.” There’s little doubt that Bettencourt Meyes worked hard to effect this degree of diversification.
Over the years, she’s significantly impacted major decisions and the company’s overall vision, which can’t be overlooked. “L’Oréal grew rapidly in the decade before the pandemic but took a hit during the health crisis when people under lockdown used less makeup,” per Fortune. “A rapid rebound followed that as consumers splurged on luxury items, sending the shares up 35% this year.”
Bettencourt Meyers’ gutsy, action-oriented approach redefines what is possible for women in the corporate world. Her bold move to diversify the company in terms of its offerings and appeal exemplifies leadership.
She Values Her Time
Gender equality in the workplace has improved over the decades, but according to the United Nations, there are still “stark disparities” facing women. “On average, women in the labor market still earn 20 percent less than men globally. As of 2024, only 26.8 percent of all national parliamentarians were female, a slow rise from 11.3 percent in 1995,” the United Nations suggested. In a world where time is money, and all labor takes time, this should be considered.
Bettencourt Meyers reminds women to know their worth in a male-dominated corporate landscape as the fight for equality continues. “Value your time by putting a price tag on it,” she said, per The International Magazine. “Your time is the greatest resource and one thing you can’t get back.”
She’s a Staunch Philanthropist
Although a life of wealth and privilege surrounded her, Bettencourt Meyers learned the importance of giving back.
Her goals extend beyond the company and her legacy. She uses her position to help others with her Foundation Bettencourt Schueller, encouraging the French to pursue sciences and arts. Her charitable efforts illustrate how philanthropy is integral to personal values and corporate social responsibility, showcasing how a dynamic female leader can positively impact the community while running a billion-dollar empire.
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