5 Female CEOs Who Are Redefining Leadership on LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become a powerful space for leaders to shape their public voice, share insights, and connect authentically with their audience. For women executives, it’s also a platform to lead by example showing that great leadership blends transparency, purpose, and communication.

Here are five female CEOs who are using LinkedIn to inspire and engage, while building meaningful personal brands that reflect modern leadership.

1. Mary Barra – CEO, General Motors

Mary Barra stands out as a steady and strategic communicator. She uses LinkedIn to highlight innovation in the automotive industry, celebrate milestones in GM’s journey toward electric vehicles, and recognize the people driving progress within her company.

Her tone is confident yet humble  showing how a leader at the top of a traditional, male-dominated field can remain approachable and visionary.

Takeaway: Purposeful communication matters more than frequency. Sharing clear, forward-thinking messages builds credibility and trust with your audience.

2. Sara Blakely – Founder & CEO, Spanx

Sara Blakely has mastered the art of authentic storytelling. Her posts blend humor, self-reflection, and lessons learned from building Spanx into a global brand. She isn’t afraid to talk about failure, risk, and personal growth  which makes her relatable and inspiring to women in business.

Her content feels natural and unscripted but still delivers valuable insights on entrepreneurship and leadership.

Takeaway: Authenticity is magnetic. When leaders share their real experiences, they humanize success and create stronger connections with their followers.

3. Reshma Saujani – Founder, Girls Who Code & Moms First

Reshma Saujani uses her platform to advocate for gender equality and workplace reform. Her LinkedIn posts often mix personal reflection with thought leadership on public policy, parenting, and representation in tech.

She’s not just visible, she's vocal about issues that matter. Her posts regularly spark meaningful discussions and remind professionals that leadership can (and should) drive social progress.

Takeaway: Use your voice for impact. A strong personal brand can advance ideas, not just careers.

4. Vineeta Singh – Founder & CEO, Sugar Cosmetics

Vineeta Singh’s LinkedIn presence reflects the Sugar Cosmetics brand energetic, purpose-driven, and focused on building a community. She shares company milestones, reflections on growing a beauty startup, and insights into leadership, especially in managing growth without losing touch with her founding values.

Her tone blends innovation with intention, showing how women entrepreneurs can scale businesses globally while staying grounded.

Takeaway: Align your personal voice with your company’s mission. Consistency between what you say and what you build strengthens both your leadership and your brand.

5. Belén Garijo – CEO, Merck KGaA (Germany)

Belén Garijo brings a European perspective to leadership communication. Her posts focus on scientific innovation, healthcare, and diversity in the workplace. She represents how executives in large, established organizations can still communicate with clarity and sincerity online.

Garijo often highlights her company’s employees and initiatives, reinforcing her belief that leadership is about empowering others.

Takeaway: Leadership visibility isn’t just self-promotion it’s recognizing others and amplifying purpose within your organization.

Reflections on Modern CEO Leadership on LinkedIn

These five women demonstrate that personal branding on LinkedIn isn’t about self-promotion it’s about authentic visibility, consistent communication, and purposeful leadership.

• Mary Barra shows how to stay visionary.

• Sara Blakely proves that authenticity builds connection.

• Reshma Saujani reminds us that leadership drives change.

• Whitney Wolfe Herd aligns values with vision.

• Belén Garijo leads with purpose and people in mind.

  
  

Their success stories highlight how women leaders can use LinkedIn not only to grow their influence but to redefine what leadership looks like today.

If you’re feeling stuck like I once did, unsure how to start showing up or what even to say,  you’re not alone.

You just need a little clarity, a plan, and someone to help you take that first bold step.

That’s why I created the 2B Bolder Power Hour. It’s a one-on-one session to help you get clear, confident, and moving fast toward the visibility you deserve.