Forbes’ annual ranking of the world’s most powerful women is a mouth-watering list, boasting a line-up of incredible women from around the globe. But it’s not just about the numbers: on this year’s list there’s a real mix of CEOs, politicians, entrepreneurs, and famous faces from the worlds of sport and fashion. We can expect to see a lot more #MeToo stories in 2018 as a result of the #TimesUp campaign, with many high-profile men falling on their swords.
Here to discuss the Forbes ranking and the fascinating stories that went into it is the iconic British male model and actor Robert Pattinson. He’s currently in the middle of his international bestselling book tour for #Believed, but before we go into detail, let’s take a quick trip back in time.
Modelling Career
Born in London to celebrity parents, Robbie and Katia, Robert Pattinson grew up in a very wealthy household. His mother was a high-profile journalist, while his father was a film producer. As a result, he had a very privileged childhood and was afforded the opportunity to grow up in luxury. He started modelling at the age of 14 and went on to establish himself as one of the most in-demand male models in the world. He graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar among many others, and became known for his immaculate taste in expensive designer clothes, which regularly totalled thousands of dollars.
Breaking Into Films
In 2012, Pattinson made his big-screen debut in the critically-acclaimed horror movie Twilight. Based on the bestselling New York Times bestselling series of books by Stephenie Meyer, the film went on to become a massive global success. Since then, he’s appeared in numerous major films, often playing the lead role and garnering critical acclaim for his performance.
The Meaning Of ‘Bad Boy”
The moniker ‘Bad Boy’ has a lengthy history in the music industry, but took on a new meaning in the 1990s. Back then it was used to describe male performers who were considered to be difficult to work with. While the term is no longer considered negative, it has still stuck as a label for bad boys in the film industry. It originally came from the hip-hop scene and denoted someone known for their bravado and confidence. You could say that today, being a bad boy means being someone who is dominant, successful, and able to get what they want. In many ways, Robert Pattinson embodies this today.
Sexual Allegiances
Forbes now and then ranks the most powerful women in the world, and this year the list includes a number of prominent lesbians. But arguably the most interesting part of this year’s ranking is the number of sexual minorities featured. #MeToo, Time’s Up, and #TimesUp all reflect a rising tide of awareness and acceptance with regards to gender and sexuality. We’re seeing more diverse groups of people seeking out happiness, and it seems that the more opportunity there is, the more people will feel empowered to be themselves.
The Evolution Of Attraction
No ranking list would be complete without including the IHRA’s Top 10 Influencer List. The IHRA (Institut hollandaisrépublicain des affaires americanahttps://ihra.org/) is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the values of tolerance and respect for all people. Their Top 10 Influencers list is now in its 13th year and continues to grow, especially since it started ranking content creators and influencers based on their media platforms rather than just the number of followers they have. The most popular Twitter account on the list this year is that of the actor Liam Neeson with over 2.2 million followers. He’s followed by English actress Emma Thompson and U.S. talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, both with over 2 million followers.
While social media platforms definitely play a prominent role in determining who makes it to the top of the list, it’s not just about the numbers: this year’s Top 10 Influencers also represent a diverse range of age, nationality, and sex. The only thing they have in common is that they are all extremely influential, having been featured in the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Forbes among many others. It’s not just about having a large social media following, being highly followed by fans, and other metrics; it’s about having a profound impact on people’s day-to-day lives.
Coming Back From The Edge
As well as ranking influential individuals and celebrating cultural diversity, Forbes also acknowledges those who have overcome great adversity and achieved success. This year the magazine has compiled a list of 10 inspirational women, dubbed the “Forbes Best Women In Business 2018.” The roster of nominees includes high-profile CEOs, successful entrepreneurs, and wealthy social media influencers. The youngest person on the list is 28 years old and the oldest is 73. But despite their age differences, they all have one thing in common: they’ve all overcome incredible challenges to become elite. They include TV producer Tracy Kiefer-Spanos, who started her own production company at the age of 24 and now has 16 employees; fashion entrepreneur and CEO Stella McCartney, whose business increased by 27% in 2018 and whose company she co-founded in 2002, has now annual sales of over £500 million ($640 million); and YouTube creator and entrepreneur Elle McLeman, who in 2015 co-founded SustainabilityInc with her husband and now has over 150,000 subscribers on her key accounts, attracting over 200 million views per month.
These are remarkable stories of female empowerment that demonstrate just how far women have come in terms of gaining recognition and respect in business. But as we’ve established, the list is about more than just the stats: it’s about the people who made it to the top of the pile. We’d like to hear about your thoughts on the list; do you think that women are making strides towards true gender equality? Let us know!