As we look toward 2025, a new class of leaders is emerging—individuals who are not content with simply managing the status quo but shaping it. These disruptive leaders are pushing boundaries, transforming entire industries, and setting a new pace for what it means to lead.
After careful consideration, we’ve selected ten standout figures whose bold approaches are reshaping the future of their industry and leadership. Their work goes beyond innovation; it challenges conventional thinking and creates lasting impact. Today, true leadership is measured by the ability to empower and drive change, and these 10, are the people worth paying attention to.
Transforming Lives Through the Power of Chakradance
Natalie Southgate is a gifted yet introspective visionary who believes that a vibrant, authentic life resides within each of us. As an internationally respected author and teacher, Natalie has combined her expertise in Jungian psychology, dance, and energy healing to create Chakradance, a transformative healing movement modality.
What began in her London apartment in the late 1990s has grown into a global phenomenon, helping hundreds of thousands of people release past traumas and embrace balanced, joyful lives. Natalie’s influence has reached worldwide audiences, with her role as a faculty teacher at The Shift Network and her collaborations with Deepak Chopra, where she has led events at his California center and opened shows for him in Australia.
Natalie has also trained over a thousand Chakradance facilitators across 70 countries, spreading her mission of healing and self-discovery. When she’s not immersed in dancing her chakras or teaching others, you can find her enjoying the beach or laughing with friends—infusing her life with the same joy and authenticity she inspires in others.
Instagram: @natalie.southgate
Visionary Leader in Construction and Coaching
Alison Weihe, founder of The Creative Stone Company, is an award-winning entrepreneur and influential figure in South Africa’s construction industry, known for her company’s design-driven approach, ethical integrity, and commitment to excellence. Over the last six years, Alison has expanded her expertise into coaching, speaking, and writing, earning accolades in this space as well, including a nomination in the 2025 Women of Stature Awards for Coaching and Mentoring.
Alison’s journey is rooted in nearly two decades of political activism, where she worked alongside leaders like President Cyril Ramaphosa. This background deeply influences her empathetic, values-driven leadership approach.
Her recent memoir, Belonging: Finding Tribes of Meaning, has been met with widespread acclaim since its release in August 2024, earning features in 10 global publications and numerous South African articles. Known as a “Soul Speaker,” Alison’s storytelling captures readers with its honesty and depth, positioning her as a true thought leader who empowers others to embrace personal growth and community.
Instagram: @alison_weihe
A Global Force in Education and Compassionate Care
Camille Robb, Founder and CEO of Just Fabulous Care Corp and JFC For You Inc., brings over 25 years of expertise as a mentor, educator, global speaker, and philanthropist. Known for her boundless energy, Camille seamlessly bridges roles as a caregiver, teacher, and motivational speaker. Her dedication extends across ages—from nurturing newborns and mentoring teens to enriching the lives of the elderly.
A devoted wife of 31 years and mother of two, Camille has operated a daycare for over a decade, fostering children’s cognitive and emotional growth. She also runs a global student exchange program, hosting students from diverse backgrounds and helping shape their educational journeys. Through her nonprofit, JFC For You Inc., Camille’s “Each One Teach One” philosophy brings vital resources to underserved communities. Her food pantry feeds hundreds, and her holiday initiatives provide toys and clothing to children in need. Her unwavering commitment to education, compassion, and community truly makes her a transformative leader in her field.
Instagram: @jfcforyou
Amplifying Art and Activism on a Global Stage
Katrina Syran, known as K-Syran, has made her mark internationally as a singer-songwriter, actress, director, and lyricist, all while championing humanitarian causes. Through her art, she supports global organizations, particularly in raising awareness for women’s rights. Her single “Intimacy” was nominated by the United Nations as an anthem for International Women’s Day in the U.K., highlighting her powerful commitment to social change.
K-Syran co-wrote the acclaimed play Breaking the Silence for Human Rights Watch, a work recognized at international events, including those hosted by Angelina Jolie and at the United Nations. Deeply influenced by her Norwegian heritage, she has brought to life Henrik Ibsen’s iconic characters on stage and contributed to a new translation of Ghosts with U.K. director Mike Alfreds.
In 2023, K-Syran released ELLIDA, a self-produced film adaptation of Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea, now available on Amazon in the U.S. and U.K. A strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, she has performed at GayPride events across the U.K. and Spain, including last summer’s GayPride Ibiza. Currently, she is co-founding HydraSound, a new platform for musicians, bringing her entrepreneurial vision to empower the next generation of artists.
Instagram: @ksyran
Igniting Change Through Storytelling and Service
Lady JB Owen is a visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian, and global speaker with a mission to ignite the human spirit and elevate global consciousness. As the founder and CEO of Ignite Publishing, she empowers people worldwide to share their transformative stories, guiding authors to create messages that inspire change, unity, and compassion. Her commitment extends beyond publishing to champion a world of shared empathy and understanding.
Dedicated to creating tangible impact, Lady JB has spearheaded initiatives to build schools in developing countries, providing essential access to education and helping young people realize their potential. Her belief in “igniting humanity” drives her pursuit of a world where every person feels seen, heard, and valued.
A leader fueled by compassion and a passion for positive change, Lady JB is not only inspiring personal growth but also fostering a global community connected by shared purpose and empathy. Her work transcends borders, bridging divides and inspiring individuals to elevate their own potential while uplifting others.
Instagram: @igniteyou.life
Empowering Women to Embrace Alcohol-Free Living
Megan Wilcox, founder of SobahSistahs Sobriety and host of the SobahSistahs Podcast, is a Certified Professional Recovery Coach, Holistic Health Coach, and Alcohol-Free Mindset Coach. With over 12 years of experience in a Level One Trauma Hospital in Boston, Megan witnessed the rise in alcohol-related illnesses among women—a reality that inspired her to reexamine her own relationship with alcohol.
In June 2021, after removing alcohol from her life in late 2020, Megan launched SobahSistahs to support women exploring or embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle. Her platform has since expanded to include The SobahSistahs Empowerment Club, connecting women who seek a supportive community to navigate sobriety or find connection in an alcohol-free life.
Megan’s influence reaches beyond the digital space; she has hosted retreats for alcohol-free women in destinations like Bali and Punta Cana and is set to return to Bali in April 2025. Driven by her mission to help women see sobriety as a powerful choice rather than a limitation, Megan continues to redefine what it means to live alcohol-free, turning it into a journey of strength and empowerment.
Instagram: @sobahsistahs
Pioneering Success in Marketing Automation
Sariki Abungwo is a globally recognized, multi-award-winning entrepreneur and marketing strategist dedicated to helping coaches, consultants, and small businesses maximize their impact with cutting-edge marketing solutions. As the founder and CEO of Blesatech Consultancy Services, he empowers clients to streamline client acquisition and retention through AI-powered systems, CRM solutions, and automation tools—driving growth that is sustainable, efficient, and profitable.
Sariki’s journey into marketing began with a keen understanding of the challenges small enterprises face. To address these, he developed the R6 Marketing System Framework, a transformative approach that automates marketing processes to improve conversion and efficiency. This framework has found success across industries, including his work for a multi-million-pound charity where his automated strategies revitalized engagement and streamlined operations.
As a Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS) and a university lecturer, Sariki’s expertise extends into both technical excellence and ethical business practice. His 2024 Global Recognition Award celebrates his significant achievements, such as increasing event attendance and client bookings, demonstrating the effectiveness and impact of his systems on real-world outcomes.
Instagram: @sarikiabungwo
Empowering Transformation Through Holistic Healing and Life’s Magic
Lisa Stafford is a holistic entrepreneur and expert manifester who believes in living life’s magic and empowering others to do the same. Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Lisa built her dream life and company in Southern California, where she infuses her extensive life experience and deep understanding of human behavior into her dynamic business. A theater-trained SAG-AFTRA member, she has worked in acting and modeling while dedicating over 22 years to the holistic healing arts. Lisa, CEO of Lisa’s Sweet Spot Inc., offers tools, services, and biotechnology products alongside emotional counseling to help others harness their own potential for transformation and healing. Now a published author in the WGW Feminine Guide to Fearless Living series, Lisa combines her knowledge from mentors, shamans, and teachers to inspire and uplift. She is a strong, independent wife and mother, celebrating life’s joys and committed to helping others achieve inner peace and positive growth.
Instagram: @lisastaffordoc1
Inspiring Resilience and Transformation Through Storytelling and Community Advocacy
Cornell Bunting is a Jamaican-born author, motivational speaker, and community advocate whose resilience fuels his mission to uplift others. After surviving a near-death experience—his heart stopping for 16 minutes—Cornell became passionate about heart health and personal growth. He has authored multiple books, including Escaping a Life Sentence and Cornlegus di Journeyman, which draw from his own life to inspire readers. Cornell founded EHAS INC (Everyone Has A Story), supporting youth and communities in Southwest Florida, Jamaica, and South Africa through mentoring and educational programs. His creativity also extends to developing “Nostril Adventure,” a video game co-created with Joe Logrippo. Through Naples Nice, a nonprofit fostering positive values in local youth, Cornell continues to inspire resilience, storytelling, and community empowerment, making a lasting impact both globally and locally in Southwest Florida.
Instagram: @cornelg9
Nitasha Sarin: Champion of Conscious Change and Empowerment
Nitasha Sarin, MSc MBA, is a global keynote speaker, strategist, and social entrepreneur dedicated to fostering Consciousness, Connection, and Change. Founder and CEO of Global Life Group, she inspires high achievers to balance ambition with well-being, believing that “Balanced Wellbeing is the Ultimate Luxury.” Her show, Naked with Nita, dives into raw discussions on challenges like burnout, addictions, and resilience, encouraging leaders to embrace authenticity.
With experience across five countries and inspiration from mentors like Nelson Mandela and Sadhguru, Nitasha has built impactful programs, including EMPOWERED360 and the Global Changemakers Experience—a platform for emerging social entrepreneurs. Her latest venture, LUXEWELL Lifestyle, provides transformative travel experiences for professional women, blending wealth, wellness, and purpose. Through her work, Nitasha empowers leaders worldwide to redefine success, creating positive change while living luxuriously and consciously.
As we look to the future, it is evident that these leaders are not only transforming their industries but are also redefining what it means to lead with purpose, vision, and empathy. Each of these individuals brings unique approaches to empowerment, from pioneering systems that drive growth to inspiring personal and community transformation. Together, they represent a new paradigm of leadership—one that values authenticity, innovation, and the power to uplift others.
In 2025 and beyond, these change-makers will continue to set a high standard for impact, challenging the status quo and proving that true leadership lies in service, resilience, and the courage to redefine success. Their stories remind us that leadership is more than influence; it’s about inspiring meaningful change that reverberates across communities and generations. As we celebrate these inspiring figures, we look forward to the continued evolution they will bring to their fields and to the world.
Instagram: @nitasha_sarin
