2026 CNBC Changemakers: Nominate a leader for the third annual list of women transforming business

CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business and Philanthropy

Key Concepts:

• CNBC Changemakers List: Annual list recognizing women transforming business and philanthropy.
• Changemakers and Power Players Podcast: New CNBC podcast featuring interviews with female leaders.
• Data-driven decisions vs. Gut feeling: Balancing analytical decision-making with intuition.
• Courage of convictions: The importance of standing by one's beliefs and pursuing them despite obstacles.
• Sustainable Finance: Financial investments that consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

1. CNBC Changemakers List and Podcast Launch

• CNBC is accepting nominations for the 2026 Changemakers list, which recognizes women transforming business and philanthropy.
• A new podcast, "Changemakers and Power Players," is launching, featuring candid interviews with female leaders. New episodes will be released every Tuesday.
• The podcast aims to share the career journeys, strategies, and lessons learned from these women.

2. Featured Interviews and Insights

• Kathryn Stueland (Jean CEO):
  • Her company uses AI to reinvent precision genetic testing.
  • Stueland emphasizes the importance of listening to one's gut feeling, even in a data-driven environment.
  • Quote: "We talk a lot about data driven decisions, but if there's something that is nagging me, I've learned by ignoring that feeling in the past, I've learned that I have to listen to it."
• Marissa Drew (Chief Sustainability Officer, Standard Chartered):
  • Drew is leading plans to mobilize $300 billion in sustainable finance this decade.
  • She highlights the importance of embracing calculated risks and having the courage of one's convictions.
  • Quote: "When I think about those roadblocks where there has been something in my way, there's a little voice that's right here on my shoulder that says, have the courage of your convictions if you genuinely believe in it. Don't take no for an answer."
• Arianna Huffington: Her episode is available now.

3. Nomination Process and List Criteria

• The nomination process is open to the public via an application form on the CNBC Changemakers website.
• The Changemakers list is entirely new each year; previous honorees are not repeated.
• The list is unranked, focusing on highlighting the accomplishments of the selected women.
• Selection is based on accomplishments in the past year, specifically driving change in their industry and beyond.

4. Key Arguments and Perspectives

• The podcast and list aim to showcase the diverse experiences and strategies of successful female leaders.
• The interviews highlight the importance of both data-driven decision-making and intuition in leadership.
• The emphasis on sustainable finance reflects the growing importance of ESG considerations in business.

5. Conclusion

The CNBC Changemakers list and "Changemakers and Power Players" podcast offer a platform to recognize and learn from women who are driving significant change in business and philanthropy. The initiative emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives, strategic risk-taking, and the courage to pursue one's convictions. The open nomination process ensures a fresh and dynamic list each year, reflecting the evolving landscape of female leadership.