In the fast-evolving world of entrepreneurship, influence isn’t just about building successful businesses—it’s about reshaping perspectives, driving innovation, and inspiring collective growth. Our Top 10 Influential Entrepreneurs of 2025 highlights individuals who have mastered the art of turning ideas into transformative movements.
These leaders stand out not only for their groundbreaking achievements but also for their ability to spark change and galvanize action across industries. Through their visionary strategies and commitment to making a difference, they’re crafting a legacy that reaches far beyond profit margins.
Elie Cohen
Elie Cohen is the driving force behind one of the most remarkable success stories at Basse Nuts Inc. With over 20 years of experience, Elie started as a broker at Basse Nuts, rising through determination and innovation. Today, he and his business partner, Maurice Benisti, proudly own Basse Nuts Inc., a global leader renowned for its premium, sustainably sourced nut products and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Elie’s unique success story did not unfold overnight. It began when he moved to Canada with his family and started working for his father-in-law. Seeking greater challenges and opportunities, with the support of his accomplished wife, Carole Cohen, and their children, Elie decided to leave everything behind and, in 2009, was introduced to Basse Nuts. From that day forward, he has not looked back.
By continually challenging the status quo, Elie has positioned Basse Nuts at the forefront of the industry, boosting revenues by 600%. Since 2013, the company has grown from $12 million in annual sales and 35 employees to over 140 employees, supporting nearly 1,000 people. Its products are now exported to 26 countries and featured in major retailers like Costco and Walgreens.
What truly sets Basse Nuts apart is their guiding principle: “The Basse Why?” which is the pillar and cornerstone of the company, based on the tripod of people, kindness, and sustainability. This drives the company’s commitment to delivering quality, innovation, and unwavering determination.
Among other achievements, Elie was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 in Quebec, highlighting his exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. His relentless dedication proves that perseverance truly pays off, inspiring others to follow their own paths to success.
Julia L. Rosengren
Born to lead and change the world, one short film at a time, Julia L. Rosengren is a woman with an unwavering vision and an unbreakable spirit. Through her powerful short films, she addresses pressing social issues, drawing audiences into stories that provoke thought, empathy, and action.
Julia’s journey is driven by the belief that dreams should have no limits. To inspire everyone to dream big—without limits and free from the fear of failure—she created DreamzzzRhapsody, a platform that brings her vision to life.
Through DreamzzzRhapsody, Julia instils hope, resilience, and empowerment in millions, inviting them to see possibilities beyond their circumstances. The platform serves as a beacon for young dreamers, offering resources, inspiration, and a supportive community that encourages them to believe in their own potential and take bold steps toward creating a brighter future.
While her films create social impact, Julia’s heart lies deeply in giving back. By day, Julia is a philanthropist dedicated to fighting human trafficking and child labor through her non-profit, MovieMakingADifference.org DreamzzzRhapsody.com plays a key role in her mission, with a portion of profits supporting various NGOs and extending her impact.
What began as a simple dream has now blossomed into a powerful force for change in the world. For Julia L. Rosengren, dreaming is more than just envisioning; it’s a journey into a unique reality where new possibilities come alive. She believes that when we dare to dream, we unlock the potential to change lives and build a more compassionate, hopeful world for future generations.
Mohammad Bahareth
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, few figures embody visionary thinking and relentless innovation quite like Mohammad Bahareth. A best-selling author of over 50 books and a recipient of the prestigious Harvard Business Council award, Bahareth exemplifies global influence.
Bahareth’s Goal Model Canvas© empowers investors and corporations to establish headquarters in Saudi Arabia, capitalizing on the nation’s extraordinary economic growth. His approach reflects a philosophy reminiscent of Steve Jobs’ “Think Different” mantra—placing imaginative solutions and human potential at the heart of every strategic move.
Bahareth’s expertise extends beyond consulting. As a Business Consultant at Sayed Alshingiti Law Office and a Forbes Business Council member, he seamlessly combines strategic vision with ethical leadership. This blend of innovation and integrity has made him a trusted advisor for organizations seeking sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic market.
A champion of neurodiversity, Bahareth embraces dyslexia and ADHD as sources of creativity. Through his initiative “Allow Youth,” he fosters accessible public spaces that celebrate diverse perspectives. His ambitious Arabian Space Initiative, which aims to send Arabic text to the moon, exemplifies his belief in turning bold dreams into reality and inspiring boundless possibilities.
Recognition from Forbes Middle East and the Jeddah Award underscores his impact locally and globally. His TEDx talks and wide-ranging content—spanning podcasts and online series—continue to inspire new generations of entrepreneurs to reimagine what’s possible in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
By combining future-focused strategy, advocacy for inclusivity, and a deep respect for ethical leadership, Mohammad Bahareth offers a blueprint for investors and companies seeking to establish a lasting presence in the Kingdom. For those ready to unite innovation with impact, Bahareth stands as a pivotal guide—an architect of global business transformation whose story has only just begun.
Jerod D. Taylor
Imagine a man who has served his country as a U.S. Army veteran, climbed the charts with hit songs, crafted captivating stories for the screen, and designed cutting-edge fashion. That man is Jerod D. Taylor—a retired Army veteran and creative powerhouse redefining what it means to be a modern-day entrepreneur in entertainment, film, music, and fashion.
Through his company, Day One Entertainment, Jerod merges his passions into a singular vision that’s poised to make a global impact. From groundbreaking cinematic storytelling to innovative fashion, the brand represents creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
With two Arcom Award medals and a decade of military service, Jerod’s discipline and determination have been the cornerstone of his success. In music, he’s released two consecutive albums and collaborated with legendary artists like Birdman, Rick Ross, E-40, and Kevin Gates, earning a nationwide radio hit. His talents extend to film, where he’s worked with industry giants such as Kenneth Lonergan and Lester Holt, writing and directing ten short films now available on streaming platforms.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Jerod gives back generously to his community, supporting organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and holiday donation drives. His charitable efforts demonstrate his dedication to creating meaningful change within his community. He has also been a public speaker since the age of 18, delivering impactful speeches in locations such as Afghanistan, Africa, Italy, and across the United States. His words have resonated with diverse audiences, including children, families, and adults.
Jerod D. Taylor is not just building a legacy—he’s building connections. He’s approachable, passionate, and always ready to inspire those around him—bringing positivity and a touch of sunshine to every connection he makes.
Karen Tiber Leland
With over 25 prestigious awards and 13 bestselling business books translated into 10 languages, Karen Tiber Leland is a recognized leader in the world of personal branding and company rebranding. As the founder of Sterling Marketing Group, Karen revolutionized the industry by combining the creativity of branding with the precision of management consulting—a rare achievement in her field.
Karen’s dream of starting her own company grew out of her frustration with the unstructured approach and lack of clear deliverables in the branding and marketing world. She took the leap and founded Sterling Marketing Group in 2012 to create a solution she had long envisioned. Over the years, Sterling Marketing Group has worked with industry giants like Apple, LinkedIn, and Marriott Hotels, turning their branding ideas into success stories.
As a trusted voice in the industry, Karen has contributed to Inc. Entrepreneur, and Forbes offering practical guidance for promoting growth. Her influence has also been extended through keynote addresses to organizations such as The Young Presidents Organization, and she has appeared regularly as a guest on The New York Times, Fortune, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal.
Looking ahead, Karen is set to publish her thirteen business book by 2025, which will continue to empower companies to reimagine their brands and excel in competitive markets. In addition to her professional success, Karen is dedicated to giving back, offering pro bono branding services to NGOs. Her commitment proves that great leadership goes hand in hand with making meaningful change.
Kasie Valenti
What happens when resilience meets innovation? You get Kasie Valenti, the innovative founder of Sigma Forces. As an active-duty military spouse and Army veteran, Kasie’s story is a tribute to determination and courage. Confronting the all-too-common challenges of unemployment and underemployment faced by military spouses and veterans, she not only overcame them but created a business to help others do the same.
Sigma Forces is more than a company—it’s a mission-driven powerhouse. Specializing in project management, consultation, training, and certifications, the firm goes above and beyond by providing seven complementary courses in Scrum, Six Sigma, and other essential professional skills. Kasie’s vision is clear: to make growth accessible to all while delivering solutions with lasting impact.
Sigma Forces goes beyond training and certifications; they use their knowledge and expertise to help Founders transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Kasie has led efforts ranging from building new programs for veteran service organizations to helping for-profit companies scale through strategic branding initiatives. By offering go-to-market strategies, the organization has helped countless Founders and CEOs bring their visions to life.
Kasie is now scaling new heights, from developing web-based companies to providing strategic branding consultation aimed at driving global change. Her journey demonstrates that setbacks can fuel innovation, inspiring others to push boundaries.
Are you ready to partner with a team driven by purpose and results? At Sigma Forces, challenges become opportunities in disguise. Elevate your skills, bring your ideas to life, and take the first step toward transforming your future today!
Dr. Andronica Handie
Dr. Andronica Handie is a true example of determination and ingenuity. Raised by his late grandmother in Eudora, Arkansas, he turned personal challenges into a platform for success receiving his Bachelor’s in Nuclear Medicine, his Masters in Biopharmaceutical Sciences and a Medical Degree. With a focus on improving lives, Dr. Handie has made a significant impact in medicine and entrepreneurship, particularly in surgery, medical technology, and addiction recovery.
Known for his pioneering work in foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Handie created The Clench, an FDA-approved surgical implant that is reshaping precision medicine. His innovation doesn’t stop there; he also developed a Bluetooth deployable umbrella and groundbreaking addiction treatment programs. He’s currently working on a revolutionary three-step fungal nail treatment system that will change the way common nail conditions are treated in 2025.
Dr. Handie’s entrepreneurial vision reaches far beyond medicine. His company, Reignmedical, is setting new standards in surgical instruments and technology. His SwiftEnough brand inspires youth through motivational clothing, while KOV’R connects with outdoor enthusiasts, and Great Works LLC offers fresh, creative approaches to addiction recovery.
Marked by groundbreaking achievements, Dr. Handie has served as Section Chief of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, earned multiple patents and trademarks, and authored Swift Enough to Endure. As a recognized Top Podiatric Physician, his groundbreaking work continues to influence both the medical and entrepreneurial worlds.
Looking ahead, Dr. Andronica Handie envisions a future where innovation and compassion drive meaningful change across industries. With a focus on sustainability and cutting-edge solutions, he is determined to leave a lasting legacy that inspires future generations to dream big and pursue transformative ideas.
Regina Showers Gordon
The journey of Regina Showers-Gordon is a powerful illustration of how one person’s vision and dedication can spark lasting change. Focused on uplifting communities and empowering others, Regina’s work has always prioritized impact over recognition. Her exceptional entrepreneurial spirit shines through her ability to drive social change while developing sustainable, community-centered solutions.
Through her innovative leadership, Regina founded Petra College in 2014, providing education and career opportunities to single mothers and underemployed families. From her early years as a teacher in Hammond, Louisiana, to her current role as a workforce development leader, Regina’s influence transcends conventional success.
Under Regina’s leadership, Petra College has transformed countless lives, earned national accreditation, and graduated over 400 healthcare professionals. In 2024, she expanded her impact by launching the college’s first practical nursing program, giving students a clear path to stable, promising careers. Her dedication to education and service earned her the title of “Woman of the Year” in 2024.
Regina will provide working families with crucial support through her innovative cradle-to-career pipeline, this endeavor will offer extended-hours daycare services. This initiative will help parents pursue stable careers while ensuring their children are well cared for.
By removing barriers to employment, Regina is making it easier for families to thrive and build a better future. Her influence stretches beyond education: she has made waves in the music industry with A & P Records and founded Gloss Enterprise to improve the lives of individuals with severe disabilities. Her faith and passion have guided her throughout her life, inspiring others to create change and live with purpose.
Follow Regina’s journey and learn more about her impactful work on Instagram and Facebook.
Dr. Abhiram Nair
Space holds the key to humanity’s greatest dreams, but there’s a hidden crisis threatening our future in the stars—space debris. Dr. Abhiram Nair, a pioneering space scientist and entrepreneur, sees this challenge as an opportunity. Through his company, ERETS Space, he’s at the forefront of using cutting-edge laser technology and artificial intelligence to protect our space assets and ensure the future of space exploration remains safe and sustainable.
Headquartered in London, ERETS Space is the world’s first company to use laser technology and AI to clear space debris and safeguard vital space assets. Under Dr. Nair’s leadership, the company has established research centers in Australia and a satellite manufacturing lab in India, setting the stage for a more sustainable future in space.
Thanks to Dr. Nair’s innovative work, ERETS Space was named one of the Top 10 Space Traffic Management Companies by US Insights and Top 10 Sustainable Research Companies by Venture Radar in 2024. He has also secured key global partnerships, positioning ERETS as a leader in space sustainability.
Dr. Nair is a recognized thought leader, featured in Entrepreneur, Disruptors Magazine, Entrepreneurs Herald, Business Insider, and more, for his innovative work in space exploration and sustainability. His vision extends beyond debris removal—he envisions a future where space exploration is cleaner, safer, and driven by environmentally friendly technologies, preserving the cosmos for future generations.
The impact of ERETS Space’s work will not only protect vital space assets and make space exploration more accessible and sustainable for generations to come. To learn more about ERETS Space and Dr. Nair’s groundbreaking work, visit www.eretsspace.com.
Zaina Orbai
Zaina Orbai is redefining what it means to be a successful leader in today’s business world. With over 20 years of experience, including scaling companies through IPOs, and a deep commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, she has become a trusted advisor for Founding CEOs and C-suite executives. Through her company, Zaina Orbai LLC, she helps entrepreneurs build endurance, tap into their wisdom, unlock their full potential, and live up to their aspirations.
Having already proven her mettle by scaling two companies to successful IPOs, Zaina is now focused on something even greater: empowering the start-up ecosystem by supporting women and underrepresented founders and executives. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering inclusive innovation, she is poised to be a driving force in uncovering possibilities for those often overlooked in the business world through Zaina Orbai LLC.
As a leader, Zaina saw firsthand the challenges ambitious women in high impact roles face in business and recognized the need for change. Fueled by a vision for a more inclusive landscape, she is dedicated to creating growth experiences for women to thrive. Today, she is not only leading with purpose and achieving success herself but also paving the way for others to excel on their own path.
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she has been recognized as a Top Leader in DEIB and was honored with the CHRO Leader of Distinction Award in 2022. Zaina is reshaping the landscape of leadership, empowering women to lead with confidence, disrupt industries, and cultivate innovation.
Through her work, Zaina has inspired countless entrepreneurs and business leaders, driving not only business success but also positive societal change.