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Forbes has released its latest list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

What makes for a ‘powerful’ woman, you may ask?

Forbes quotes it’s ranking criteria as:

“Our annual ranking of the most powerful women in the world measures “power” as a composite of public profile–calculated using press mentions–and financial heft. The economic component of the ranking considers job title and past career accomplishments, as well as the amount of money the woman controls.”

As I aspire to be on this list within the next 10 years, I’ve decided to break it down into key selection criteria and have a little speculation of other notable women who might be my peers when I’ve made the cut.

As far as media weight goes, Politics, News Anchors and Oprah still rank quite highly.

My Local Forbes Peer Prediction in the Field of Media

I think Oprah’s been perched on that list for way too long. I think it’s time Kerry-Anne Kennerly took the podium. Whether she’s plugging a vacuum cleaner, being a human fly with Russell Crowe or interviewing a movie start, KAK’s got the goods.

My Local Forbes Peer Prediction in the Field of Politics

The bulk of the occupants of the list are based in the US, but close to home, former New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clarke, sits at number 56, so I’ll use her as the benchmark for my prediction for local politics.

I’m thinking my good friend Hajnal Ban can knock Helen from her spot. It’s inspiring to see women in politics which is an aggressive and very male dominated industry. Hajnal has just announced her intention to run for pre-selection for the new Federal seat of Wright in Queensland. I’m still a bit daft when it comes to the ins and outs of politics, but as far as personal character goes, I’d love to see more women like Hajnal as key decision makers. Could my girl be the first female Prime Minister of Australia? She’s certainly making waves, and takes the controversy in her stride. She’s also got great taste. Some of the best known First Ladie’s of the US out shone their husbands with their style and elegance.

The CEO’s and Corporates take dominance in the ‘Wealth’ category. These are the women I’m up against for my spot. I admire these women, many of whom also manage to have families and well balanced lives whilst maintaining the respect of their male peers in the boardroom.

My own strategy for global dominance is probably a little outside of the square but it’s a lot more fun than being the CEO of someone elses company.

Here’s my play… For many years I’ve been signing off my e-mails as Part-Time Superhero and Oracle of Wisdom. Well, I’ve covered the whole ‘Oracle of Wisdom’ thing with my book (which is fabulous by the way. You should buy it from here…you know you want to).

Once I’ve sold millions of copies of my book, I’ll use my new high profile contacts to do a bit of schmoozing and make all friendly-like with Joel Silver. We’ll be having a casual chat over coffee when I just happen to have the most amazing script for the Wonder Woman movie in my handbag.

Joel will scan the first page and look up at me in amazement and ask “Where did you get this incredible script?”, to which I shall respond nonchalantly, “Oh, I wrote it. It’s just a bit of a scribble really.” (It’s ok to tell a white lie now and then when it’s for the greater good of the planet.)

Joel will buy the script and suddenly take heed of my Amazonian proportions and offer me the lead role…Part-Time Superhero box is then checked.

Now with my dosh, I embark on the next move and gather together my mastermind group of eccentric inventors to create a cost effective alternative energy system that utilises existing technology. I then use my notoriety and marketing budget to spread the word and release the patent as a free-for-all, similar to the open source software I love so dearly.

I therefor effectively save the planet and proudly take my place on the Forbes Most Powerful Women list, and I’ll get Number One position because I’ll have my own action figure.  (Sure Hillary Clinton’s got the nutcracker, but an Action Figure is way cooler.)

Share your thoughts, what women do you know that you’d put in your Top Ten?

The Full Forbes list can be found here

Girl Power!

I had to put the Bill and Hill in here because they’re just too funny…

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All work on this site is the original material of Tanya Black and www.tanyablack.com. Tanya gives her permission for this work to be quoted or distributed in either part or its entirety on the condition of this citation being quoted in full

An entertaining guidebook for managing the crossroads we all face at some point in our lives. ‘It’s Your Life’ draws on business principles to help you decide what you want, why you want it and how to get it and is presented as a series of fun short stories to illustrate the concepts.
Tanya frequently updates her blog and publishes a monthly e-zine “The Paper Doll”. Tanya’s book can be purchased here.

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