As Fortune sees it, the world's greatest leaders share one thing in common: They have courage to "make bold choices" and take personal risks, whether a journalist reporting under threat of death in South Sudan or a nation's leader expressing compassion when faced with the opposite. Such "hardy individuals don't see the world as threatening or see themselves as powerless against large events," per Fortune. "They think change is normal, the world is fascinating, they can influence events, and it's all an opportunity for personal growth." Bill and Melinda Gates came in at No. 1, and the most controversial name is perhaps No. 3—special counsel Robert Mueller. The top 10 on Fortune's list of 50 across arts, business, philanthropy, and government:
- Bill and Melinda Gates; Gates Foundation
- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
- Special Counsel Robert Mueller
- Pony Ma; Tencent Founder and CEO
- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
- Climate activist Greta Thunberg, age 16
- Margarethe Vestager; Commissioner for Competition, European Union
- Anna Nimiriano; Editor-in-Chief, Juba Monitor
- World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés
- Walmart's Doug McMillon (CEO) and Lisa Woods (Sr. Director of US Health Care)
See the full list of 50 leaders
here. (More
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