Meet the influential entrepreneurs of 2025

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An influential entrepreneur is one whose work challenges industry norms and contributes to significant changes. They often lead their industries, driving change through innovative business strategies. Whether launching a disruptive startup, leading a growing small business, or heading a major enterprise, their dedication to innovation and growth serves as an example for aspiring entrepreneurs.

This year, many entrepreneurs have contributed significantly to their industries while influencing others to think creatively and expand their aspirations.

Mohammad Bahareth

Mohammad Bahareth aims to send Arabic text to the moon, marking a symbolic leap for 450 million Arabic speakers while demonstrating that disability can be viewed as an opportunity for innovation. 

While others treat space as a playground for the powerful, Bahareth asked a radical question: What if it belonged to everyone? As founder of Saudi Arabia’s first private space venture, Mohammad Bahareth Space Resources, his goal is to expand awareness and education on the wonders of outer space, and make outer space experience accessible. His Arabian Space Initiative aims to send Arabic text to the moon, a symbolic leap for Arabic speakers. “Why let others dictate our destiny?” he says. The sky is just the beginning of what’s possible.

Diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, Bahareth turned so-called weaknesses into weapons. His TEDx talks have inspired many, particularly in the areas of innovation and overcoming adversity. His Goal Model Canvas©, used by startups worldwide, is a highly effective tool. “Forget the ‘how.’ Fall in love with the ‘why.’” 

With 50+ books — sci-fi sagas, business manifestos, raw inspiration — Bahareth’s writing aims to inspire new ways of thinking. “Breakthroughs don’t happen in comfort zones,” he says. “They happen when you dare to think differently.” He’s launching initiatives that may leave a lasting impact on the industry and future generations. To neurodiverse youth, struggling founders, and dreamers everywhere, his message echoes Jobs: “Don’t fit in. Don’t follow.”

Carrie Trimm Drew

As an art director with two decades of experience in graphic design, illustration, and product development, Carrie Trimm Drew has dedicated her work to building brands. Through captivating design, storytelling, and product innovation, she has helped shape the visual identities of small businesses and industry-leading companies alike.

Carrie was one of the first female art directors in the action sports industry, contributing to the creation of prominent graphics for various clothing brands. At Rip Curl, she played a key role in the brand’s adapting aesthetic, including the award-winning My Bikini campaigns. Her hand-drawn illustrations and textile designs have also been featured in Bethany Hamilton’s documentary Unstoppable.

Outside of technical apparel, Carrie is also experienced in product sourcing, data visualization, collaboration boards, books, web design, and advertising campaigns. Currently serving as the Brand Creative Director at Play Bigger, the firm that excels in Category Design, she works with a team that helps founders and investors create and lead new market categories. Carrie and her team have contributed to strategies that have influenced market capitalization for companies in various industries, including some that have reached significant figures.

Together with her husband, Brad, Carrie co-founded The Drew Creative. From this oceanfront studio, the two combine design, storytelling, and artificial intelligence (AI) to help brands find their voice in an outspoken market. At the same time, they direct and produce lifestyle photo shoots, aligning these visual elements with a brand’s story.

Carrie’s work is inspired by journeys to Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and Morocco. With this well-traveled experience, she can create designs that resonate across globally diverse audiences.

Outside of her work, Carrie is a defender of environmental sustainability, ocean conservation, and animal welfare efforts. She keeps these beliefs in mind in her ventures, believing that great design should be both visually appealing and ethically responsible. In her mind, design extends beyond profession—it’s a powerful tool to inspire and connect with others while driving change.

Dr. David Jones

Traditional marketing is often seen as a game of conversion, influence, or even manipulation. For Dr. Tim Jones, the field is an opportunity to inspire organizations toward authenticity. As the founder of M is Good, a faith-based marketing firm, Jones has spent over two decades helping organizations achieve their purpose with rigorous, honest, results-driven marketing. His passion for accountability is unique, and it’s making an impact.

Before founding M is Good, Jones was on the ice rink, winning two national hockey championships. Now, he carries the same discipline and commitment into the boardroom. His marketing methodology is built on the intersection of vision and dedicated execution in what’s called the R7 Process. This guideline challenges organizations to achieve excellence while staying true to their mission. The R7 Process framework is designed to empower businesses, ministries, and nonprofits to grow with purpose and precision.

Under Jones’s leadership, M is Good maintains high standards for discipline, strategy, and accountability. This way, he ensures that campaigns effectively reach their audiences and align with the organization’s mission.

ones has also established himself as a mentor, author, and advocate for leadership. His books, Vision Wins and Spend Less to Reach More, showcase a commitment to mental toughness, strategic clarity, and disciplined execution. His work requires these skills, which serve to guide leaders to discover their own purpose and their organization’s calling.

Lucy Townsend

What if Alzheimer’s disease didn’t have to be an inevitable part of aging? Could there be ways to manage its progression or even address its effects? Lucy Townsend is asking these questions to understand how to mitigate its impact. With over 30 years of experience in the medical field, Lucy has dedicated much of her career to advancing research related to Alzheimer’s and cognitive health.

Lucy is the founder of Functional Medicine Associates, where she uses the Bredesen Protocol, a personalized, evidence-based program for identifying and addressing potential contributors to cognitive decline. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on managing symptoms, her method takes a more holistic view by addressing multiple factors that may influence memory and brain health.

She also created the MemoryGuard app, a user-friendly platform designed to help individuals and healthcare providers track and manage brain health. The app offers personalized resources and guides anyone concerned about cognitive decline, whether for themselves, a loved one, or patients.

Lucy has received several awards and recognitions for her work, including the Innovation in Preventative Medicine Award in 2023. She has also been featured in various media outlets and presented her research at conferences such as the Gerontological Society meeting. Additionally, she holds certifications as a Functional Medicine Health Coach and a Bredesen ReCode Practitioner.

Lucy Townsend’s work aims to improve accessibility to cognitive health support through early intervention and lifestyle changes.

Nikki Meller

The digital world is always changing, and organizations need to do more than standard training to benefit from the latest technology. Progressive, future-ready solutions are required to empower modern teams — exactly what Nikki Meller aims to provide with CREDuED. Combining advanced AI technology with customized learning programs, CREDuED is helping businesses better approach the digital age.

CREDuED is fundamentally a bespoke learning and literacy program intended to prepare organizations for success in the digital age. Though workplace demands are ever-shifting, the right tools, tech, and knowledge will keep businesses and institutions competitive. 

One of CREDuED’s key innovations is DocuCRED.Ai, an AI-powered SaaS tool for automating document comparison with speed and precision. It eliminates the inefficiencies of manual processes, resulting in effective compliance management designed to enhance reliability and accuracy. DocuCRED.Ai is a valuable solution that helps organizations manage compliance changes effectively.

CREDuED’s tailored learning solutions are supported by tools like DocuCRED.Ai to address business needs. Whether it’s skills assessment, AI readiness, or ethical and data-driven governance, CREDuED ensures that its clients are equipped to adapt, innovate, and lead in a digital-first world. Learning and advanced technology combine to change how an organization grows, making CREDuED an effective and future-forward business solution.

Megan Porta

While full of unexpected twists and turns, Megan Porta’s journey to becoming a food blogger has led to significant success. Initially, Megan pursued a career in graphic design, but an unforeseen layoff shifted her trajectory. This could have been a major setback, but she decided to turn it into a moment of reinvention — one of many she would have along the way. Fueled by a passion for food and creativity, Megan decided to focus on food blogging.

In 2010, Megan Porta launched Pip and Ebby, marking her entry into food blogging. By 2012, her passion and determination had enabled her to make blogging a full-time profession. In 2019, Megan expanded her impact with the launch of Eat Blog Talk, a community and resource for food bloggers across the world.

Building from this success in the blogging space, Megan went on to publish a cookbook, Cookie Remix. The book was a delightful exploration of creative cookie recipes but soon became a tool for connection among bakers, sparking conversations and inspiring experimentation in the kitchen.

Megan’s work has gained increasing recognition within the food blogging community. Platforms like MSN and LA Weekly have highlighted her contributions in the space, acknowledging her as a leader and mentor in the food blogging community. As she blends creativity, practicality, and community through her work, she has become a recognized figure among aspiring and established food bloggers.

Yesy Hernandez

Whether it’s a high-end residential space or an upscale commercial building, the leader in luxury HVAC solutions, Yesy Hernandez, is prepared to meet her clients’ needs. In her work, Yesy brings a fresh perspective on climate control with her company, Climatization HVAC, Inc., in Los Angeles.

Yesy doesn’t just install an HVAC system — she uses a blend of technical skill and keen design sense to create climate solutions that exceed expectations. Her approach combines comfort, efficiency, and aesthetics, making Climatization HVAC a reliable choice for high-end clients. She believes that climate control should function as intended while simultaneously complementing the space.

Not only does Yesy offer expertise in mechanical engineering, but she also uses her background in the insurance industry to gain a full understanding of her clients’ needs. This enables her to approach any HVAC project with precision, designing each system to fulfill the client’s expectations and deliver on performance.

For her work, Yesy has attracted a number of high-profile clients, including Chanel. By crafting systems that are stylish and functional, she balances comfort, aesthetics, and sustainability, whether she’s creating a system for a modern home or an iconic retail space. For influencing the way others experience their surroundings, Yesy’s work has been highlighted by publications like Rolling Stone, and she has attracted high-profile clients.

Custom Accounting CPA

Led by Natalya Grigoriev, Custom Accounting CPA offers a proactive approach to tax management for business owners and high-net-worth individuals. Where traditional CPA forms look backward, focusing on reactive compliance measures, Custom Accounting CPA takes a proactive approach. Custom Accounting CPA focuses on tax planning strategies aimed at helping clients manage their tax obligations more effectively.

Custom Accounting CPA serves business owners with gross sales between $1 million and $10 million, as well as high-net-worth individuals, especially those in the medical and entertainment industries. In doing so, they address the unique challenge that the wealthy face by paying too much in taxes. Custom Accounting CPA has helped clients reduce their tax liabilities, with some cases resulting in significant savings, though individual results can vary based on circumstances.

For their work, Custom Accounting CPA has received several awards and accolades, including recognition as one of Brooklyn’s Best Accounting Firms by Expertise.com and Clutch, as well as a top recommendation by Locate Near Me. 

Outside of their tax reduction services, Natalya and her team at Custom Accounting CPA are dedicated to community impact. The company works to boost economic stability and financial awareness, empowering clients and those around them to save, grow, and thrive. Natalya also shares tax planning insights via her firm’s social media pages, providing her expertise to those who need it most.

Dr. Hitesh Patel

Dr. Hitesh Patel’s journey in aviation is a reflection of his leadership and strategic thinking. Patel is the founder of the Blu3Aero Consultancy, a respected firm known for its expertise and independent approach. He uses his over 35 years of experience in the aviation sector to help businesses navigate the aviation landscape, building his reputation as a trusted leader in the process.

Patel’s career began as an aeronautical engineer with Continental Airlines, where he gained experience in aviation operations and technical knowledge. Eventually, he became the founding Director of Technical Operations at JetBlue Airways during its New York startup phase.

In 2004, he played a central role in the launch of Kingfisher Airlines in India. He also served as the CEO of Veling Aircraft Leasing in Mauritius, where he helped drive the company’s growth as it prepared for international expansion.

Beyond aviation, Patel has become known for his ability to lead large teams, manage finances, and drive growth, whether for an airline or a tech company. He handles complex tasks ranging from marketing and sales to fleet management. In addition, his board experience and ability to forge partnerships have solidified his position as an expert in his field.

Today, Patel leads the Blu3Aero Consultancy, applying decades of experience to help aviation companies navigate a shifting market. His hands-on approach and forward-thinking strategies have proven useful for numerous clients as he tackles pressing challenges and positions companies for success.

Elisha Lopez

Elisha Lopez is a real estate expert who combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for helping others. With over 22 years of experience, she is a full-time broker based in Ocala, Florida, and the owner of Realty World. Lopez is known for helping clients find their dream homes and make informed real estate investments.

During her time as a broker, Elisha has built a career in simplifying the real estate process for her clients. She ensures that they feel confident, informed, and supported throughout the buying and selling process by providing clear and accessible information. This way, she empowers families to make informed decisions.

Elisha serves clients across Florida, but she has especially strong connections in the Ocala community. There, she has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and caring broker for the area, which extends through her state-wide work. Committed to making real estate approachable for everyone, she carries this sense of community to her YouTube channel, where she provides step-by-step breakdowns of the buying and selling process.

Together with her husband, Luis, Elisha has grown her brokerage business in her community and across Florida. Elisha helps customers find their first home, invest in property, or even consider a career in real estate.

A glimpse into the business world

Entrepreneurs are vital for shaping the future of the business world. As entrepreneurs change industries, markets, and lives, the next wave of business leaders is likely to advance innovation, leadership, and growth.