The PR Secrets of the Most Influential Women in Business

by Tonya McKenzie

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career, it’s this: visibility is power. It’s not enough to be great at what you do—you have to make sure the world knows about it. Some of the most influential women in business didn’t just build incredible companies; they built brands that command attention. Their success didn’t happen by accident. It was carefully crafted, with strategic PR moves that kept them in the spotlight for all the right reasons.

Lesson #1: Own Your Narrative Like Oprah

Oprah Winfrey isn’t just a media mogul—she’s a master of brand storytelling. From the moment she stepped onto the national stage, she shaped her public image with intention. Oprah turned her personal experiences—her struggles, triumphs, and vulnerabilities—into a brand that millions relate to and trust.

Instead of waiting for others to tell her story, she took control. She built OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), launched her magazine, and created a platform where she dictated the narrative. That’s a lesson for all of us: if you don’t control your own story, someone else will.

💡 PR Takeaway: Find your unique voice and make sure your audience hears it. Share your experiences, values, and insights through blogs, interviews, and social media. Authenticity is your superpower.

Lesson #2: Be Unapologetic Like Bozoma Saint John

Bozoma “Boz” Saint John, the former CMO of Netflix and CBO of William Morris Endeavor, didn’t rise to the top by blending in. She made waves by being unapologetically herself—bold, vibrant, and fearless in an industry where Black women are often told to shrink themselves.

Bozoma didn’t just do great work—she made sure people saw it. She took high-profile speaking gigs, dominated panel discussions, and leveraged social media to amplify her presence. She built a brand that commands attention while staying authentic to who she is.

💡 PR Takeaway: Your personal brand is your biggest asset. Whether you’re pitching a story to the media or stepping onto a stage, own your space, your voice, and your power. Don’t shrink to fit—expand to lead.

Lesson #3: Build Your Own Table Like Rihanna

Rihanna went from chart-topping musician to billionaire mogul by breaking industry rules. When she launched Fenty Beauty, she didn’t just create another makeup brand—she made inclusivity the selling point. While traditional beauty brands ignored darker skin tones, Rihanna leaned into diversity and won $100 million in sales in just 40 days.

Instead of relying on outdated PR strategies, she leveraged her influence, social media, and brand partnerships to make Fenty a global force. She didn’t wait for validation from the beauty industry—she created her own movement.

💡 PR Takeaway: Your PR strategy should be disruptive, not passive. Identify the gaps in your industry and position yourself as the solution. If the current media landscape isn’t giving you space, build your own platform.

Final Thoughts: Visibility is the Key to Influence

As Bozoma Saint John once said:

“I didn’t get to the top by being invisible.”

The most influential women in business know that PR isn’t just about getting press—it’s about strategically shaping how the world sees you. Whether you’re a founder, an executive, or a rising entrepreneur, investing in your brand’s visibility isn’t optional—it’s essential.

So the question is: how are you showing up?