India-born head of PepsiCo, Ms Indra Nooyi and author Ms Arundhati Roy have been named by Forbes among the world's 30 most inspiring women, a list that also features Mother Teresa, Ms Oprah Winfrey and Ms Hillary Clinton.
"Role models mean different things to different people some of us look for guidance in business, some in our personal lives, some of us strive to make the world a better place each day, some admire trailblazers," Forbes said.
Activist Ms Roy comes in third on the list while Ms Nooyi ranks 10
The '30 Utterly Inspiring Role Models' list has been compiled by ForbesWoman.
The publication reached out to communities on Facebook and Twitter to determine the most motivating women in the world.
Media Mogul Ms Oprah Winfrey, who was named the Most Powerful Celebrity by Forbes last month, leads the pack for the most inspirational role model.
"Winfrey's role model status extends beyond her professional career; her philanthropic work, including the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, is just as inspiring," Forbes said.
Others named in the list include actor Angelina Jolie, former US Secretary of State, Ms Condoleezza Rice, First lady, Ms Michelle Obama and author, Ms J.K. Rowling.
On Rowling, Forbes said, "As a single mother, Ms Rowling took writing stories about a young wizard in a coffee shop and built one of the top-earning literary franchises ever, inspiring movies that have grossed more than USD 5 billion, spin-off books, theme parks and more".
Also on the list is Melinda Gates, who has "inspired many by her generosity and pledged more than $ 650 million to public schools through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
"Their personal histories, outlooks and missions may be different, but each role model sets an example of how to be the best women we possibly can be," the publication said.