Successful author and business woman J K Rowling has today been named the most inspiring woman in the world as voted by British women, with celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Colleen Rooney and Cheryl Cole failing to make the top ten.
The Inspiring Women poll, conducted by Sheilas’ Wheels, reveals that British women are most inspired by other powerful British women - with the Queen, Dame Judi Dench and Margaret Thatcher taking second, third and fourth spots respectively.
However, given the impact Michelle Obama made on the UK last month it’s no surprise that America’s First Lady also makes the top five, just below our very own ‘Iron Lady’. Other Americans to make the top ten include media mogul Oprah Winfrey and one half of ‘Brangelina’ - Angelina Jolie - in ninth and tenth place.
Sheilas’ Wheels Top Ten Inspiring Women:
1. J K Rowling
2. The Queen
3. Dame Judi Dench
4. Margaret Thatcher
5. Michelle Obama
6. Ellen McArthur
=7. Julie Walters
=7. Kylie Minogue
9. Oprah Winfrey
10. Angelina Jolie
The least Inspiring Women, who failed to make the list, included Kate Moss, Britney Spears and Keira Knightly - all with no votes.
The Sheilas’ Wheels poll also reveals the traits women believe make other women inspiring, with strength of character and good morals being deemed the most significant followed by determination and intelligence. Style was voted low on this list of traits - so perhaps it’s not surprising that Cheryl Cole missed out on a top ten position coming in at twentieth.
Jacky Brown at Sheilas’ Wheels, comments: "It’s reassuring to see that today’s modern woman is aspiring to strong, intelligent figures in the public eye. The Sheilas’ Wheels poll celebrates female talent, showing that you don’t have to be a size zero to succeed and inspire others."
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