In the whole world scenario, only a small percent of women own a business. But the recent researches show that women owned companies generate higher revenue, they are more effective leaders, and are better at creating jobs. Today, we have number of living examples of women who have taken their business to the whole new level through their high leadership skills and being highly calculative in taking risks. From traditional role of owners of small or local business for living, women have taken-up the lead roles of several fortune500 companies. But the number of women holding managerial or top leadership positions are very less. This shows that women remain underutilized despite representing a dynamic and capable pool of talent.

Business development officers are employed by companies to develop and execute strategies to increase company sales and profits. They identify profitable business opportunities, secure business deals and lead business development associates. The main duties and responsibilities of Business Development Officers involve developing business and marketing plans in coordination with Managing Director to achieve revenue goals, assist in company's branding & media communication activities, analyzing current & past budgets, expenses, sales, revenues & product deficiencies, providing recommendations for business growth, researching the market for new business opportunities and many others.

In addition to this, a business development officer requires to meet with potential investors to present company offerings and negotiate business deals. Strong communication and presentation skills, the ability to influence & negotiate with others, commercial awareness, the ability to think creatively & strategically, organizational skill, self-motivation and the ability to be motivated by targets are some of the key skills needed for this profession.

Women Entrepreneur in this issue brings into lime light a list of `Top 10 Women Business Development Officers - 2022' who are torchbearers of success and have leveraged their extensive industry expertise and experience in bringing innovative solutions. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and Industry Outlook editorial board.