Tech Giants and Retail Moguls Leading Global Influence in 2025

In the year 2025, the landscape of global influence is largely shaped by a small group of individuals whose decisions and actions reverberate across industries and borders. These leaders are not only commanding the growth of their companies but also pushing boundaries that influence the global economy, society, and culture.

Among them, the CEOs of Meta, Tesla, and Walmart stand out as some of the most influential people in the world today. These executives are at the helm of companies that are revolutionizing their respective industries, and their impact stretches far beyond their business empires. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, is one of the most influential figures in the world of technology today.

With a net worth of approximately $174 billion, Zuckerberg holds the title of the third richest person globally, following only Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. His leadership has driven Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, through a series of dramatic transformations, particularly focusing on the expansion into virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

Zuckerberg’s major focus on creating immersive, next-gen technologies has positioned Meta as a leader in the field, with innovations such as the Metaverse pushing the boundaries of how people interact with technology. Furthermore, Zuckerberg's commitment to open-source artificial intelligence through the development of models like Llama has democratized access to AI tools, empowering developers and shifting the way artificial intelligence is used across industries.

His willingness to take bold risks and his investment in long-term technological trends are what truly set him apart in the tech world, and Time magazine's recognition of Zuckerberg in its list of the 100 most influential people further emphasizes his lasting impact on the future of global technology.

On the other hand, Elon Musk remains an incredibly polarizing figure in the business and tech world. The CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, Musk’s influence transcends the automotive and space industries. Known for his audacious goals, such as the colonization of Mars, Musk has redefined what is possible in space exploration.

However, it is his work in electric vehicles through Tesla that continues to make waves across the automotive industry. Musk's leadership at Tesla has revolutionized the EV sector, pushing other automakers to accelerate their electric vehicle production and adoption. Tesla’s focus on sustainability and its innovation in battery technology and autonomous driving have made the company a global leader in the EV space.

Musk’s leadership in the public sector is also noteworthy. He served as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Trump’s administration, where his aggressive reforms focused on eliminating wasteful spending and improving government efficiency. While his methods were often controversial, there is no denying that his efforts resulted in significant savings for the U.S. government.

Some critics argue that Musk’s approach to government reform, which included drastic cuts to government staffing and departmental restructuring, caused unnecessary disruption. Nevertheless, his supporters argue that his leadership was necessary to address inefficiencies that had long been embedded within the federal system. Musk’s decision to leave his role at DOGE to focus on his private ventures reflects his priorities in continuing to innovate through Tesla and SpaceX, and it remains to be seen whether his brief foray into government will have lasting effects on U.S. policy.

Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart, represents a different type of leadership—one rooted in retail and supply chain management. Under McMillon’s leadership, Walmart has transformed from a traditional retail giant into a major player in the e-commerce space. Walmart's ability to integrate online and in-store shopping experiences has helped the company maintain its competitive edge in the global retail market. McMillon’s focus on affordability and customer experience has been crucial in ensuring Walmart remains relevant in an increasingly digital world.

The company has successfully expanded its global presence, maintaining its position as the largest retailer in the world by revenue. McMillon’s efforts have also been instrumental in driving Walmart’s adoption of sustainability practices, with the company focusing on reducing its carbon footprint and increasing its use of renewable energy. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, McMillon’s leadership will be critical in determining whether Walmart can maintain its market dominance in a digital-first world.

These leaders have had a profound influence on their respective industries, and their inclusion in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people of 2025 reflects their growing impact on the global stage. They are not just shaping the future of their companies but are also steering the direction of entire industries. From Zuckerberg’s work in immersive technologies and AI to Musk’s leadership in electric vehicles and space exploration, and McMillon’s innovation in retail, these executives are defining the future of business and technology.

Their influence extends far beyond their companies and industries. Through their actions, Musk, Zuckerberg, and McMillon have become powerful forces shaping the future of human interaction with technology, sustainability, and global economic trends. They are driving the development of next-generation technologies that will impact everything from how we work and travel to how we communicate and live. These leaders are not just entrepreneurs—they are architects of the future.

While their businesses have been the primary focus of their influence, it is their vision and ability to challenge the status quo that sets them apart. In a world where the pace of technological advancement is accelerating, these executives are taking risks and leading initiatives that have the potential to reshape entire sectors of the global economy.

Whether it’s Musk’s quest to make humanity a multi-planetary species or Zuckerberg’s ambition to create a new digital reality through the Metaverse, these leaders are thinking beyond the immediate needs of their companies and considering how their innovations can serve humanity as a whole.

However, their influence is not without controversy. Musk’s public persona has been a source of both admiration and criticism, particularly with his outspoken views on political matters and his management style at Tesla and SpaceX. Similarly, Zuckerberg’s role in handling user data and his company’s influence on global communication have raised ethical concerns about privacy and the impact of social media on democracy.

McMillon, while largely seen as a steady hand in retail, faces pressure to navigate the challenges of e-commerce disruption and environmental sustainability. Despite these controversies, the impact of their work cannot be understated, and their leadership will continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny in the years to come.

As these leaders continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in business and technology, their influence will undoubtedly shape the future of global industry. From the continued development of AI and autonomous vehicles to the exploration of Mars and the transformation of the retail landscape, these executives are at the forefront of a new era of technological advancement.

Their vision for the future, while often controversial, represents the next frontier in how humanity interacts with technology, sustainability, and the broader world around us. In conclusion, the inclusion of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Doug McMillon in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people of 2025 highlights their continued impact on global business and technology.

These leaders are not only shaping their companies but also the world around them. As the future unfolds, their decisions will undoubtedly continue to influence the trajectory of entire industries, and the ripple effects of their leadership will be felt for generations to come. Their ability to navigate the complex and rapidly changing landscape of technology, business, and global affairs will define their legacies, and the world will be watching closely to see where their vision takes us next.