Forbes has released its annual list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel once again claiming the top spot. Notable names from the business world include Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, and Rosalind Brewer, chief operating officer of Starbucks.

Insight-driven innovation will be critical for the future success of the Land O'Lakes portfolio, said CEO Beth Ford, noting that data insights led to the creation of its recent squeezable-butter launch. The company is "always looking at acquisitions" that are aligned with its goals, and it is also continuing to capitalize on its organic growth strategy, she said.

Constellation Brands said that over the next 10 years it will invest $100 million in alcoholic beverage startups founded by women. The first two companies to receive funding are Vivify Beverages, which makes hard soda, and bottled-cocktail provider Austin Cocktails.

Several powerful women are leading the finance industry forward, despite the fact that women are still underrepresented as executives in the field. Here is a look at the careers of such leaders as Ellevest's Sallie Krawcheck, Visa's Jolen Anderson and Mary Callahan Erdoes of JPMorgan Chase.

Former Facebook executive Kirthiga Reddy has become the first female partner at SoftBank Investment Advisors, which manages the $100 billion SoftBank Vision Fund. SoftBank said Reddy could choose to become an investing partner.

A woman is more likely to experience bias at work if she is the only woman in the office, according to a report from McKinsey & Co. and LeanIn. In addition, women in these situations report feeling "on guard" and "closely watched."

Women in technology offer several suggestions for improving diversity in the industry, emphasizing the need to detect bias in artificial intelligence and recruit more women and minorities. "We need to address inequality at every level -- whether internships, entry-level or mid-career -- and develop a gender equality infrastructure within companies to offer as many opportunities to women as to men," said Francesca Rossi of IBM.

Creating a welcoming workplace environment means more than just hiring people from different backgrounds. Here are three strategies for learning more about your employees as individuals -- a critical step for fostering inclusion.

Learn proven strategies to advance your career -- and transform your workplace -- with the NEW Summit Speaker Series. Register for all seven webinars, starting with "Practical Inclusion" with Dr. Shirley Davis, Jan. 16, 2019. The NEW Summit Speaker Series is a NEW member benefit. Not a member? Join NEW now.

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