Top 10 Public Figures to Follow in 2025

1.Willie J.

Willie J. is an american 7x #1 Global Bestselling Author, an international chart topping recording artist, award winning entrepreneur, poet, Maxwell Leadership coach, and speaker. He is the award winning CEO and founder of the global powerhouse  company Pure Mission Entertainment. Which was once named the #1 Fastest Growing Company in the NY Weekly. 

The East Saint Louis, Belleville, and Washington Park, Illinois native has been on fire since the current release of his latest anthology book “Winning With Love.” Which soon became a #1 International Bestseller in multiple categories and countries. More importantly, he dedicates this powerful book of love to all Breast Cancer victims from around the globe, and wanted to sincerely thank his “Winning With Love” Dream Team Co-Authors and friends. Steve Kidd, Kinga, Jacqueline, Judy, Dr. Deepak, Kirkspatrick, Brian and Nancy for their amazing contributions. According to Willie. This amazing book is a great set up for his forthcoming personal growth book “Never Stop Winning” Vol.1 (Win Your Way) coming very soon. Another heartfelt Breast Cancer Dedication. Which will convene with a powerful workshop seminar TBA. 

Willie J. has been featured on the digital covers of Morocco Forbes Magazine, The NY Weekly Magazine’s Top 10 Entrepreneurs of 2024 at the #1 spot, and the Celebrity Forbes  Magazines Top 10 Public Figures in 2024. The follow up to his prestigious features in the New Jersey Times Top 20 influential Personalities to Look out for in 2024, and The NY Weekly’s Top 10 Emerging Celebrities of 2024: Shaping the Future of Stardom with acts like Beyonce, Zendeya, Cristiano Ronaldo and many more. 

His soulful music has captivated audiences in over 180 countries with millions of streams all across social media, and most recently he released his smash hit love ballads “Forever” and a captivating visualizer for his new single “Couldn't Imagine.” Another Breast Cancer Dedication.

Willie J. has been seen on platforms like YAHOO, Business Insider, The Source Magazine, ABC 30, CBS, KCTV, CW11, NY Times Square, XXL, LA Business Magazine, MTV,  LA WEEKLY, La Wire, The Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Vlad TV, and many more. Most recently his new “Never Stop Winning” Radio Show produced by Kayla Padgett on the Walking Out Purpose Radio Network. Premiered in 195 Countries (WorldWide). The legendary Pure Mission leader says that he and his Dream Team plan to keep on creating more hope for the masses through arts, love, business, teaching, and entertainment. While empowering more people, and changing lives. He wants the whole world to know that, “God is so Paramount” and to him be all the glory!

2. Thomas Carter 

Thomas Carter is a trailblazing entrepreneur and visionary leader in financial technology and blockchain, with over three decades of experience in capital markets. His career took off in the 1980s with the founding of Thruster, where he played a pivotal role in pioneering the wakeboard industry and successfully taking the company public. He later founded and brought another venture, NetRom, to the public markets, demonstrating his ability to drive innovative businesses to success.

In 2016, Carter founded Deal Box, a fintech-blockchain platform designed to empower entrepreneurs and investors. Building on this success, he spearheaded the acquisition of True I/O, where he now serves as Chairman, focusing on integrating blockchain technology into digital asset management.

Continuing to push boundaries, Carter launched Deal Box Ventures in 2023, a $100 million investment fund dedicated to emerging growth sectors like Web3, digital assets, tokenization, and AI. His efforts reflect a deep commitment to shaping the future of the digital economy. To explore his groundbreaking work, visit thomascarter.io.

3. Courtney Taylor

Courtney Taylor, best known as the Modern-Day Psychic, blends her diverse background in social work, psychic mediumship, and numerology to empower leaders on their spiritual journey. With a deep understanding of the human psyche and a profound connection to the spiritual realm, Courtney's unique approach bridges the gap between traditional therapy and intuitive guidance.

As a world-renowned celebrity psychic, Courtney's intuitive insights have touched the lives of countless individuals around the globe. Her ability to connect with the spirit realm and channel messages from beyond has earned her a reputation as one of the most sought-after psychics in the industry. From Hollywood stars to everyday seekers, Courtney's guidance has provided clarity, validation, and healing to clients from all walks of life.

4. Dan Jahn

Dan Jahn is a globally-seasoned entrepreneur, educator, and leadership expert with a unique blend of academic excellence and real-world business acumen. From founding a tech consulting company at 22 to establishing multiple successful ventures, Dan has consistently demonstrated the power of visionary leadership. With degrees from prestigious institutions in the US and UK, and experience ranging from the White House to Silicon Valley, Dan brings a wealth of cross-cultural insights to his work.

His track record of building high-performing teams across technology, arts, and education showcases the practical application of the leadership principles he teaches. A prolific author and consultant who has traveled to 68 countries, Dan's mission is clear: to empower the next generation of leaders to unlock their full potential and make a lasting impact in their organizations and beyond.

5.Astrid Palca

Astrid Palca, a fifty-plus woman from Berlin, Germany, has spent the past 30 years living in Switzerland, where she has built an inspiring dual career as a medical doctor and a professional model. As a medical professional, Astrid has pursued advanced studies, earning a post-diploma degree and a Master’s in Insurance Medicine, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and excellence in her field. Alongside her medical career, she has made waves in the fashion industry as a published model, gracing the pages of esteemed magazines like Forbes Canada, Cosmopolitan UAE, Grazia Italy, and London One.

2024 marked a standout year with highlights including her participation in the prestigious Coco Rocha Model Camp, attending a workshop led by Anna Wintour during Vogue Germany’s anniversary event, and her features in major publications.

A devoted and loving wife to her American husband, a former ballet dancer, and a caring mother to her 21-year-old son who is an aspiring architectural draftsman, Astrid also embraces the role of stepmother to five adult children. Passionate about defying age-related stereotypes, she advocates for embracing aging, living with passion, pursuing education, and finding beauty in every moment, even during life’s challenges. Astrid Palca exemplifies a life of purpose, resilience, and grace, inspiring others to laugh, love, and work hard in the pursuit of their dreams.

6. Kohila Sivas

Kohila Sivas is a visionary leader revolutionizing education through her transformative, wholistic approach to learning. As the driving force behind groundbreaking ventures like Learning Success Coaches, Learning Success Academy, MathCodes, and Personal Development 4 Parenting, Kohila is reshaping how students, educators, and parents approach academic and personal growth. Her innovative methodologies break free from traditional education molds, offering a fresh, authentic path to success.

As a Master Wholistic NeuroGrowth Learning Success Coach, Kohila’s signature Meta-Learning DeStress Method and MindWork Framework are superior alternatives to tutoring and teaching. These frameworks unlock higher academic performance and personal development, providing students and parents with tools to thrive in every area of life.

These frameworks unlock higher academic performance and personal development, providing students and parents with tools to thrive in every area of life. With an unwavering commitment to authentic learning and living, Kohila and her independent certified coaches are on a mission to empower over 1.5 million students by 2035, driving a global movement that challenges outdated educational norms and fosters limitless possibilities for future generations.

7. Charis Michelsen

L.A. Weekly declared, “Charis Michelsen is an award-winning beauty expert, author, inventor, actress, TV show host, and Hollywood royalty.” Huffmag noted she’s “The Thomas Edison of fashion and beauty, [and] Hollywood’s beauty and fashion icon.” According to Forbes, “Her contributions to the beauty and fashion industry are commendable.” Ms. Michelsen invented the first Universal Beauty Standard System™, used to create the first AI personal stylist, and authored and self-illustrated the world’s most comprehensive books on makeup application that include original techniques. Michelsen, who recently received the Hollywood Royalty Award at the WGAW, will host a new TV show she created connected to a legendary Hollywood establishment, is set to star in a new film (she’s worked with such industry greats as Martin Scorsese), and shares her fashion/beauty expertise via several renowned publications. She’s the former daughter-in-law of legendary producer Robert Evans (The Godfather) and Academy Award-nominated actress Ali MacGraw.

8. Thomas J. Kent Jr.

Thomas J. Kent Jr. is an international banker, movie producer, and philanthropist, serving as Chairman and CEO of Kent Global LLC and The Kent Family Office. Through Kent Global LLC, he manages investments for clients ranging from startups to governments, while his family office focuses on personal investments in film, real estate, and small businesses. Born on October 8, 1976, in the United States, Thomas is the son of civil rights activist and businessman Thomas J. Kent Sr., who inspired his philanthropic pursuits.

Thomas’s education spans prestigious universities in the United States and the United Kingdom. A seasoned traveler, he has visited countries on six continents. Starting as a junior stockbroker at GBI Capital, he co-founded Tiger Ventures, a capital-raising firm for startups. After selling the company in 2010, he established Kent Global LLC, amassing a net worth exceeding $50 million and investing over $4 million in film projects. He also contributes as an editor for Heart of Hollywood Magazine and Brainz Magazine and advises several private companies.

Despite his demanding career, Thomas remains single, dividing his time between New York City and London. Follow him on Instagram: kentjr.thomas.

9. Marc Anthony Nicolas

Marc Anthony Nicolas is a multi-Emmy Award-winning producer in the entertainment industry. With an impressive career portfolio, he has worked on television's most iconic shows, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tyra Banks Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Talk.  In addition, he is the host and executive producer of Make Your Marc, a talk show that shines a light on Filipino trailblazers and shares their inspiring stories.  Make Your Marc airs on GMA Pinoy TV which is one of the top Filipino channels globally. His work blends innovation and creativity, earning him widespread acclaim. Marc Anthony’s extraordinary talents have been recognized with his induction into the prestigious Asian Hall of Fame, celebrating his impact on media and representation. In 2024, he was honored with President Joe Biden's Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his dedication to uplifting communities and creating a legacy of inspiration and hope.

10. Simer Dhillon

Simer Dhillon is a Canada-based fashion designer, beauty artist, financial professional, and social advocate with roots in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Known for her ability to blend cultural heritage with modern aesthetics, Simer’s work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Hollywood Magazine, Forbes Celebrity Magazine, and Perfect Women Magazine. With upcoming appearances in Vanity Germany, Forbes Switzerland, and Vogue Hollywood, her influence continues to grow internationally.

A graduate of Punjabi University, Simer holds a diploma in Fashion Designing from the International Institute of Women in India, a Diploma in Business Management from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Canada, and is currently pursuing an Executive Certificate in Leadership at Simon Fraser University. Her dual expertise in creative and financial fields positions her uniquely at the intersection of art and analytics.

Beyond her professional success, Simer is a passionate social advocate. She uses her platform to champion diversity, empower women of color, and address social inequities. Her advocacy includes mentorship, community work, and collaborations aimed at fostering inclusivity and resilience.

A mother of two and an animal welfare advocate, Simer balances her career and personal life with grace. She is set to release her book Women of Colour – Grace in the Grit, celebrating the resilience and achievements of women of color, further cementing her role as an inspiring voice for empowerment and change.