Melinda Gates is seen as one of the most influential women in the world, both inside and out of the philanthropic space.
CNBC Meets speaks to legendary country musician Dolly Parton on her life, career and future business plans.
CNBC Meets speaks to music megastar Dolly Parton, who takes the time to discuss her humble beginnings, business acumen and success as a music icon.
In part two, megastar Dolly Parton talks to CNBC about her business acumen with Dollywood, her film career, and the success of her "Imagination Library".
Dolly Parton may be a successful businesswoman and global country music megastar, but the cause she’s truly passionate about supporting is the gift of literacy.
For Dolly Parton, turning down Elvis' offer to cover her music was one of the first “really hard business decisions” she had to make, the superstar told CNBC.
Dolly Parton has formally opened the doors of the latest addition to her growing Dollywood theme park empire, the "DreamMore" resort.
CNBC Meets hosted a special event in New York, speaking to a panel of celebrities and business leaders including Richard Branson and Ashley Judd on their philanthropic goals and aspirations.
Tania Bryer speaks to fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg about her extraordinary life.
In part two, designer Diane von Furstenberg talks to Tania Bryer about starting again in the fashion business.
Designer Diane von Furstenberg said the launch of her iconic "wrap dress" design in 1974 gave her a financial security she had never had before.
As Diane von Furstenberg tells CNBC about her fashion career, we look at other iconic styles, like the famous polo shirt and desirable red soled heel.
CNBC Meets' Tania Bryer speaks to celebrated soprano opera singer Jessye Norman, who speaks about her childhood growing up in Augusta, Georgia.
In part two, Norman talks about her big break in opera and some of the challenges she faced early on in her career, as well as her frustrations with the "racialism" she feels still exists in U.S. Congress.
Opera superstar Jessye Norman has launched a blistering attack on the “unprecedented roadblocks” Congress has put in the way of President Obama.
As opera star Jessye Norman tells CNBC that she once considered running for Congress, we look at some of the famous faces who dabbled in politics.
Outspoken opera superstar Jessye Norman told CNBC that Hillary Clinton, the expected front-runner for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, is a friend who could count on her vote.
CNBC Meets' Tania Bryer speaks to star tennis player, Maria Sharapova on her childhood and how she discovered her love for the sport.
In part two, Sharapova talks about how she overcame injury, her work with the United Nations and the launch of her candy business, "Sugarpova".
Tennis star Maria Sharapova has defended her own-brand candies "Sugarpova" and does not think criticism is "fair".
As CNBC speaks to one of the world’s most successful female tennis stars, Maria Sharapova, we take a look at the sport's wealthiest players.
Maria Sharapova, the highest paid female athlete in the world, has said she will never give up her Russian nationality to become a U.S. citizen.
CNBC Meets' Tania Bryer speaks to niece of former U.S. President George W. Bush, and founder of social business FEED, Lauren Bush Lauren.
In part two, Bush Lauren talks about some of the early FEED products first released and the challenges she faced launching the group back in 2007.
Niece of former U.S. President George W. Bush, Lauren Bush Lauren, said her social business FEED gives a significant amount to charity.
Lauren Bush Lauren, niece of former Florida governor Jeb Bush, said she would be very proud of her uncle if he did decide to run for President.
Niece of former U.S. President George W. Bush, Lauren Bush Lauren said Secret Service "followed" her at college.
CNBC Meet's Tania Bryer speaks to the 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who was sworn in on 20 January 1977.
In part two, Carter talks about the Iran hostage crisis he faced during his time as president.
Former President Jimmy Carter says after 13 days of tough negotiations between Israel and Egypt in 1979, a peace deal had seemed set for failure.
Sir Richard Branson has named 39th President of the U.S. Jimmy Carter as one of the "top five most respected people in the world".
Human slavery is more prolific now than during the 18th and 19th century, former President Jimmy Carter tells CNBC.
CNBC Meets' Tania Bryer speaks to HRH The Duke of York, second son of reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
In part two, HRH The Duke of York, Prince Andrew talks about his latest charitable projects, public duties and how he addresses his mother, The Queen.
When the second son of Queen Elizabeth II took to Twitter, he became the first Royal family member to set up a profile in his own name.
How pop star and front man of The Black Eyed Peas struck up an unlikely friendship with the British royal family.
CNBC Meet's Tania Bryer speaks to Aerin Lauder, granddaughter of the late Estee Lauder, founder of the billion dollar beauty empire.
In part two, Aerin Lauder talks about her decision in 2012 to launch her own luxury lifestyle brand and where she gets her inspiration from.
Known for their brand Estee Lauder, the Lauder family should also be recognized for their contribution to New York City, said Michael Kors.
The granddaughter of Estee Lauder seemed an obvious choice to carry on the legacy of the group, until the launch of her own brand.
CNBC Meet's Tania Bryer meets business leader, Sung-Joo Kim who discusses how she escaped the constraints of a strict patriarchal household.
In part two, Kim talks about how her firm lost $30 million overnight during the Asian financial crisis in 1997.
When South Korea's first female leader was elected it was not just her background as daughter of a former president that helped her win.
Japan and South Korea were the "worst" places for gender inequality as women face a "concrete ceiling" according to the CEO of Sungjoo Group.
What do an outspoken South Korean businesswoman and a prince have in common? An interest in singing, apparently.
CNBC Meets' Tania Bryer meets actor, screenwriter and philanthropist Matt Damon, who discusses his big break in the film world.
In part two, Matt Damon talks about the Jason Bourne franchise, politics and his non-profit organization, water.org.
Matt Damon may have become a critic of Obama, but many celebrities still support the embattled president, as seen with Obamacare.
Matt Damon said that raising awareness about the issue of clean water was a marketing nightmare, so he had to make a viral video.
Matt Damon has told CNBC he would be "open" to reprising the role of Jason Bourne.
CNBC Meets interviews one of the world's most successful classical musicians, Lang Lang.
Lang Lang, one of the most exciting musical talents of his generation and a rock star of the classical world, talks to CNBC.
There is a clear difference between U.S. and Chinese education, according to pianist Lang Lang - the amount of free time.
The Chinese pianist Lang Lang learned to love classical music from Tom and Jerry.
Lang Lang says that winning competitions is seen as hugely important in China and this had proved detrimental for his early career.
Tania Bryer gains unprecedented access to "The King of the High Street," Sir Philip Green.
Sir Philip Green, the head of the Arcadia Group, talks to Tania Bryer about the way he manages a wealth of retail brands.
Philip Green, the man famed for his overhaul of British Home Stores (BHS), has told CNBC that he does not actually like department stores.
The head of the company that owns Topshop has told CNBC that the new Kate Moss collection was his opportunity to enter the Chinese retail market.
The CEO of the Arcadia Group said that many critics used his business as a "battering ram" following the Bengali factory collapse.
Tania Bryer speaks with Jochen Zeitz, who became the youngest ever head of a public company in German history when he was made CEO of Puma.
Jochen Zeitz explains why he decided to leave Puma and create a foundation based on sustainability in Africa.
A town once divided by a bitter sibling rivalry has now put its past behind it.
While Puma's recent renewal of its sponsorship of Usain Bolt seemed like a no-brainer, the story was somewhat different a decade ago.
Tania Bryer sits down with Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am to discuss his route from musician to philanthropist.
In the second part of this episode, will.i.am discusses his music career and the challenges and success achieved with The Black Eyed Peas.
The Black Eyed Peas record label did not like many of the songs on their third album "Elephunk."
The "War on Drugs" has been a huge failure, resulting in the incarceration of millions of African Americans and Latinos, will.i.am has told CNBC.
Black Eyed Peas frontman and "The Voice" judge will.i.am said Simon Cowell should be applauded for the rise of TV's music talent shows.
Tania Bryer is a guest presenter and executive producer of CNBC Meets. In this series, she profiles some of the world’s most successful business people to find out what makes them tick. Bryer previously worked for BBC and Sky Television.
In this highly personal interview, Branson reveals stories about his childhood that give an insight into what drives and motivates him today, and how he built the Virgin brand.
This episode of CNBC Meets is with global rock icon and philanthropist, Jon Bon Jovi. His band Bon Jovi, formed in 1983, has become one of the most successful rock bands in world, selling over 130 million albums.
In his most recent interview to date, Vidal Sassoon has a highly personal and moving discussion with CNBC Meets presenter Tania Bryer.
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