The 2010 TIME 100

For 40 years, I have had the privilege of welcoming global leaders to the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. What has intrigued me most is what genuine leadership really means. Christine Lagarde, 54, has all its qualities. Her exceptional international background and success at the highest levels of the legal profession, coupled with her rise in the political world, have earned her a justified reputation as one of the world's most talented ministers of finance — a reputation reinforced by her strong sense of values and firm personal convictions. Lagarde's mission is to serve France within the context of a greater European and global interdependence. She has done this with humility and courage under the most challenging circumstances. The combination of heart and professionalism makes her an outstanding leader.

Schwab is founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum

TIME 100 Social-Networking Index: 7,913