When I started looking at lists of people who changed the world with their genius, Marie Curie was the only woman there. So much has changed with women’s opportunities over the years! Madame Curie had to fight to follow her genius and earned her right to be on those lists.
Michelangelo lived his life following his dream and his influence is still being felt. He is THE Renaissance man. He was so popular when he was living that he had two biographies written about him before he was dead! That was unheard at that time, unlike today when celebrities are writing their autobiographies in their twenties. But he had to work hard to gain that influence. And he wasn’t looking for influence when he did it. He was just trying to do what he loved.
Einstein. You say his name and people think “genius”. He definitely fits the traditional definition. He taught himself advanced math at the age of 12. When he was 26 he had published articles that turned the scientific world upside down. His work has changed how we see not only the world but the universe.