February 09

Born in Sicily in 1651 and later moved to Paris. Opened the Café Procope in 1686, one of the first cafés in France. Introduced coffee and refined snacks to Parisian society. The café became a meeting place for Voltaire, Diderot, and other Enlightenment thinkers. His establishment influenced European intellectual and social life. Died in 1727, leaving behind France's oldest surviving café.

Wilhelm Maybach was a German engineer born in 1846 who helped lay the foundations of the modern automotive industry. Working closely with Gottlieb Daimler, he designed one of the first high-speed internal combustion engines. In 1909, he founded his own company, Maybach-Motorenbau, producing luxury automobiles and innovative engines. His designs set new standards for power, reliability, and elegance in motor vehicles. Maybach's work extended to airship engines and marine propulsion systems. He collaborated with the Prussian government and military on engine development during World War I. He died in 1929, leaving a legacy of engineering excellence that continues in the Mercedes-Maybach brand.

Whitaker Wright was an English businessman and financier born in 1846. He built a reputation as a charming tycoon with ambitious mining and railway ventures. Wright's financial empire grew rapidly, but his operations relied on dubious accounting and fraudulent practices. In 1904, a major fraud trial exposed his criminal misdeeds, leading to his conviction and a sentence of penal servitude. Shortly after the verdict, he died by suicide at the Royal Courts of Justice. Wright's dramatic fall remains one of the most infamous scandals in British financial history. His story serves as a cautionary tale of power, ambition, and the dangers of unchecked speculation.

C. P. Krishnan Nair was a visionary Indian businessman who established The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in the 1980s, transforming India’s hospitality industry with his focus on luxury and personalized service. Born in Kerala in 1922, he championed the fusion of Indian art, culture, and cuisine in his properties, setting new standards for hotel experiences. Under his leadership, The Leela group expanded to multiple cities across India and internationally, earning acclaim for its distinctive style. Nair’s commitment to excellence and innovation earned him a reputation as a hospitality pioneer whose legacy continues to influence the global luxury hotel sector.

Chris Gardner is an American entrepreneur who founded the brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co. After experiencing homelessness while raising his young son, he turned his life around through determination and hard work. His 2006 memoir, The Pursuit of Happyness, became a bestseller and was adapted into a major film starring Will Smith. Gardner has since dedicated himself to philanthropy and motivational speaking, focusing on issues of poverty and education. He serves on multiple charitable boards and continues to mentor young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. His story remains a powerful example of resilience and hope.

Terry McAuliffe is an American entrepreneur and Democratic politician who served as the 72nd Governor of Virginia from 2014 to 2018. Prior to his governorship, he built a successful career in the recycling and telecommunications industries and chaired the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005. As governor, McAuliffe focused on economic development, job creation, and expanding voting rights. He oversaw record employment levels in Virginia and pushed for criminal justice reform. After leaving office, he remained active in politics and business, launching a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2022. McAuliffe's leadership is noted for bridging business expertise with public service.