July 05

Thomas "Diamond" Pitt (1653–1726) was an English merchant, administrator, and politician who amassed wealth through trade in India. He served as Governor of Madras from 1698 to 1709 and later represented Cornwall in Parliament. Pitt earned his nickname after acquiring a massive diamond in India, which he sold to the Duke of Orléans. His commercial success and political connections laid the foundation for the Pitt family's prominence in British politics. He was the grandfather of Prime Minister William Pitt the Elder and great-grandfather of Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, influencing British statecraft across generations.

P. T. Barnum (1810–1891) was an American entrepreneur, showman, and founder of one of the most famous circuses in history. He began his career as a promoter of curiosities and hoaxes before establishing Barnum's American Museum in New York City. Barnum partnered with James Bailey to create the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, billed as the 'Greatest Show on Earth.' He was a master of publicity and marketing, revolutionizing entertainment and mass spectacle. Barnum also served two terms in the Connecticut legislature, advocating for public education and prison reform. His life and career inspired the musical 'The Greatest Showman.' Despite controversies over some of his exhibitions, Barnum's influence on popular culture and the entertainment industry endures.

William Collins Whitney (1841–1904) was a prominent American financier who backed railroads, insurance, and mining ventures. He served as the 31st United States Secretary of the Navy under President Grover Cleveland from 1885 to 1889. Whitney implemented modern reforms in the Navy, modernizing its fleet and strengthening coastal defenses. Beyond politics, he played a pivotal role in New York's financial circles and philanthropy. His influence extended into infrastructure development and education, shaping Gilded Age America.

Cecil Rhodes (1853–1902) was an influential entrepreneur and politician in southern Africa. He founded the diamond company De Beers, which dominated the global diamond market. Rhodes served as the sixth Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, promoting British imperialism. He established the Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University to support international students. Rhodes's complex legacy includes contributions to education and enduring debates over colonialism.

Born into the family behind L. S. Ayres & Co., Lyman S. Ayres II took the helm of the Indianapolis-based department store in the mid-20th century. Under his leadership, Ayres expanded its reach and modernized its merchandising strategies. He championed customer service innovations and community outreach programs. Ayres played a key role in civic and philanthropic projects in Indianapolis. He served as a role model for retail executives before his death in 1996 at age 87.

Horacio Cartes is a Paraguayan entrepreneur who built a vast business empire encompassing tobacco, banking, and other industries. In 2013, he entered politics and was elected President of Paraguay, a position he held until 2018. During his administration, Cartes pursued economic reforms and promoted foreign investment but faced criticism over alleged corruption and human rights issues. Before his political career, he founded Tabacalera del Este, one of Latin America's largest tobacco companies, and became one of Paraguay's wealthiest individuals. After leaving office, Cartes remained an influential figure in Paraguayan politics and business. His dual identity as a magnate and head of state has made him a controversial and significant presence in modern Paraguay.

Born in Santa Clara, California, in 1968 to Polish immigrant parents, Susan Wojcicki was Google's first marketing manager in 1999. She championed the acquisition of YouTube in 2006 and became its CEO in 2014, overseeing its growth to over 2 billion users. Wojcicki led major developments such as YouTube Premium, YouTube Music, and expanded content partnerships with creators and media companies. She helped launch Google AdSense and Google Analytics, shaping online advertising and monetization. Wojcicki holds a BA in history and literature from Harvard and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. She has been listed among Time's 100 most influential people for her impact on digital media.