March 16

Born in Chiara Village near Tokyo, Shibusawa Eiichi played a central role in modernizing Japan’s economy during the Meiji era. He founded the First National Bank and helped establish the Tokyo Stock Exchange, laying the foundation for the nation’s banking system. Over the course of his life, he initiated or supported more than 500 enterprises across industries, from textiles to railroads. Shibusawa championed ethical business practices and corporate responsibility, believing that prosperity should benefit society as a whole. He also promoted education and philanthropy, donating extensively to schools and social services. His vision for a vibrant, moral economy continues to influence Japanese business culture.

Born in Norway, Axel Heiberg began his career in his family’s banking and founded the Ringnes Brewery, which became one of the country’s largest. A passionate patron of science, he financed Otto Sverdrup’s Arctic expeditions, leading to the naming of Axel Heiberg Island in Canada. He later served as a diplomat in European capitals, promoting Norwegian trade and cultural exchange. Heiberg’s support extended to academic institutions and the arts, reflecting his belief in the importance of knowledge and creativity for national development. His multifaceted contributions left a lasting mark on Norway’s economic growth and international presence. He died in 1932.

Sanford I. Weill was born in 1933 and began his career in finance at American Express. He led the merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group in 1998 to form Citigroup, one of the world's largest banks. Under his leadership, Citigroup expanded its services in banking, insurance, and investment. Weill has been a prominent philanthropist, supporting education, healthcare, and the arts. He served as Citigroup's chairman and CEO until his retirement in 2003. His influence reshaped modern banking and corporate finance.

John Hemming served as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Birmingham Yardley from 2005 to 2015. Prior to his political career, he built and managed small businesses in the financial sector, gaining firsthand experience in entrepreneurship. In Parliament, he advocated for civil liberties, digital privacy, and support for small enterprises. Hemming is recognized for his transparency campaigns and legal activism to increase government accountability. Since leaving office, he has advised tech startups and engaged in philanthropic projects promoting digital education.

Todd McFarlane began his career as an artist at Marvel Comics, contributing iconic work to titles such as The Amazing Spider-Man. In 1992, he co-founded Image Comics with other prominent artists seeking creative ownership. That same year, he launched the character Spawn, which became one of the best-selling independent comics of all time. McFarlane later founded McFarlane Toys, revolutionizing the action figure market with highly detailed collectibles. He has also worked on film and animation projects, cementing his status as a visionary in both comics and entertainment industries.