April 03

Cyrus Kurtz Holliday (1826–1900) was a lawyer, businessman, and visionary of American railroad expansion. In 1859, he co-founded the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and served as its first president, guiding its growth across the Midwest. Holliday also founded the city of Topeka, Kansas, and championed infrastructure projects to support settlers and commerce. He skillfully negotiated land grants and financing, overcoming logistical challenges of frontier construction. His efforts linked the agricultural heartland to western markets, transforming trade and settlement patterns. Holliday’s leadership extended to civic affairs and education, shaping Kansas’s development. His legacy endures in the lasting impact of the Santa Fe Railway and the city of Topeka.

Tomáš Baťa opened his first shoe workshop in Zlín in 1894 and pioneered efficient mass production techniques. Under his guidance, Bata introduced advanced factory management, employee profit-sharing, and social welfare programs. The company expanded rapidly, operating factories and retail outlets on multiple continents by the interwar period. Baťa also developed model company towns with housing, healthcare, and education for workers. His innovative approach to business and social responsibility set new standards for industrial enterprises. Today, the Bata Group remains one of the largest and most respected footwear companies worldwide.

Born in 1898, Henry Luce co-founded Time magazine in 1923, introducing a concise, illustrated news format that transformed weekly journalism. He went on to launch Fortune in 1930, Life in 1936, and Sports Illustrated in 1954, each becoming a leader in its field. Under his direction, Time Inc. expanded into radio and television, building one of the most influential media empires of the 20th century. Luce's editorial vision emphasized both depth and accessibility, shaping public understanding of business, culture, and international affairs. His impact on modern media persists through institutions he established and the journalistic standards he set.

Cat Cora emerged as a trailblazer when she became the first female Iron Chef on Food Network's Iron Chef America. Her culinary style blends her Greek heritage with Southern American flavors, earning James Beard Award nominations. She founded the Chefs for Humanity organization to provide disaster relief through food. Cora has authored multiple bestselling cookbooks that share her approachable yet sophisticated recipes. She operates a successful chain of restaurants and continues to inspire aspiring chefs worldwide. Her dynamic presence on television and commitment to community have made her a household name in modern cuisine.