July 26

Born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Jesse Livermore began trading stocks as a teenager and developed innovative chart analysis and market timing techniques. He amassed and lost multiple fortunes by taking bold long and short positions, most famously profiting in the crashes of 1907 and 1929. His trading philosophies were immortalized in the classic book 'Reminiscences of a Stock Operator', influencing generations of investors. Despite his successes, Livermore’s personal life was marked by setbacks and tragedies. He died by suicide in 1940, leaving behind enduring lessons on the psychology and risks of speculative trading.

Edwin Albert Link was born in Huntington, Indiana and founded the Link Aviation Devices company. He invented the Link Trainer in 1929, the first effective flight simulator used for pilot training worldwide. Link's devices revolutionized pilot instruction by providing safe, controlled environments for skill development. Beyond aviation, he pioneered underwater research submersibles and established the Marine Biological Laboratory in Florida. Link held more than 30 patents and his innovations impacted both aviation and marine exploration. His entrepreneurial spirit and technical ingenuity left a lasting legacy in multiple fields.

Kan Yuet-keung was born in 1913 and became a prominent figure in Hong Kong's banking sector. A qualified lawyer, he served on several corporate boards and helped modernize the colony's legal framework. Kan was appointed to the Legislative Council in the 1960s, where he advocated for economic development. He played a key role in shaping Hong Kong's financial regulations and fostering cross-border trade. Known for his integrity and vision, he bridged business and government during a period of rapid growth. Kan's contributions left a lasting impact on Hong Kong's rise as a global financial center.

Born in 1928, Joe Jackson was instrumental in shaping the Jackson family's musical legacy. As the patriarch and manager of the Jackson 5, he organized tours, negotiated contracts, and promoted the group worldwide. His steadfast guidance helped launch Michael Jackson into stardom, setting the stage for a groundbreaking solo career. Despite controversies over his management style, his impact on the music industry is undeniable. He continued to manage various artists throughout his life, leaving a lasting influence on entertainment business practices. He passed away in 2018, remembered for both his business acumen and complex family dynamics.

Thaksin Shinawatra was born on July 26, 1949, in San Kamphaeng, Thailand. He founded the telecommunications company Advanced Info Service, becoming one of Thailand’s wealthiest entrepreneurs. Entering politics in the 1990s, he established the Thai Rak Thai Party and was elected Prime Minister in 2001. His populist policies, including universal healthcare and rural development programs, earned widespread support. Thaksin was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and has since lived in self-imposed exile amid legal and political controversies. Despite his departure, his influence on Thai politics persists through parties and movements aligned with his vision.