November 05

Born Mary Louise Cecilia Guinan in 1884 in Waco, Texas, she began her career on Broadway and in silent films. Guinan moved to New York City and opened her first speakeasy in 1919, quickly becoming a celebrated hostess. Known for her flamboyant style and trademark greeting "Hello, Sucker!", she drew celebrities, writers, and even gangsters. She expanded her empire to include a chain of nightclubs that set the standard for Jazz Age nightlife. Guinan’s larger-than-life persona and business acumen made her an icon of 1920s American culture. Her legacy endures in stories of the Roaring Twenties and the golden age of nightclubs.

Born Ján Ludvík Hoch in 1923 in Czechoslovakia, Maxwell survived Nazi persecution and served with distinction in the British Army during World War II. After the war, he embarked on a publishing career, acquiring the British Printing Corporation and later the Mirror Group Newspapers. Maxwell became one of the UK’s most flamboyant tycoons, expanding into international media with titles from The Spectator to photography magazines. Elected as a Labour Member of Parliament in 1964, he briefly served in Parliament while continuing to grow his business interests. His business empire collapsed after his mysterious death in 1991, revealing massive pension fund fraud and financial mismanagement. Maxwell’s rise and fall remain a cautionary tale of ambition, power, and the darker side of media moguldom.

Born in 1908 in Kankakee, Illinois, Fred MacMurray began his career in musical theatre before signing with Paramount Pictures in 1934. He starred in acclaimed films such as Double Indemnity, The Caddy, and The Absent-Minded Professor, showcasing his range from drama to comedy. In 1960, MacMurray transitioned to television, charming audiences as the widowed patriarch in the long-running sitcom My Three Sons. Off-screen, he achieved financial success as a real estate investor and lumber businessman, demonstrating keen entrepreneurial instincts. Known for his affable screen presence and professional reliability, he worked steadily for over five decades. MacMurray’s dual legacy as a beloved actor and astute businessman endures in Hollywood history.

Soma Edirisinghe was among Sri Lanka’s first female business magnates, establishing the EAP Group across media, energy, and real estate. Her leadership transformed the company into a diversified conglomerate that spurred economic growth and innovation. Committed to social welfare, she funded education scholarships, healthcare initiatives, and disaster relief programs. Edirisinghe supported cultural preservation and community development projects that uplifted underprivileged communities. Her vision earned her national honors and inspired a generation of women in business. Her philanthropic foundations continue her work in empowering future leaders.

Ben Baldanza (born 1961) is an American business leader celebrated for transforming Spirit Airlines into a profitable ultra-low-cost carrier. As CEO from 2006 to 2016, he implemented an unbundled pricing model that charged separately for services like bags and seat selection, reshaping industry standards. Baldanza’s cost-focused approach drove significant growth in passenger volume but also sparked debate over fees and customer experience. He previously held executive roles at US Airways and has since consulted on aviation business strategies. Recognized for his bold innovation, Baldanza has been a sought-after speaker on airline management and economic trends.