November 17

Frank Calder (1877–1943) was an influential English-Canadian journalist and sports executive. He started his career at the Winnipeg Tribune before turning to hockey management. In 1917, he became the first president of the National Hockey League, overseeing its formation and growth. As a businessman, he negotiated team contracts, devised league rules, and stabilized finances. Calder's leadership expanded the NHL and established traditions such as the Stanley Cup championships. The Calder Memorial Trophy, named in his honor, celebrates the league's top rookie each year.

Soichiro Honda was a Japanese engineer and entrepreneur who founded Honda Motor Company and revolutionized the automotive and motorcycle industries. Born in Hamamatsu in 1906, he worked as a mechanic before establishing his own garage in 1928. After World War II, he launched the Honda Technical Research Institute and produced the first Honda motorcycles. Under his leadership, the company expanded into automobiles, winning the Formula One World Championship in 1965. Honda's focus on innovation, quality, and racing success made his brand a global powerhouse. He remained its honorary chairman until his death in 1991.

Nicholas Taylor began his career as a geologist and co-founded an oil and gas exploration firm. He entered politics in 1971, winning a seat in the Alberta Legislative Assembly. Taylor became leader of the Alberta Liberal Party in 1974, serving as Leader of the Official Opposition. He advocated for environmental conservation and resource management throughout his tenure. After stepping down, he was appointed to the Canadian Senate, representing Alberta. Taylor's blend of scientific expertise and business acumen shaped Alberta's policies for decades.

John Boehner is an American politician and former business executive who represented Ohio's 8th congressional district in the U.S. House from 1991 to 2015. He rose to become the 53rd Speaker of the House, leading the chamber through the debt ceiling crisis and major budget battles. Known for his negotiation skills and efforts to maintain party unity, Boehner played a key role in shaping U.S. fiscal policy. After leaving Congress, he co-founded a private equity firm and now serves as a political commentator and advisor. His tenure as Speaker emphasized conservative principles and pragmatic compromise.

Born in 1952 in Soweto, Cyril Ramaphosa became involved in the anti-apartheid movement as a young trade union leader. He played a key role in negotiating South Africa’s transition to democracy and served as secretary-general of the African National Congress. After apartheid, he built a successful business career, founding the Shanduka Group with interests in mining, banking, and telecommunications. Elected deputy president in 2014, Ramaphosa succeeded Jacob Zuma as president in 2018 and was re-elected in 2019. His presidency has focused on anti-corruption measures, economic reform, and social development amid challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patrick Joseph Toomey (born November 17, 1961) is an American businessman and politician who represented Pennsylvania in the United States Senate from 2011 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he began his career in finance as a managing director at Deutsche Bank and later founded his own investment firm. In the Senate, Toomey was known for his fiscal conservatism, advocacy for free markets, and efforts to reduce federal spending. He served on key committees including Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and Finance. Before the Senate, Toomey served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999 to 2005. He holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Harvard University. After leaving office, Toomey has remained active in public policy and think tanks.

Tonje Sagstuen is a retired Norwegian handball athlete who competed for the national team in world championships and European tournaments. After retiring from professional sport, she pursued a career in journalism, writing for leading Norwegian newspapers. She rose to the position of newspaper editor, overseeing major editorial projects and newsroom operations. In the following phase of her career, she entered the gambling industry as an executive, applying her leadership and media expertise. Her diverse career highlights a successful transition from elite sports performance to media and business management roles.