November 19

Born in Versailles in 1805, Ferdinand de Lesseps began his career as a French diplomat before turning to large-scale engineering projects. He secured support from Egypt’s ruler to build the Suez Canal, completing the monumental waterway in 1869 and linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas. De Lesseps then founded the Panama Canal Company, although that venture ended in scandal and financial collapse. His vision for global trade routes transformed maritime commerce in the 19th century. De Lesseps received international honors for his achievements despite the later controversy. He continued to promote engineering projects until his death in 1894. His legacy endures in the vital waterways he engineered.

C. X. Larrabee, born in 1843, was an American entrepreneur and land developer active in the late 19th century. He invested in railroad and lumber enterprises before turning to real estate in the Pacific Northwest. Larrabee co-founded the town of Fairhaven, Washington, designing its layout and promoting its growth as a port city. He supported local institutions, including schools and churches, and contributed to the region’s economic expansion. His vision transformed Fairhaven into a thriving community that later merged with other settlements to form Bellingham. Larrabee’s business acumen and civic engagement earned him recognition as a key figure in Washington’s early development. Although he died in 1914, many landmarks and institutions in Bellingham still bear his influence. His legacy endures in the region’s history and urban landscape.

Born in 1877 in Venice, Volpi rose to prominence in the shipping and banking industries. He served as Italy’s Minister of Finance under Mussolini and played a key role in economic policy during the Fascist era. In 1932 he founded the Venice Film Festival, the world’s oldest international film festival. Volpi also held the title of Count of Misurata, reflecting his colonial ventures in Libya. His patronage of the arts extended beyond cinema to support cultural institutions throughout Italy. He died in 1947 amid post-war transformations. His legacy endures in the global prominence of the Venice Film Festival.

Born in 1935 in Peabody, Massachusetts, Jack Welch earned a chemical engineering degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He joined General Electric in 1960 and rose through the ranks to become the company’s youngest division head. As CEO from 1981 to 2001, he implemented the Six Sigma quality program and streamlined operations, growing GE’s market value thirtyfold. Welch authored bestselling business books such as "Winning" and "Jack: Straight from the Gut". His management style and emphasis on efficiency reshaped corporate culture worldwide. He passed away in 2020, remembered as one of the most dynamic CEOs in modern business history.

Ted Turner is an American entrepreneur who founded the Turner Broadcasting System in 1970. Under his leadership, TBS introduced groundbreaking cable channels including CNN, the first 24-hour news network. He revolutionized the media landscape by launching TNT and Cartoon Network. A passionate philanthropist, he has donated billions to environmental conservation and global humanitarian initiatives. In recognition of his achievements, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and multiple industry honors.

Born and raised in New York City, Calvin Klein launched his namesake company in 1968. He pioneered minimalist designs that defined American fashion in the 1970s and 1980s. Calvin Klein Inc. expanded into fragrances, underwear, and accessories, becoming a global brand. He built a reputation for bold marketing campaigns and clean, modern aesthetics. His designs have influenced generations of designers and remain staples in contemporary fashion. He received numerous industry awards and is considered one of the most influential designers of his era.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Dorsey launched Twitter in 2006 and served as its CEO. He also founded the financial services company Square (now Block) in 2009. A pioneer in social media and fintech, he has shaped how people communicate and transact online. Under his leadership, Twitter grew into a global platform with hundreds of millions of users. His innovative work has earned him spots on Forbes World's Billionaires list.