December 01

Born Anna Maria Grosholtz in 1761, she learned wax modeling under Philippe Curtius in Paris. During the French Revolution, she crafted death masks of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, capturing historical moments. In 1802, she moved to England and toured her waxworks before establishing a permanent museum in London in 1835. Her lifelike figures of royalty, celebrities, and public figures revolutionized museum exhibits and popular entertainment. Madame Tussauds grew into a global brand, making her an enduring figure in both art and entrepreneurship.

Calvin Griffith was a pioneering Canadian-American baseball executive whose career spanned over three decades at the helm of a major league franchise. He acquired full ownership of the Washington Senators in 1955 and orchestrated their relocation to Minnesota in 1961, where they became the Twins. Under his leadership, the team captured the 1965 American League pennant and fostered stars like Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew. Griffith was known for his hands-on style and passionate defense of his team. His tenure saw both on-field successes and controversies, reflecting his complex legacy. After selling the franchise in 1984, he retired from baseball and left a lasting impact on the sport’s expansion and development in the Upper Midwest.

Born in Kyoto, Masao Horiba studied applied chemistry and physics, leading to his passion for analytical instruments. In 1945, he established Horiba, Ltd., focusing on precision gas analyzers for automotive and environmental applications. Under his leadership, the company expanded globally with innovative products in semiconductor measurement and clinical diagnostics. Horiba was known for his emphasis on research and development, fostering a corporate culture of technological excellence. He received numerous awards for his contributions to instrumentation and served as a mentor to young engineers. He passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in scientific measurement.

Born in London as the 3rd Baron Glenconner, Colin Tennant inherited family estates at a young age. In the 1960s, he purchased Mustique Island and developed it into an exclusive retreat for celebrities and royalty. He collaborated with architects and artists to build bespoke villas, a golf course, and a harbor. Tennant's charismatic personality attracted visitors like Princess Margaret and Mick Jagger, elevating Mustique's status. Beyond tourism, he supported conservation efforts and cultural projects on the island. He died in 2010, remembered for his visionary approach to island development and hospitality.

Sebastián Piñera (born December 1, 1949) is a Chilean entrepreneur and politician who served as President of Chile from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022. A successful investor in telecommunications, banking, and energy, he became one of Chile's wealthiest individuals. Piñera's administrations focused on economic growth, education reform, and social investment, though they also faced widespread protests and challenges regarding inequality. His career bridges the corporate and political worlds, making him a prominent figure in contemporary Chilean history.

Safra A. Catz is an Israeli-American business executive renowned for her leadership at Oracle Corporation. She joined Oracle in 1999 and rose through the ranks to become President, CFO, and ultimately CEO in 2014. Under her guidance, Oracle expanded its cloud services and acquired multiple companies to strengthen its market position. Catz holds an MBA from the Wharton School and has been recognized on Forbes' list of the world's most powerful women. She serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards, influencing both technology and philanthropy.