Influential Figures of the 21st Century: Impact on Business, Technology, and Entertainment

1. Summary

• The report titled 'Influential Figures of the 21st Century: Impact on Business, Technology, and Entertainment' examines various personalities who have significantly influenced industries such as business, technology, and entertainment in 2024. Notable figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylie Jenner, Selena Gomez, Dwayne Johnson, and Elon Musk are profiled for their achievements and impact. The report delves into the accomplishments, leadership qualities, wealth, and societal contributions of these individuals. Additionally, the influence of top billionaires such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Bernard Arnault is explored, highlighting their economic and cultural impact. It also includes insights into business leaders like Henry Ford, Reshma Saujani, Jack Ma, Steve Jobs, and Tim Cook, emphasizing their roles in shaping modern industry practices and technological advancements.

2. Most Famous Personalities in 2024

• 2-1. Cristiano Ronaldo

• Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Portugal, is widely recognized as one of the greatest football players in history. With a career highlighted by winning five Ballon d'Or awards and numerous other trophies including the Champions League, English Premier League, and Spanish La Liga, Ronaldo has played for top European clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid. His athleticism and goal-scoring skills launched him to prominence in 2003 when he joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon.

• 2-2. Lionel Messi

• Lionel Andrés Messi, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is celebrated as one of the greatest and most beloved footballers of all time. Known for his dribbling skills, precise ball control, vision, and scoring ability, Messi spent most of his career with FC Barcelona, achieving numerous individual and team accolades including multiple FIFA Ballon d'Or awards. As of 2024, Messi plays for Paris Saint Germain.

• 2-3. Kylie Jenner

• Kylie Kristen Jenner, born on August 10, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, is a prominent TV personality, model, and businesswoman. Known for her role in 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians,' Kylie has a significant social media following and has established successful business ventures including Kylie Cosmetics. She also endorses various brands such as Madden Girls and Sinful Colors.

• 2-4. Selena Gomez

• Selena Marie Gomez, born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, is an American actress, singer, and film producer. Recognized for her roles in 'Spring Breakers,' 'Monte Carlo,' and 'Getaway,' Gomez has also released three solo music albums. Some of her popular songs include 'Calm Down,' 'Taki Taki,' 'It Ain't Me,' 'Back to You,' 'Wolves,' and 'Lose You to Love Me.'

• 2-5. Dwayne Johnson

• Dwayne Douglas Johnson, also known as The Rock, was born on May 2, 1972, in Hayward, California. Johnson is a renowned actor and former professional wrestler with over 90 acting credits. His notable films include 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,' 'Moana,' 'Doom,' and 'Ballers.' He debuted as a wrestler in WWF in 1996 under the name Rocky Maivia.

• 2-6. Ariana Grande

• Ariana Grande-Butera, born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, is an Italian-American singer, songwriter, and actress. Known for her powerful vocals, Grande has released over ten albums and appeared in films such as 'Don't Look Up' (2018). Her personal life and music have garnered significant media attention.

• 2-7. Kim Kardashian

• Kimberly Noel Kardashian, born on October 21, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, is a widely known media personality, model, and businesswoman. Initially famous as a friend and stylist to Paris Hilton, Kim gained further recognition through the reality TV show 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians.' She is also known for her brand SKIMS and appearances in movies such as 'Ocean's Eight.'

• 2-8. Beyoncé

• Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas, is an influential singer, songwriter, and actress. She has made significant contributions to hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. Famous for hits such as 'Irreplaceable,' 'Brown Skin Girl,' 'Already,' and 'Crazy in Love,' Beyoncé has also appeared in films like 'Obsessed' (2009).

• 2-9. Khloe Kardashian

• Khloé Alexandra Kardashian, born on June 27, 1984, in Los Angeles, California, is a reality TV star, model, and businesswoman. Known as Kim Kardashian's younger sister, Khloe rose to fame through 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' and enjoys a significant social media following, particularly on Instagram.

• 2-10. Justin Bieber

• Justin Drew Bieber, born on March 1, 1994, in London, Canada, is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for his work in pop, R&B, and dance-pop music. Bieber started his music career in 2007 and has released several popular albums and hits like 'Sorry,' 'Despacito,' 'Essence,' 'Love Yourself,' and 'Mistletoe.' He is married to model Hailey Rhode Bieber.

• 2-11. Elon Musk

• Elon Reeve Musk, born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and the owner of Twitter. As one of the world's wealthiest individuals with a net worth of $217.7 billion, Musk co-founded Tesla and holds a significant stake in the company. He was named Time Magazine's Person of the Year in 2021.

• 2-12. Bill Gates

• William Henry Gates III, born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author. Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975, which became a leading PC software company. Throughout his career, he held various positions at Microsoft, including chairman, CEO, president, and chief software architect.

3. Prominent Business Leaders

• 3-1. Henry Ford

• Henry Ford started the Ford Motor Company in 1920. While he did not invent the automobile, he revolutionized the industry by making cars affordable for middle-class Americans. His goal was to make vehicles more practical and accessible, which led to Ford offering vehicles at different price points. Ford was also known for his modesty and fair treatment of employees, paying them generously. He passed away in 1947 at the age of 83.

• 3-2. Reshma Saujani

• Reshma Saujani, a politician and lawyer in the United States, founded Girls Who Code, an organization that empowers women to enter coding careers. The organization has grown significantly, now offering services in 42 states with over 10,000 girls currently attending classes. Saujani stands out not only for her leadership skills but also for her commitment to helping women in the technology field.

• 3-3. Jack Ma

• Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group, faced numerous rejections before achieving success. After learning more about internet companies during a visit to the United States, Ma returned to China and started Alibaba Group, which has become one of the biggest e-commerce stores in the world. He is also a notable figure featured on Forbes Magazine's front cover.

• 3-4. Elon Musk

• Elon Musk, born in South Africa and holding citizenship in Canada and the United States, is known for founding Tesla and co-founding Neuralink, SpaceX, OpenAI, and PayPal. Forbes Magazine has nominated him as the 21st most powerful individual in the world. Musk is recognized for his attempt to improve global transportation and bring internet access to third-world countries.

• 3-5. Walt Disney

• Walt Disney founded the Walt Disney Company and had a significant impact on the animation industry. He created the iconic character Mickey Mouse and introduced Technicolor animations and synchronized sound in 1928. Disney opened the first Disneyland theme park and was planning another when he passed away in 1966 at the age of 65.

• 3-6. Steve Jobs

• Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Inc. and played a key role in popularizing the microcomputer in the 1970s. He was also a major shareholder in Pixar and served on Disney’s board of directors. Jobs was known for his innovative contributions to technology and design until his death from cancer in 2011.

• 3-7. Tim Cook

• Tim Cook succeeded Steve Jobs as CEO of Apple in 2011. Having joined Apple in the late 1990s, he served as the senior vice president and later as the chief operating officer before becoming CEO. Cook has been instrumental in driving innovation at Apple and continues to lead the company forward.

• 3-8. Bill Gates

• Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975 and was instrumental in establishing it as a leading software company. He served as CEO until 2000 and later transitioned to a part-time role to focus on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates remains a prominent figure in technology and philanthropy.

• 3-9. Andrew Carnegie

• Andrew Carnegie was a leader in the U.S. steel industry and one of the wealthiest men of his time. He is renowned for his philanthropy, having given away 90% of his fortune, which would be over $65 billion today, to universities, foundations, and charities. His article 'The Gospel of Wealth' urged the wealthy to use their riches to benefit society.

4. Top Billionaires and Their Impact

• 4-1. Bernard Arnault

• Bernard Jean Étienne Arnault is a French business magnate and the chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods company. As of June 2024, Arnault's net worth is $209 billion. His wealth largely comes from his 47% ownership stake in LVMH. Arnault's career began in engineering, but he moved into executive management before undertaking the reorganization of the Financière Agache holding company in 1984. He revitalized Christian Dior and later became the majority shareholder of LVMH in 1989. Besides his business ventures, Arnault is also an art collector with works from renowned artists like Picasso and Yves Klein.

• 4-2. Jeff Bezos

• Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon, the world's largest online sales company. As of June 2024, Bezos's net worth stands at $198.2 billion, with a 10% ownership stake in Amazon. Bezos founded Amazon in 1994 and stepped down as CEO in July 2021, becoming the executive chairman. Beyond Amazon, he owns The Washington Post, and Blue Origin, an aerospace company focusing on spaceflight. Bezos's philanthropic efforts include donating over $400 million worth of stock to nonprofits in 2022.

• 4-3. Elon Musk

• Elon Musk is a South-African-born entrepreneur and industrial designer, known for founding Tesla Inc., SpaceX, and co-founding PayPal. As of June 2024, Musk's net worth is $198.1 billion. His wealth is tied to his ownership stakes in Tesla (25%) and SpaceX (44%). Under his leadership, Tesla revolutionized the electric vehicle market, while SpaceX advanced private space exploration. Musk's other ventures include Neuralink, The Boring Company, and a significant stake in Twitter.

• 4-4. Mark Zuckerberg

• Mark Zuckerberg is the co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook. With a net worth of $154.5 billion as of June 2024, Zuckerberg's wealth comes from his 12% stake in Meta. He launched Facebook in 2004 during his time at Harvard, which later expanded to a global user base. Zuckerberg's philanthropic ventures include the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which he co-founded with his wife to address societal challenges using technology.

• 4-5. Larry Page

• Lawrence Edward Page is the co-founder of Google, along with Sergey Brin. As of June 2024, his net worth is $136.3 billion. Page holds 51% of voting shares and less than 12% of the total shares of Alphabet, Google's parent company. Having served in various executive roles, Page has significantly contributed to the growth of Google, from its inception at Stanford University to it becoming the world's dominant internet search engine.

• 4-6. Wealth Fluctuation

• The net worth of the world's richest individuals, including those on the top billionaires list, fluctuates significantly based on market valuations of publicly traded companies they own stakes in. For instance, Elon Musk's net worth has experienced substantial changes due to the stock prices of Tesla and SpaceX.

• 4-7. Economic Contributions

• Billionaires have a profound impact on the global economy. Their companies create jobs, drive innovation, and shape economic trends. For example, Amazon, under Jeff Bezos’s leadership, has revolutionized e-commerce, impacting retail sectors worldwide.

• 4-8. Political Influence

• Top billionaires often wield considerable political influence through lobbying efforts, campaign donations, and personal advocacy. Mark Zuckerberg’s involvement in hearings related to data privacy and Facebook's political advertising policies is a prime example.

• 4-9. Philanthropic Efforts

• Many of the world's top billionaires are also known for their extensive philanthropic efforts. Jeff Bezos has donated over $400 million worth of stock to various nonprofits, and Mark Zuckerberg focuses on societal challenges through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

5. Lesser-Known Facts about Notable Entrepreneurs

• 5-1. Steve Jobs

• Steven Paul “Steve” Jobs was an American entrepreneur and inventor. He co-founded Apple Inc., served as the company’s chairman and CEO, and was the largest shareholder of Pixar Animation Studios. Before Apple, Jobs and Steve Wozniak built digital blue boxes, using them to make calls globally, including one to the Vatican, attempting to speak to the Pope. A biologically half-Syrian Muslim, Jobs practiced pescetarianism, consuming only fish and no other meat. He was meticulously picky about Apple’s packaging, obsessing over evoking the right emotional response from customers upon unboxing.

• 5-2. Elizabeth Holmes

• Elizabeth Anne Holmes is an American businesswoman and the CEO of Theranos, the blood test company she founded in 2003. Holmes holds over 84 patents and became the youngest self-made female billionaire in America. Her hatred of needles inspired her to create a less invasive blood test method. Dropping out of college at 19, she used her tuition money to start her company. Dedicated to her work, Holmes works seven days a week. Theranos faced significant controversy recently due to allegations of data tampering revealed by two former employees.

• 5-3. Larry Page

• Lawrence “Larry” Page is the co-founder of Google and the current CEO of its parent company, Alphabet. Page invented the PageRank algorithm, crucial to Google’s search engine. Initially, he and co-founder Sergey Brin had a contentious relationship. Page's investment portfolio includes a substantial stake in Tesla. In 2013, he disclosed suffering from vocal cord paralysis, which has made public speaking challenging, though he continues to work effectively.

• 5-4. Reed Hastings

• Wilmot Reed Hastings, Jr., co-founded Netflix, the on-demand internet streaming service with over 75 million users in more than 130 countries. In 1998, Hastings met with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos regarding a potential sale of Netflix, but he declined Bezos' $12 million offer. During a pricing war with Blockbuster, Hastings famously quipped that Blockbuster was throwing everything but the 'kitchen sink' at them. In a tongue-in-cheek response, Blockbuster's CEO sent him a kitchen sink.

• 5-5. Emma Watson

• Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson is a British actress, model, and activist, famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films. Despite her British nationality, she was born in Paris and lived there until she was five. Watson had never acted professionally prior to her Harry Potter audition. She is a committed advocate for girls’ education and was appointed a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2014.

• 5-6. Mark Cuban

• Mark Cuban is a businessman, investor, film producer, author, television personality, and philanthropist, well-known as a 'shark' investor on Shark Tank and owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. Early in his career, Cuban was fired from Your Business Software for prioritizing a new client over opening the store. During the 2012 U.S. presidential election, Cuban offered Donald Trump $1 million to shave his head. A pro wrestling fan, Cuban has made several appearances on WWE programming.

• 5-7. Nikola Tesla

• Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American physicist, inventor, electrical and mechanical engineer famous for his contributions to the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system. Born during a lightning storm, he had a photographic memory and displayed obsessive-compulsive behavior. Tesla collaborated with Thomas Edison on direct current generators before pursuing his dream of the alternating current induction motor. After his death, many of Tesla’s possessions were classified by the U.S. government, gradually being released to his family over the years.

• 5-8. Beyoncé

• Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is a singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as the lead singer of Destiny's Child in the 1990s. Since going solo in 2005, she has won multiple Grammy Awards and topped the Billboard Hot 100 numerous times. Beyoncé has supported numerous charities such as Chime for Change and Girls Inc. of Greater Houston. She married rapper Jay-Z in 2008 and founded the House of Deréon clothing line and various fragrance lines.

• 5-9. Mark Zuckerberg

• Mark Elliot Zuckerberg is a computer programmer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, primarily known as the co-founder of Facebook. Before Facebook, he created Course Match and Facemash, websites for Harvard students. Blue, Facebook's main color, was chosen because Zuckerberg is red-green color blind.

• 5-10. Carlos Slim Helú

• Carlos Slim Helú, a Mexican business magnate, investor, and philanthropist, has been ranked several times as the richest person in the world and is considered 'the Warren Buffett of Mexico.' He chairs América Móvil, Latin America’s largest mobile-phone carrier, and his businesses constitute 40% of listings on the Mexican Stock Exchange. Despite his wealth, Slim lives modestly, driving himself and eschewing luxury yachts or palaces.

• 5-11. Melinda Gates

• Melinda Gates is co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She graduated from Duke University with degrees in computer science and economics. At Microsoft, she worked on projects such as Microsoft Bob and Encarta. The idea for the foundation emerged during a trip to Africa. Melinda and Bill got married in a secret ceremony at a Hawaiian golf course.

• 5-12. Jeff Bezos

• Jeffrey Preston Bezos is the founder and CEO of Amazon.com. He owns The Washington Post and has an estimated wealth of $59.2 billion. In 2012, Bezos funded a mission to recover Apollo 11's rocket engines and is building a 10,000-year clock in a mountain as a symbol of long-term thinking.

• 5-13. Henry Ford

• Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company and developed the assembly line mode of production, making automobiles affordable for the middle class. As a teenager, Ford repaired watches. He worked for Thomas Edison at the Edison Illuminating Company, eventually becoming chief engineer. Ford's first attempt to build an automobile was unsuccessful due to high production costs.

• 5-14. Malala Yousafzai

• Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. She stood up for girls’ education in regions controlled by the Taliban, surviving an assassination attempt at age 15. Under a pseudonym, she blogged for the BBC about life under Taliban rule. Malala is a Twilight fan and admires Roger Federer.

• 5-15. Chris Gardner

• Christopher Paul 'Chris' Gardner is an entrepreneur, investor, stockbroker, motivational speaker, and author. His memoir 'The Pursuit of Happiness' inspired the film of the same name. Originally aiming for a career in medicine, Gardner shifted to stock brokerage, becoming a millionaire. The film, however, takes some creative liberties regarding his life story.

6. Conclusion

• In conclusion, the individuals featured in this report have made substantial contributions to their respective fields, influencing the global economy, technological innovation, and cultural dynamics. Elon Musk, with his ventures in Tesla and SpaceX, has revolutionized global transportation and space exploration. Bill Gates' work with Microsoft and his philanthropic efforts have advanced technology and global health. Bernard Arnault's leadership in LVMH has set new standards in the luxury goods market. The influence of sports icons like Cristiano Ronaldo extends into fashion and endorsements, while entertainers like Selena Gomez impact both the music industry and mental health advocacy. While their paths vary, these figures exemplify exceptional leadership, innovation, and the potential to inspire global change. Future trends indicate that their legacies will continue to shape industries and societal norms. However, the report also suggests that these influencers face challenges and limitations that require ongoing adaptation and strategic evolution to maintain their impact.

7. Glossary

• 7-1. Elon Musk [Person]

• A key figure in both the technology and automotive industries, known for founding Tesla and SpaceX. Musk's vision and ventures have significantly influenced global transportation and space exploration.

• 7-2. Bill Gates [Person]

• Co-founder of Microsoft and a notable philanthropist. Gates has made significant contributions to technology and global health through his foundation.

• 7-3. Bernard Arnault [Person]

• The richest person in the world in 2024, CEO of LVMH. Arnault's impact on the luxury goods market is profound, and his business acumen has set industry standards.

• 7-4. Cristiano Ronaldo [Person]

• One of the most famous athletes globally, recognized for his achievements in soccer and his massive social media following. Ronaldo's influence extends into various sectors including sports, fashion, and endorsing products.

• 7-5. Selena Gomez [Person]

• A well-known singer and actress, Selena Gomez has a significant presence in entertainment and social media, influencing millions with her music and advocacy for mental health.

8. Source Documents

• Top 20 most famous people in the world in 2024 (updated)https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/top/1506331-who-famous-person-world-top-celebrities/
• Best Business Leaders Of All Timehttps://spinify.com/blog/best-business-leaders-of-all-time/
• Richest Man in the World 2024 ⭐ Billionaires List [June]https://beinsure.com/world-richest-people/
• Lesser-known life facts of notable Entrepreneurshttps://www.babooncreation.com/lesser-known-life-facts-of-notable-entrepreneurs/
• The 10 Richest People in the Worldhttps://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/012715/5-richest-people-world.asp