Gerald J. Ford, Texas billionaire banker and investor, built his fortune by acquiring, restructuring, and selling struggling financial institutions. Starting in the 1970s, he earned a reputation as a savvy dealmaker, most notably with the turnaround and sale of First United Bankshares and Golden State Bancorp. Through his private equity firm Hilltop Holdings, Ford has remained an active force in banking, insurance, and real estate, combining sharp financial instincts with a long-term investment outlook. A noted philanthropist, he is also a major benefactor of Southern Methodist University.

Everett Dobson is an Oklahoma-based billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist. As Executive Chairman of Dobson Fiber (and former CEO of Dobson Communications), he built one of the country’s largest rural wireless providers—from a family-owned telephone company into a $1.6 billion business across 17 states, sold to AT&T in 2007. He now leads regional fiber‑optics expansion, serves as a minority owner of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, and chairs leading thoroughbred racing organizations.

Carl Icahn is the legendary activist investor and founder of Icahn Enterprises, the diversified conglomerate he controls with an 86% stake. Born in Brooklyn in 1936, he helped pioneer shareholder activism as a high-stakes corporate raider—targeting companies like Trans World Airlines and Time Warner—then transitioned into long-term value investing. His bet on CVR Energy has since become the financial backbone of Icahn Enterprises amid broader portfolio volatility.

Renata Kellnerova is a prominent Czech businesswoman and philanthropist, widely known as the widow of Petr Kellner, the founder of PPF Group. She has played a significant role in maintaining and expanding the family's business empire following her husband's death, becoming one of the most influential women in the business world.

Charlotte Söderström, a Swedish billionaire heiress and businesswoman, is part of the influential Persson family, known for their ownership of H&M, the global fashion retail giant. Though she maintains a lower public profile compared to her siblings, her contributions to the family business and her involvement in equestrian sports make her a notable figure in the business world.

Cyrus Poonawalla is the chairman of Poonawalla Group, which includes the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by doses, Serum Institute of India. Known for his significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, his wealth and influence extend globally.