Richard Fairbank, founder and CEO of Capital One, reshaped consumer finance by applying data science and direct marketing to credit, turning a niche issuer into one of America’s largest banks. After early roles in consulting and banking, Fairbank launched Capital One in the 1990s with a belief that analytics could price risk more precisely and expand access to credit. Under his leadership, the company grew into a diversified financial institution spanning credit cards, auto lending, and consumer banking, while investing heavily in technology and digital-first operations. Known for long-term execution and analytical rigor, Fairbank remains a defining architect of modern fintech-driven banking.

Matthew Calkins, founder and CEO of Appian, built one of the most enduring low-code software companies by betting early on automation, workflow, and enterprise speed. Launching Appian in 1999, Calkins steered the company through multiple technology cycles, positioning it as a core platform for digital transformation across government and large enterprises. Under his leadership, Appian went public in 2017 and became a recognized leader in low-code development and process automation. Known for his long-term vision, intellectual rigor, and independent thinking, Calkins has maintained founder control while shaping how organizations build and deploy software at scale.

Daniel D’Aniello is an American business leader and co‑founder of The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest private equity firms. A Syracuse and Harvard University alumnus, he served as vice president at Marriott before launching Carlyle in 1987. A decorated U.S. Navy officer, D’Aniello stepped down as chair in 2018 and now emphasizes philanthropy in veterans’ affairs and higher education. 

Baiju Bhatt is an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Robinhood, the influential no-commission trading app launched in 2013. A Stanford-educated physicist and mathematician, he served as co‑CEO until 2020 and then as Chief Creative Officer, stepping down in March 2024 to focus on his space-based solar startup, Aetherflux. Under his leadership, Robinhood became a cultural phenomenon in democratizing finance.

Eric Schmidt is an American businessman and software engineer best known for his role as the CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011. He significantly contributed to Google's growth, transforming it into a tech giant. Schmidt is also known for his involvement in various technology and philanthropy initiatives.

Jacqueline Mars is an American heiress, investor, and philanthropist. As a member of the Mars family, she co-owns Mars, Incorporated, the world's largest candy company known for its iconic brands such as M&M's, Snickers, and Mars bars. With an extensive involvement in philanthropy, Jacqueline Mars maintains a low public profile despite her significant wealth.