Some people find their true calling early in life. Leonard Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble, found it when he was inspired to open his first bookshop. He went on to revolutionize the bookselling landscape by creating book superstores. The envy of his competitors, he used strategic pricing, expanded selections, cleverly designed spaces, and cozy cafés to entice customers and boost sales.
Former Warner-Lambert CEO Melvin Goodes, who joined the pharmaceutical company in 1965, found similar inspiration while working to stabilize the struggling drugmaker. Confronted by critics of the cholesterol-reducing drug Lipitor, Goodes tried the drug himself and was inspired to share the positive results with financial analysts. Lipitor became the world’s best-selling drug, generating $2 billion in sales. Hewlett-Packard executive Roy Clay Sr. remained undeterred after discrimination stood in the way of his professional achievement. He persisted, eventually becoming Hewlett-Packard’s first Black executive and leading the team that built HP’s first computer. Frances Conley, Stanford’s first female surgical resident, boldly protested the promotion of a sexist colleague, inspiring other women to share their own stories. Stanford’s response encouraged her to remain on staff. Although Conley was never embraced by her male team, she was deeply respected by the many patients—and countless female medical students—whom she inspired.
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A corporate visionary, a retail CEO, and a fashion designer
A tech titan, a literacy leader, and a cookie magnate
