1 & 2) Larry Page and Sergey Brin
The founders of Google have built their Yahoo-smashing search engine into a growing empire that shows no signs of slowing down. Page and Brin have an amazing knack for making good decisions and as a result have been able to move into the online advertising market, television and other markets, all while seeing their stock continue to rise. They are two genuine innovators residing at the top of our list.3) Rupert Murdoch
Rupert
Murdoch is a man who understands the value of good content. The
Australian mega-businessman and his Fox Corporation owns several of the
most sought after film companies, newspapers and television networks
in the world. Never afraid to go against the grain, Murdoch has become
an influential figure because of his keen understanding of what the
“masses” want to see in their news and entertainment.4) Bill Gates
Although
he stepped down as the chairman of Microsoft in 2000, and moved to
part time work at the company in 2006, it would be hard to imagine that
Gates will not continue to be a force in the business world for the
rest of his life. He and his wife Melinda are currently making an
imprint on the world through their charitable acts in Africa and other
points around the globe. Raising the quality of life for the world’s
population certainly makes Bill Gates as influential as they come.5) Steve Jobs
How
much does Steve Jobs mean to Apple and the business community as a
whole? When recent rumors that Jobs was very sick with an undetermined
illness surfaced (they later turned out not to be true) Apple stock
lost a good chunk of its value – despite near-record earnings for that
quarter! It’s hard to deny the influence of a man who has so radically
changed the computer industry (Apple), the music business (iPod), the
mobile phone industry (iPhone) and even Hollywood (Pixar Studios).6) Larry Ellison
As
the founder of database giant Oracle Systems, Ellison reshaped the way
we use computers and access information. And while many would simply
have rested on their laurels (and hundreds of millions of dollars)
Ellison continues to look for new ways to reinvent the technology
sector. Ellison buys up software companies he believes have
industry-changing potential and then uses his own drive and muscle to
guide them into profitability.7) Warren Buffett
Everyone
from world leaders and blue-haired old-ladies hang on every word that
comes out of Warren Buffett’s mouth. Why? Because he’s made them all
buckets and buckets of money! With his folksy wisdom and uncanny
ability to pick winning stocks and develop smart financial strategies,
Buffett remains a highly influential figure in both Bull and Bear
markets. Need to check his credibility? Warren Buffett is currently
the second richest man in America.8 & 9) Jerry Yang and David Filo
The
founders of Yahoo! may have had their hands full in recent years
dealing with Google and its seeming endless onslaught of innovation,
but Yang and Filo are still forces to be reckoned with in the Internet
business. They have formed several strategic partnerships that have
changed the way people get their information online – and continue to
push Yahoo! forward as one of the most important companies of the 21st
century.10) Steven Spielberg
Much
more than a producer-director, Steven Spielberg continues to be a
tastemaker and a trend-setter in the entertainment business. In a
Hollywood-world where you’re only as good as your last hit, Spielberg
has had incredible longevity – banging out hit after hit for over 30
years. And when the studios couldn’t get things done to his
satisfaction, he started his own, forming Dreamworks Studios with
partners (and fellow influencers) Jeffery Katzenberg and David Geffen.
Spielberg is now involved in the growing video game industry as well –
proving once again that he can recognize a powerful trend when he sees
one.Article website: 10 Most Influential Males
