Icons of Business An Encyclopedia of Mavericks, Movers, and Shakers Book

The huge popularity of The Apprentice reflects the degree to which business has emerged as a primary force in popular culture. Not suprisingly, what it takes to succeed in the cutthroat corporate environment is not unlike show business--strong ego, ability to withstand rejection, creativity, and risktaking, to name a few of the requisite qualities. Moreover, business figures are increasingly spotlighted in the popular press, either lauded as exemplars of vision, drive, and service to the community or vilified as monsters of greed. For the millions of students pursuing degrees related to business, would-be entrepreneurs dreaming of launching their own enterprises, and frontline employees and managers on their way up the corporate ladder, learning by example is a powerful tool, and the leaders who exemplify business success serve as models.

Icons of Business presents 24 entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and mavericks whose influence extends beyond business into society at large. From Martha Stewart to Ben and Jerry, Bill Gates to Anita Roddick, Icons of Business offers indepth profiles of the business leaders whose names and products have become household words. Each profile includes discussion of the subject's background, career, accomplishments, supporters and detractors, and lasting influence. Special features include timelines, sidebars, quotations by and about the subject, photos, company information, publication lists, and print and electronic references. Cross-referenced and indexed, Icons of Business is an essential introduction to the people who mean business.