Jim McCann likes to make things grow. First, as a florist and then as the founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, McCann, a consummate entrepreneur, has shown a knack for making businesses grow and prosper. From its roots in 1976 as a single flower shop in Manhattan, NY, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has become the world’s largest florist with revenues expected to exceed $1 billion. In the process, McCann changed the way flowers and other gifts are marketed for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and special occasions while helping to expand the definition of retailing – positioning his company to help customers express themselves and connect with the important people in their lives.
Clayton Christensen : Harvard
Professor Clayton received his B.A. in economics, summa cum laude, from Brigham Young University and an M.Phil. in applied econometrics from Oxford University, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. He subsequently received an MBA with High Distinction from the Harvard Business School in 1979, graduating as a George F. Baker Scholar.
Melanie Notkin : Marketing Expert
Melanie Notkin uncovered the growing demographics of childless women and given them a voice. To celebrate modern aunthood, in 2008, she founded SAVVY AUNTIE®, the multiplatform lifestyle brand for cool aunts, great aunts, godmothers and all women who love kids. In 2014, Notkin introduced Otherhood, the modern, growing demographic of women who, despite their deepest yearnings, remain single and childless as their fertile years wane.
Jeff Bezos : Amazon CEO
Jeff Bezos is the founder and CEO of Amazon.com. The initial success of the company was meteoric. With no press promotion, Amazon.com sold books across the United States and in 45 foreign countries within 30 days. In two months, sales reached $20,000 a week, growing faster than Bezos and his start-up team had envisioned. Today, the company is worth $136 billion.