Top 20 Most Influential People of 2020
Wherever we go, in any country or across generations, it is undeniable that there are individuals who excel in their respective careers. Like many, they have had their share of difficulties before reaching the place they are in now. They took risks, had countless ups and downs, and sacrificed a lot. But they all have one common ground — that is, persevering no matter what the odds are. Yahoo has chosen 20 of these remarkable individuals:
- Grant Cardone
Grant Cardone is a magnet of entrepreneurial success. He owns Cardone Capital, a $1.8 billion company he has started from scratch. Over the years, Grant has worked with thousands of businessmen and women in achieving their entrepreneurial dreams. He has authored eight business books and thirteen bestselling business programs to share his knowledge with anyone passionate about business. The 10X Rule and If You’re Not First, You’re Last, for example, have been acclaimed by many across the globe.
As an entrepreneur, Grant has experienced a lot of roadblocks. But his mindset and hard work have allowed him to build Cardone Capital. Now, he works as the CEO of seven private companies, published 21 highly acclaimed books, and changed the lives of millions from all walks.
Instagram: @grantcardone
Website: www.grantcardone.com
2. King Bando aka Hoodrich $langa
King Bando, aka Hoodrich $langa, was born in 1992 in Natchez but was raised in Fayette, MS. Over his musical career, he has released singles like Take a Ride, Suck It, and Bust It Open. He is now collaborating with T-Rell for an upcoming single, Money Talk. King Bando is a huge rap star famous on social media and is known for his inspirational quotes.
He is behind the hit record Bust It Open with Nino Brown, which made the World Star Hip-hop site and garnered 1 million views in less than four days. The track went trending for one week straight.
He started to have a passion for making music at the early age of 7. While attending Junior High, he established a rap group amongst his close associates, wrote multiple songs, and performed some of them during campus events. Hoodrich $langa grew up without his parents’ guidance, so he went out of school.
Through his dedication, he invested in a clothing line Hoodrich Things, and founded R.B.A. Records LLC. Amid the pandemic, he has donated face masks, hand sanitizer, food, drinks, and has given $20,000 cash to families who need it most.
Facebook: Hoodrich $langa
Instagram: @hoodrich_slanga
Website: www.hoodrichthings.com
3. Morad Fiki
Morad Fiki, dubbed as “The Future” of the real estate industry in Houston, serves as one of the top real estate agents in Texas, with an unmatched virtuoso for luxury real estate sales. With his burning passion for the industry, Morad has become one of the faces of the luxury real estate concierge service in Houston.
As “The Future” of Houston’s real estate industry, it is his vision to empower the market with effective and efficient marketing strategies. Morad is currently the forerunner in Houston, offering top-notch service and marketing. This has enabled him to reach people globally. Recently, he launched Million Dollar Agent; a reality show aired on YouTube, where he shows homes in Houston for the world to see.
Instagram: @Morad.Fiki
4. Carmelo Rodriguez
Carmelo Rodriguez is a certified life coach and motivational speaker with a background in law enforcement and crisis intervention. Carmelo has helped numerous individuals from all backgrounds and all walks of life transition from low motivation, unfulfilled potential, and chronic self-doubt to achieving their vision and reaching their utmost success. Carmelo is a four-time author and will be appearing on the upcoming reality show, Behind the Badge. He holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice, as well as an MBA. He is a Certified Life Coach and a Confidence Coach, and he is currently a student at Harvard Business School, where he is completing coursework in Executive Negotiations.
He applies a strengths-based approach to build upon client attributes rather than the traditional method of an excess focus on “fixing” personal flaws. Carmelo’s philosophy is that people achieve recovery and progress in their self-development through gaining awareness of their self-destructive patterns and perceived barriers that have prevented them from pursuing their goals and actualizing their ‘best’ self. However, the real work lies in learning to see the positive traits and apply these unique abilities to daily life.
Facebook: Carmelo Rodriguez
YouTube: Vet Doc Series
Website: www.carmelorodriguez-author.blogspot.com
5. B Taylor
B. Taylor is a multi-award winning artist, producer, songwriter, speaker, and best-selling author. He is a decorated Navy veteran discovered by Pete Moore and other members of Smokey and The Miracles. He is A Global Ambassador of Entertainment for the U.S. Military, Veterans, First Responders, and Families.
B. Taylor has been awarded the 2018 Hillvets Top 100 Most Influential Veteran. He has had two number #1 chart-topping records as an artist, producer, and songwriter with NCIS former star Pauley Perrette and megastar Chris Brown.
Since 2013, he has spoken to over 400,000 kids, military, veterans, and families. Recently in July, his non-profit 1 Life Organization will be building the first one-stop-shop prototype in the United States based at the Houston Heights Hospital. This is in line with the Congressional Cover Act and will be for all military, veterans, and first responders to heal through fitness, alternative therapies, and counselors for everything a veteran or military needs. On September 11th, he will be releasing a song and music video through Sony Music/Orchard and BMG Publishing. This epic music video is a collaboration with the U.S. Military and Department of Defense to unite the country with love and positivity.
Instagram: @btaylorofficial
Website: www.btaylor.com
6. Deisy Suarez
Photo by Robert McGowan
Deisy Suarez-Giles is an entrepreneur, the founder, and owner of DESUAR Spa, known for their results-driven skincare treatments loved by Deisy’s celebrity clients, voted “best Day Spa in downtown LA,” and author of Marriage Material: How I Found My Husband, an acclaimed inspirational memoir of her search for the perfect life partner, available on Amazon now. Deisy is also a speaker, wife, and mother of two boys, and an influencer. She has always believed education is the key to success, most recently graduating from the University of California Irvine continuing Education Division, with a major in Spa and Hospitality Management. Deisy is also known as the “spa connoisseur,” having visited over 150 spas globally.
She initially began her pursuit in the beauty and wellness industry as a makeup artist in NYC 15 years ago. With her entrepreneurial spirit and emphasis on education, it is no surprise that Deisy has been featured in major magazines and on TV including Forbes, LA Magazine, Zoe Report, American Spa, Voyage LA, Spa Insider, Well and Away, DTLA Weekly, CBS 2 LA, Entertainment Tonight and MTV. She has also worked with many Hollywood celebrities and sports figures.
Instagram: @deisysuarez
Twitter: @daisysuarez
YouTube: DESUAR Spa
Website: www.deisysuarez.com
7. Eric Kinariwala
Eric Kinariwala is the Creator of Capsule, one of the most in-demand applications in today’s world. Capsule is an application that lets users purchase and avail pharmacy service through text or the app. Their free courier service is a cherry on top with deliveries done only in a two-hour frame.
The inspiration behind the application came around five years ago when Kinariwala waited for almost an hour to get medicine for a sinus infection and later found out that it was unavailable. He created Capsule so others won’t have to experience what he did. Kinariwala has an M.B.A from Stanford and formerly worked as a healthcare investor. In this crisis, Kinariwala’s ingenuity will surely climb the market.
Instagram: @ekinariwala
Website: www.capsule.com
8. Karen Starling
Karen Starling is the CEO and Owner of Star Credit Services, LLC. She’s been in the business for 5+ years, assisting hundreds of consumers in establishing great credit to achieve financial stability, maximize their purchasing power, and qualify for a home loan in less than a year.
Star Credit Services has an elite staff who are thoroughly trained and knowledgeable in each service provided. They specialize in credit repair, credit consultant certification classes, and real estate services. The customer service of the company that Karen runs is top-notch. The company commits to making its clients’ journeys unforgettable. Timeliness and correspondence is a value that all the experts at Star Credit shares. They provide one-on-one relationships with each client to make sure all the client’s needs and concerns are met. Whether it is to increase their business or personal credit score, help control and maintain their finances, or even making that significant investment to become a home or business owner.
Instagram: @starcreditservices
Facebook: Star Credit Services, LLC
Website: www.starcreditservices.com
9. Eric Cabrera
Eric Cabrera is many things. He is an entrepreneur who has created and sold many businesses. He is also a highly sought-out motivational speaker who has authored several books. Apart from that, Eric is a real estate investor and a TV personality featured in Fitness Fridays and Loving Living Local, some of Fox21’s popular television shows.
Eric was born and raised in New York. Coming from a very humble beginning, he knows that working hard is a value that should be fostered by all. Now a retired Lieutenant with 23 years of experience in the fire service, he is riding the waves of success.
In his career, he opened his first real estate firm that garnered $6.2 million in total sales that he had only built for only nine months before selling it. He is part of the executive boards of two non-profit organizations. Eric also owns a chain of health clubs.
Instagram: @the_eric_cabrera
10. Brandon Rodman
In the entirety of his career as an entrepreneur, Brandon Rodman has become the genius of many innovations. He is the Founder of Recall Solutions and Weave, companies that help medical patients access services in the fastest way possible. In 2008, Recall Solutions became the prime channel for dentists and their patients to schedule appointments through phone, then texting.
Three years later, he created Weave that caters to more than just dentists. In Weave, Brandon has opened the channel for optometrists, clinics, veterinarians, and a whole other roster of medical professionals to stay in touch with their patients. Now more than ever with the pandemic, Weave has scaled to become a crucial medium for professionals and patients.
Instagram: @getweave
Website: www.getweave.com
11. Laura Weisman
President and Broker of Living Houston, a luxury real estate firm, Laura Weisman, has made a name for herself in the local market. Originally born and raised on the East Coast, Laura currently lives with her husband and four children in a bustling suburb of the Houston Metroplex.
With keen attention to accuracy and detail, she helps her clients navigate complex and challenging real estate transactions. Dedicating herself to creating a relationship-centric culture wherever she goes, Laura prides herself on offering opportunities to anyone with a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed.
When she’s not helping clientele perfect their listings and find their dream homes, Laura can be found leading workshops on a success-based mindset or coaching new Realtors® as they find their bearings in an ever-changing and competitive real estate market.
Facebook: Laura Weisman
Instagram: @laura.weisman
LinkedIn: Laura Rizzuto Weisman
YouTube: Laura Weisman
Website: www.livinghouston.com
12. Tony Robbins
Tony Robbins holds significant positions in twelve companies that have experienced immense success over the past decade. Through his life and business coaching, Robbins has turned things around for over 50 million people hailing from 100 countries.
Robbins touches lives through many of his works. As a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, life and business coach, and a New York Times bestselling author, Robbins always thinks about what he could do for others as much as he could for himself. The Anthony Robbins Foundation, a non-profit arm of Robbin’s business, has helped feed over two million people every year in 50 countries.
Instagram: @tonyrobbins
Website: www.tonyrobbins.com
13. Justin Mast
Growing up in a family fond of horticulture, it is not a mystery that Justin Mast founded and ran Bloomscape, one of the most successful plant shops in Detroit. The company provides clients with expert recommendations on how to take care of plants and select plants to grow inside. Justin comes from 5 generations of greenhouse growers, so he is well-versed in rearing different plants. The experience Justin has gained from his childhood until today makes Bloomscape the top choice. The team at Bloomscape assures that all the plants are direct from the greenhouse and shipped with care. Bloomscape is currently growing its team.
Instagram: @bloomscape
Website: www.bloomscape.com
14. Natalja Sticco
This scorching Latvian-born Opera and classical music singer launched her career in 2009, breaking out as a soloist and concert performer when moving to Boston in 2018. Natalja has racked-up an impressive 200 plus performances of 30 operas in 6 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. She champions wellness through classical music, advocates for disabled veterans and outside of the Opera House this multi-talented Mezzo is an IT Engineer in Boston’s high-tech community.
She’s also made the most of the first half of 2020 (which by all accounts hasn’t been that great) releasing two singles, Requiem for a Soldier and My Love. Need more reasons to love Opera? Natalja is also placed in the top 2% of models in Maxim Magazine’s 2020 Covergirl competition.
Instagram: @natalja.sticco
Apple Music: Natalja Sticco
Spotify: Natalja Sticco
Website: www.nataljasticco.weebly.com
15. Adena Hefets
“For my family, owning a home helped us live the American dream and save for our future. I founded Divvy to provide this same opportunity to others,” is the career essence of Adena Hefets. She is the dynamic CEO of Divvy, an agency that helps Americans find the right homes for their families. For years, Adena has led the company with a vision of providing American families with a shot to own a home. Divvy has grown to become one of the most sought-after companies in the US, opening branches in over 8 locations across the country.
Instagram: @divvyhomes
Website: www.divvyhomes.com
16. Alice Inoue
Nationally award-winning author and life expert Alice Inoue inspire positivity, mindfulness, and purpose in others. She is Hawaii’s thought leader and celebrated expert on navigating life’s challenges, and has helped tens of thousands of individuals and organizations thrive over the past 20 years. Her life wisdom is inspirationally featured on her Instagram feed, as well as in her eight books on self-growth and happiness and her long-running column in Hawaii’s largest publication, MidWeek. She is the founder of Happiness U, a business in Honolulu devoted to personal transformation that helps both companies and individuals reach new heights of awareness.
Facebook: Alice Inoue
Instagram: @alice_inoue
Twitter: @AliceInoue
LinkedIn: Alice Inoue
Website: www.YourHappinessU.com
17. Augie Johnston
Like many content creators on YouTube, editing the videos after recording is much of a hassle. This is what Augie Johnston understands. He began his pursuit as a content creator making informative videos on Basketball. His channel, Baller Boot Camp, eventually garnered more than 20 million views. The unprecedented reach has led him to sit down with Nike and Wilson Basketball. He was releasing videos after videos on his channel that it eventually became frustrating for him, as editing became the longest part of the production. So he created Vidchops.
Vidchops is the newest video editing subscription service in the market designed to help YouTubers edit their videos to perfection. The software allows subscribers to eliminate more than 50% of the editing process while not compromising quality and purpose. In the modern world, teeming with YouTube influencers, Vidchops is the more excellent choice.
Instagram: @vidchops
YouTube: Baller Boot Camp
Website: www.vidchops.com
18. Jocelyn Leavitt
Jocelyn Leavitt believes that learning the wonders of programming has a tremendous and positive impact on the future. Indeed, it is. The technological advancements the world is harnessing today is a testament to this. That’s why Jocelyn co-founded Hopscotch, a new and innovative way of educating people as young as eight years old with programming. Hopscotch started in 2013, catering to children 8–14. The idea is to let children play while they learn programming skills.
She said, “At Hopscotch, we’re building an accessible way for non-engineers to use their phones and other touchscreen devices to program and experience the empowerment that programming gives you.”
Twitter: @hopscotch
Website: www.gethopscotch.com
19. Alex Hormozi
Alex Hormozi is a veteran in the fitness industry. Within years in the field, Alex has opened several portals for fitness enthusiasts to connect with clients. He is the co-Founder of Gym Launch and the host of Gym Secrets Podcast. Gym Launch is a consulting agency for fitness where clients are informed with the proper methods of health and wellness. He and his partner Leila Hormozi have grown Gym Launch to become a $50million agency within just 20 months into the industry. Now, he creates Gym Secrets Podcast to connect top gym owners with aspiring fitness entrepreneurs.
Instagram: @hormozi
Website: www.gymlaunchsecrets.com
20. David Deleon
David Deleon is impacting many with his podcast, Garage Gym Startup. David started the podcast after deciding that he wanted to help others succeed in the industry. He shares that starting a gym is never easy; let alone keeping it running for years. In the podcast, David reveals tips and secrets on how to manage a fitness establishment effectively. From using social media, to collecting payments and creating and managing the equipment inside the gym, David instructs listeners about the ins and outs of handling the business.
Instagram: @davidofthelion
Website: www.garagegymstartup.libsyn.com
