A CEO and a gentleman
People who believe that “nice guys finish last” probably don’t know Ken Chenault. The chairman and CEO of American Express built his career around being honest and likable, while remaining a tough competitor.

“Frankly, you can’t be a jerk and be successful in the service business for a long period of time,” he says. “When you’re in the service business, reputation is everything. Sometimes when you’re very successful, you become arrogant, and what I’ve tried to instill is a very strong sense of customer needs, respect for your colleagues, says Chenault.”