There are many people who come to mind for that list. Jack Welch, Bill Gates, and Steven Jobs from business. Vince Lombardi, John Wooden and Red Auerbach from sports.
My choice is Alex Ferguson.
Who you might ask is he?
The manager of Manchester United. A soccer team whose global brand is valued at over $3 billion.
What did he do to make him #1?
For 27 years he led Man U. The results were 13 English Premier League titles and 2 European Championships. His record stood at 527 victories, 167 draws and 114 defeats.
Pressure you might say is not as great for a soccer team. Players came and went on a regular basis, yet Ferguson was able to rebuild the team time and time again with different players and the same winning results.
What made him unique?
His ability to relate to his players on an emotional level. Yet, it was not just his players as he had larger responsibilities as well. He successfully related to corporate sponsors and the politics of a large corporation flawlessly.
He cared about his product on and off the field. He believed in discipline and was not afraid to stand up to what he believed, no matter who the person was.
Emotion mattered to him and connecting that emotion to all he was involved with made Alex Ferguson the greatest manager ever!