John T. Chambers

Age: 58

WHAT HE DOES
As chairman and C.E.O. of Cisco Systems, John Chambers leads the world’s No. 1 networking equipment maker and Silicon Valley’s most richly valued company.

WHAT HE’S KNOWN FOR
Chambers is a master at networking, and that’s not just a reference to the Cisco routers and switches that direct traffic over the internet. Sometimes called “the Reverend,” he’s a gifted orator who speaks rapidly and with a twang that reveals his West Virginia roots. His Southern Baptist style—complete with walking away from the podium and touching audience members on the shoulder—has been effective in his proselytization about the power of the internet. He may talk to crowds of 5,000, but each person present feels as if he’s speaking to them personally.

Of course, it helps that much of what Chambers has been evangelizing has proven to be right on the money. In 1999 he talked with BusinessWeek about “a day when a New World Network” will seamlessly blend the technology of the internet with high-speed optical fibers, cable, and wireless systems to carry voice and data everywhere. Voice calls will be free, and people will think nothing of zipping off huge chunks of data for everything from video emails to movies on demand.”

While Chambers has been celebrated for making Cisco one of the fastest growing companies in the history of the computing industry—ABC’s 20/20 featured him as “the Best Boss in America” in 1999—he was equally crucified by the media in 2001 when the bubble burst and Cisco stock sank. But as the result of making some big changes, among them laying off 8,500 employees and slashing his own salary to one dollar, Chambers is credited with resurrecting Cisco, and bringing it back stronger than before. For that, one of the internet’s top salespeople was catapulted to saviorlike status. (There have even been mentions of the appropriateness of his initials: J.C.)

The high-energy, ever-optimistic Chambers has always been unstoppable in the face of adversity. Growing up, he struggled with dyslexia but still graduated near the top of his high-school class. Chambers revealed his dyslexia publicly after connecting with a young attendee at a Cisco Bring Your Children to Work Day event in 1997. (Other captains of industry who share Chambers’ disability include Charles Schwab, Virgin’s Richard Branson, and Kinko’s Paul Orfalea.)

WHERE HE’S FROM
Chambers has an M.B.A. from Indiana University and a law degree from West Virginia University, but no formal training in engineering. He started as a salesman with I.B.M. and went on to become vice president of U.S. operations at Wang Laboratories. Former Cisco C.E.O. John Morgridge handpicked Chambers to succeed him in 1995. Chambers lives in Los Altos Hills, California, home to many Silicon Valley brass, with his wife of three decades—and former high school sweetheart—Elaine.

WHERE HE’S GOING
Chambers continues to have a huge impact on the digital economy, and he also uses his stature to improve education—something industry observers say could be an indicator of political ambitions. He has served on an advisory council for President George W. Bush and on a trade policy committee under former president Bill Clinton. Senator John McCain tapped Chambers to serve as the national co-chair and economic and tech adviser of his 2008 presidential exploratory committee. So far, Chambers says he’s at Cisco for the long haul, but it’s clear the überconnected C.E.O. is still nurturing his vast network.—Carlye Adler