What should I have accomplished by 45?
See what remarkable builders and entrepreneurs achieved at age 45
Your Position
Notable Achievements at Age 45
Performed first human-to-human heart transplant
Performed the world's first successful human-to-human orthotopic heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital; recipient Louis Washkansky temporarily recovered.
Brown v. Board of Education decision (landmark victory)
Supreme Court issued unanimous opinion (Chief Justice Earl Warren) declaring 'separate but equal' unconstitutional in public education; Marshall's most famous legal victory.
Delivered 2019 State of the Union response
Gave the official Democratic response to President Trump's State of the Union address (broadcast Feb 5, 2019).
Selected to deliver Democratic response to State of the Union
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Abrams would deliver the response to the State of the Union on February 5, 2019; she became the first African-American woman to deliver the SOTU response.
Kyoto University founds Center for iPS Cell Research and Applications (CiRA); Yamanaka appointed Director
In January 2008 Kyoto University established CiRA, the world's first organization solely focusing on iPS cell technology; Yamanaka named Director.
Announced candidacy for President
Formally announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president on February 10, 2007.
Awarded Ph.D. in Computer Science (Vrije Universiteit)
Completed Ph.D. thesis titled 'Scalable Cluster Technologies for Mission Critical Enterprise Computing' under Henri Bal and Andy Tanenbaum.
Married Jessica Sklar (Jessica Seinfeld)
Married public relations executive Jessica Sklar on December 25, 1999; later had three children.
Founded The Vanguard Group
Founded The Vanguard Group (1974), pioneering a unique mutual ownership structure where fund shareholders effectively own the funds that own the firm.
Film role: The Italian Job
Appeared in The Italian Job (1969) as Professor Peach (supporting feature role).
Death of transplant recipient Louis Washkansky
Washkansky died 18 days after transplant from pneumonia, likely related to immunosuppression.
Founded Institute for Rational Living (non-profit)
Established the Institute for Rational Living in New York (later known as the Albert Ellis Institute); served as president.
Launched Youth-Dew bath oil/perfume
Introduced Youth‑Dew, a bath oil that doubled as a perfume and shifted women to using fragrance daily; immediate commercial breakthrough.
Launched Youth-Dew bath oil/perfume
Introduced Youth-Dew, a bath oil that doubled as a perfume, which revolutionized fragrance usage and mass consumer behavior.
Present at PRC proclamation (Beijing)
Attended the founding proclamation of the People's Republic of China on 1 October 1949.
Stock Market Crash (Great Depression begins)
New York Stock Exchange crash begins the Great Depression; Eleanor becomes increasingly engaged in relief and reform work.
Net worth reported at US$11.1 billion (Forbes/Wikipedia summary)
Public wealth reporting (Forbes/Wikipedia summary) lists Tobias Lütke's net worth as US$11.1 billion as of February 2025.
Primetime Emmy nomination for Welcome to Chippendales
Nominated for the 2023 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Welcome to Chippendales.
Nominated Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour
Awarded Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour (Cavalieri del Lavoro) in the automotive industry by President Sergio Mattarella (May 2021).
💡 What this means for you
At age 45, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
Share Your Results
🎯 Challenge a Friend
See how your friends and colleagues compare at their age. Share this tool to start a friendly competition!
How Do You Stack Up?
Compare your achievements at age 45 with industry leaders and see where you stand.