There are many ways of reaching the top as is shown in these portraits of persons who rank among Austria's most powerful. It is no longer tradition or family background that count – Hans Dichand, founder of the "Neuen Kronen Zeitung" as well as Rudolf Streicher, ex-minister and CEO, are both of humble origin.

The world-renowned transplant surgeon, Raimund Margreiter or the top bankers, Christian Konrad and Gerhard Randa were not expected to rank amongst the most influential 20th century Austrians, owing to their family's background.

Peter Schröcksnadel, CEO of Casinos Austria whose ideas have been embraced in dozens of countries or Peter Weck, a famous actor who has turned Vienna into a centre for musicals. Skiing legend, Toni Sailer and the top chefs, Rudolf and Karl Obauer attract gourmets from all around the world. The most impressive Austrian however is Arnold Schwarzenegger who humbly started out as a boy from Styria and ended up as governor of California.

About the author:

Sigrid-Maria Größing was born in 1950 in Bavaria. She studied German, history and geography at the universities of Vienna and Salzburg. She was employed as a teacher before turning to full-time writing.

In 2002 she was awarded the Gold Medal of the Salzburg Federal District. All of her books have reached the best seller lists. She is married, has two children and has lived in Großgmain near Salzburg since 1981.