The Ride of a Lifetime

By Robert Iger, the 6th CEO of Walt Disney Company

Iger was named the Times 2019 businessperson of the year and to know why take a flip through this book.

Not exactly a memoir of Iger's read., but indeed a great read for all people in positions of leadership. Iger describes his career trajectory leading him to become the CEO of the biggest media company and explain in detail his style of leadership and the future he charted for the company which transformed Disney (when he started as the CEO, the company was under heavy wall street and board scrutiny)in during the most disruptive time in the media industry.

Reading this book explains the importance being visionary, providing a clear path for other employees to follow to stay motivated, embracing technology, need of changing fast in this fast paced world, focusing on long term growth instead of sort term profits, importance of talent personnel and the likes of it. But the most impactful lesson is the ability to take big risks and believe in your instinct even when the others are very publicly criticizing you. It was being of his visionary plan for Disney's future and focus on quality that the company is so highly valued today.

Another highlight of the book is each acquisition that Disney undertook : Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilms (Star Wars) and 21st Century fox is described in detail : the steps taken to preserve the culture of each company yet integrate it to achieve highest synergies. It also explains how Disney entered into the future of media by owning their first streaming platform.

All in all, a great read - Another inspiration to pick up this book instantly : He is the man who gave Blank Panther the go-ahead, wakanda forever is basically because of his vision that a black man leads a superhero Marvel film. Also, he was great friends with Steve Jobs and speaks a lot and his Pixar deal. Lastly, it is also one of the books on business that Bill Gates recommended provides a realistic picture of how big companies work.