Honestly I wasn’t going to write a review on this book but it really left an impact on me. Initially I was reading a Christian book but then I got bored and realised that I had this book so I decided to start on it. And I read it everyday for 3 days and finished it.
My Synopsis:
The book details the hardships and successes of Robert Iger throughout his career from his starting job in ABC to becoming the CEO of the Walt Disney Company and its acquisitions that made it the company today.
100% Recommend everyone to give this a read!!!
Lessons learnt, feelings felt, stories told all will hit you at a relatable level!!!
-Rebecca
My Storyline (based on what I remember):
It talks his life starting from the first job in ABC and what he had to undergo, starting from the lowest of jobs. He then was able to earn the respect and be liked by others by respecting those around him and absorbing the points and lessons he felt were good from his superiors.
This led to ABC’s Tom and Dan trusting him and putting him into positions that he did not have the experience for. But they believed in his ability. The rest of the book also describes the struggle to be picked although he tried his best. It also describes his struggle to become to the CEO through all the lobbying.
After becoming CEO, he befriends Steve Jobs who eventually dies from cancer. Before he did so, he told Robert 10 minutes before they were about to announce a deal. Steve Jobs had a had history with Robert’s previous superior and he overcame that by respecting Steve Jobs and trying to understand where he comes from. Next came the string of acquisitions: Pixar, LucasFilm, Fox.
My Feelings:
Honestly, I thought this book about be boring but it is very candid and even heartfelt. It makes it seem like Robert although having such success, is also human.
To me, the reason why he is successful is because he believes in himself and others around him and is genuinely caring and respectful. He does not hold very personal grudges and trying to understand others from their persepctive. He gives his best in everything that he does and tries not to become that overcontrolling boss that thinks that his opinion is final and the best. He does trust his gut, but he also does do the necessary math and knows how to handle things.
I honestly cried during that line that was written about Steve Jobs, at his funeral when his wife came over to Robert. She said when she asked if Steve had told Robert about his cancer and whether they could trust him, Steve replied with “I love that guy”. Then honestly, just typing his out made me tear. The emotions in the book also bring you on a adventure (for a lack of a better word). If you immerse yourself into the book, I felt everything he was feeling (hopefully). I felt the stress, the pressure, the sadness, the adrenaline.
This book reminds us of the seemingly meaningless principles that all people should have: respect others and give your best. These are honestly easy to say but always hard to keep… You need to consciously do these and remind yourself. You need to be able to compartmentalize and see what is the best and right. In terms of politics, he also learned from those around him and rode on the fine line many of times.
Although, I’m sure 99.9% of the people reading the book are not CEO’s of gigantic companies, but lessons learnt from the book can be applied in real life. And I am glad I gave this book a read and I have gained so much respect for him and also in awe of how a person can achieve this. I believe it is because of his character and because he is surrounded that people who see his good and believe in him.
Although I am not of that caliber, I hope to look back at my life retrospectively and say I have learnt lessons and I have been there for others and done what I thought was right and am happy with where I am.
Bex's Cinematic Reviews 