Founder connections
- Bill GatesRecommendation
“This is a short, readable book with smart insights, and along the way he crosses paths with some colorful characters.”
Gates reviewed the memoir on May 18, 2020 and recommended it for both business insights and its account of Iger’s career.Source
Summary
Bob Iger recounts his career at ABC and his leadership of Disney. He explains how he approached technology, creative work and acquisitions including Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox. The memoir combines those experiences with his views on taking risks, making decisions and treating people fairly.
Why read it Our view
Read it to examine how a leader chooses what to build, what to buy and whom to trust. Iger’s account of Pixar is useful when a company needs capabilities it has struggled to develop internally. Compare the strategic need with the price, and consider what relationships must survive an acquisition.
Decisions from the book
Buying Pixar
- Decision: Disney’s animation results had declined. Iger had to decide how to restore the company’s position.
- Action: Iger pursued Pixar and negotiated with Steve Jobs, accepting a price above $7 billion despite concerns about the cost.
- Outcome: Gates describes the acquisition as restoring Disney to the forefront of animation and judges Iger’s choice successful.
Written about
- Steve JobsFeatured in memoirIger recounts his negotiations with Jobs over Disney’s acquisition of Pixar. Gates discusses that story in his May 18, 2020 review.Source