Jack

Straight from the Gut

By: Jack Welch, John A. Byrne

Narrated by: Mike Barnicle

The most widely respected CEO in America looks back on his brilliant career at General Electric and reveals his personal business philosophy and unique managerial style. Nearly 20 years ago, former General Electric CEO Reg Jones walked into Jack Welch's office and wrapped him in a bear hug. "Congratulations, Mr. Chairman," said Reg. It was a defining moment for American business. So begins the story of a self-made man and a self-described rebel who thrived in one of the most volatile and economically robust eras in U.S. history, while managing to maintain a unique leadership style. In what is the most anticipated book on business management for our time, Jack Welch surveys the landscape of his career running one of the world's largest and most successful corporations.©2001 by Jack Welch; (P)2001 by Time Warner AudioBooks

Jack hits a homerun

Jack's message is clear and consistent: if you want your business to excel, you've got to provide the right culture, hire great people, reward the best employees and always expect more. Of course its not easy, I don't remember hearing that word much in the program. However, Jack provides the blueprint for making it happen; find out what works in your business or industry and duplicate it. Find out what doesn't work and fix it or get rid of it.

This book is full of examples of what worked and what didn't. There are plenty of stories to inspire you to find ways to shake up your business and break down the barriers that limit your company's potential. It's easy to sit back and say these strategies can't work for me. It's much harder to wake up every morning and make them happen.

Listening to this program will be the shortest 14 hours you'll ever spend.

Good insight

Jack Welch is by far one of the most talented CEOs today, The language is very uncomplicated and it has several stories in there that drive Welch's themes like candor and mission. It was odd to listen to another voice giving Jack Welch's autobiography, though.

Great knowledge share

An interesting journey which lets you understand an executive career and the challenges faced with continuos adaptation and learning mindset.

Good portrait of the mind-set of a succesful CEO

Jack Welch clearly exposes the elements which made his career and his company succesful. Vision, passion, search for excellence, sharing of ideas throughout GE divisions, etc ... amazing how one man mobilized so many people. Also includes some interesing anecdotes gathered from his career.

In the top 5 books I've ever read.

It's quite a feat to get into the top 5. This book gets there easily.
Next to the Bible, there's Think & Grow Rich, As a Man Thinketh, Good Profit, Magic of Thinking Big, & now there's From the Gut.
The lens of creative business growth & continual pursuit of/adaptation to truth is how I relate to the world.
Jack reminds me like few others can that, while living my life this way is full of mistakes, bumps & bruises, it is without question the correct approach for a guy like me... and that perhaps, I'm not so crazy after all.
There are very, very few whom I can relate so strongly to. Moreover, this book couldnt have come at a better time in my life. It resonates with me to my very core, and Im immensely greatful for Jack being so gracious to share his story.