Railroader

The Unfiltered Genius and Controversy of Four-Time CEO Hunter Harrison

By: Howard Green

Narrated by: Howard Green

Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Hunter Harrison, the revolutionary railroader from Memphis, dramatically turned four publicly traded companies into cash machines. Starting as a laborer when he was a wayward teenager, Harrison spent a half century in the rail business and nearly two decades running Illinois Central, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, and CSX. Never accepting the status quo, Harrison not only renovated established railroads, he forced an industry to shape up. As the preeminent proponent of Precision Scheduled Railroading, Harrison created approximately $50 billion in shareholder value. Charming, intimidating, and not afraid to make enemies, the no-bullshit CEO let nothing get in his way. At the same time, he was a talent scout and coach to thousands and a devoted father and husband for more than 50 years.

Railroader offers insights into running all businesses. Howard Green’s highly personal biography is deeply researched, based on conversations with Harrison over several years. It also includes candid stories from Harrison’s family and colleagues - those who admired him and those who criticized him. Green’s access and decades of experience give him the unparalleled ability to tell the story of this uncompromising leader who both inspired and infuriated.

Bespeak Audio Editions brings Canadian voices to the world with audiobook editions of some of the country’s greatest works of literature, performed by Canadian actors.

©2018 H&H Media Inc. (P)2020 Bespeak Audio Editions

Critic reviews

“Hunter Harrison was a colorful man with a zest for life and a passion for railroading. He was certainly the greatest modern manager of these massive networks of commerce that undergird industrial society. Railroader is the story of an interesting life and the intricacies of complex managerial challenges, woven into an enjoyable and highly informative book.” (Frederick W. Smith, chairman and CEO, FedEx Corporation)

“Railroader presents both a fascinating business story with global resonance and a very personal tale of a life fully lived in a ‘no-holds barred’ fashion to the very end. It is a brilliant profile of an enigmatic, somewhat obsessed, railroad mercenary, who turned his industry on its head, with new benchmarks for future generations of leaders. Lots of juicy learnings throughout.” (Calin Rovinescu, president and CEO, Air Canada)

“Precision railroading was his vision and unbending will his advantage. In this tightly written account of Hunter Harrison’s fifty years of extraordinary achievement, Howard Green has captured the essence of the man. A valuable history and, as well, a great read.” (Bill Downe, former president and CEO, BMO Financial Group)

Engaging

Book was better than I expected presenting an interesting review of the man’s life and impact on the railroading industry and business in general. A sympathetic and at times emotional presentation. The real man was much more than that presented in the media and what a superficial review would lead one to expect. Author did a very good job with the narration and I wish there were more such books on the people we see in the media.

An ode to capitalism

Wonderful book. One thing I love about it is that it indirectly speaks to how an extraordinarily talented leader like Hunter Harrison drifted to the top of our capitalistic system, driving huge efficiencies for society.