The Ride of a Lifetime

Lessons in Creative Leadership from the CEO of the Walt Disney Company

By: Robert Iger

Narrated by: Robert Iger, Jim Frangione

Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

The CEO of Disney, one of Time's most influential people of 2019, shares the ideas and values he embraced to reinvent one of the most beloved companies in the world and inspire the people who bring the magic to life.

Robert Iger became CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 2005, during a difficult time. Morale had deteriorated, competition was intense, and technology was changing faster than at any time in the company's history. His vision came down to three clear ideas: Recommit to the concept that quality matters, embrace technology instead of fighting it, and think bigger?think global?and turn Disney into a stronger brand in international markets.

Fourteen years later, Disney is the largest, most respected media company in the world, counting Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox among its properties. Its value is nearly five times what it was when Iger took over, and he is recognized as one of the most innovative and successful CEOs of our era.

In The Ride of a Lifetime, Robert Iger shares the lessons he's learned while running Disney and leading its 200,000 employees, and he explores the principles that are necessary for true leadership, including:

Optimism. Even in the face of difficulty, an optimistic leader will find the path toward the best possible outcome and focus on that, rather than give in to pessimism and blaming.

Courage. Leaders have to be willing to take risks and place big bets. Fear of failure destroys creativity.

Decisiveness. All decisions, no matter how difficult, can be made on a timely basis. Indecisiveness is both wasteful and destructive to morale.

Fairness. Treat people decently, with empathy, and be accessible to them.

This book is about the relentless curiosity that has driven Iger for forty-five years, since the day he started as the lowliest studio grunt at ABC. It's also about thoughtfulness and respect, and a decency-over-dollars approach that has become the bedrock of every project and partnership Iger pursues, from a deep friendship with Steve Jobs in his final years to an abiding love of the Star Wars mythology.

©2019 Robert Iger (P)2019 Penguin Audio

The book is truly a Ride of a lifetime

The book excellently talks the journey of a company man all the way to the top and leading a company through a massive rebuild.

Open and genuine story

Such a great story about someone who ran one of the largest companies in the entertainment world, definitely worth a listen.

Outstanding !!

One of the best books on leadership I’m ever read and all wrapped in a thoroughly entertaining life story. Hope Iger runs for president of the US in 4 years time!

Clear, Direct & Punchy

The writing style is simple, clear and direct to the point. He doesn't waste time in detailed and fluffy descriptions but rather focuses on telling the story succinctly, delivering the punchy lesson and moving on to the next chapter.

Such clarity and focus isn't easy to come by.

All in all, it was a wonderful listen.

My book of 2019

I’m a TV executive and this book was not only inspiring, but a fantastic story with so much take home. Highly recommend.

Simply Inspiring and a joy to read.

A beautiful and inspirational read into Bob Iger’s life. Filled with candour and humility - still re listen every now and then to be inspired

Amazingly concise and beneficial

Amazing book, enjoyed every second of the story of this amazing man. I've always adored Bob Igor for his sense of compassion, respect and honesty in the business world, and how it benefited his career. But it was beautiful knowing the realities of the events and how everything was going on.

Awesome Insights

Gives good insight into how Robert ran Disney and made it into the success it is today in an ever more volitile business environment.

Insightful

A phenomenal insight into the latest iteration of Disney. I have learnt so much!

Great book

I enjoyed it, and very informative about the business values one should stand by. Highly recommended recommended