Title: The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company
Author: Robert Iger
First published September 23, 2019
272 pages, Hardcover
Rating: 4.42
Overview
The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger is a must-read for anyone looking to lead with innovation and integrity. As CEO of one of the most beloved companies in the world, Iger faced unprecedented challenges, but he refused to dwell on the past.
Instead, he focused on the future and implemented three clear ideas that revolutionized the Disney brand: creating the highest quality content possible, embracing technology, and expanding globally. The results speak for themselves: Disney is now the largest and most respected media company in the world, with properties like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox under its belt.
In this book, Iger shares the lessons he’s learned while leading Disney’s 200,000 employees – from taking big risks in the face of disruption to inspiring others to follow his lead. Through it all, he’s remained relentlessly curious, thoughtful, and respectful, prioritizing decency over dollars in every project and partnership he pursues.
This book is a testament to the power of authentic leadership and the importance of staying true to your values, even in the face of adversity.
About the Author
Robert Allen Iger is an accomplished American businessman who held several prominent positions at The Walt Disney Company. He served as the company’s CEO from 2005 to 2020 and was also the chairman of the Board and executive chairman.
Before joining Disney, Iger was the president of ABC Television in 1994-1995 and then became the president and COO of Capital Cities/ABC from 1995 until Disney acquired it in 1996. Iger continued his career at Disney, becoming president and COO in 2000 and succeeding Michael Eisner as CEO in 2005.
In February 2020, Bob Chapek was named as Iger’s successor as Disney CEO, while Iger remained as executive and board chairman. However, on December 31, 2021, Susan Arnold replaced Iger as the board chairman, marking the end of his tenure at Disney.
Editoral Review
The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger is a memoir that is destined to become a classic in the world of business. This compelling read takes us on a journey of discovery through the life of Robert Iger, from his early years as a television producer to his rise to the helm of Walt Disney Company.
Robert Iger is one of the most successful CEOs of our time, and his book is full of insights into how he achieved his remarkable success. The book is written in an engaging and accessible style, making it easy for readers to connect with Iger’s journey and learn from his experiences.
The book is divided into ten chapters, each focused on a particular lesson that Iger learned throughout his career. Some of these lessons include the importance of taking bold risks, putting the customer first, and always striving for excellence.
Iger uses real-life examples from his time at Disney to illustrate each lesson, making his insights relatable and applicable to any business situation. Beyond the lessons themselves, the book is also a fascinating look at the inner workings of one of the world’s most iconic companies.
Iger provides an insider’s perspective on some of Disney’s most significant strategic moves, such as the acquisition of Pixar and the launch of Disney+. Perhaps the most striking aspect of The Ride of a Lifetime is Iger’s humility and self-awareness.
Despite his enormous success, he never loses sight of the fact that much of his professional achievements were built on the hard work and talents of others. He acknowledges the role of his colleagues and partners and never takes all of the credit for himself.
One of the few drawbacks of the book is Iger’s tendency to focus on his successes rather than his failures. While he does touch on some of the challenges he faced in his career, he barely scratches the surface of some of the more significant setbacks.
However, this flaw is relatively minor compared to the overall value of the lessons learned in this book. The Ride of a Lifetime is a must-read for anyone interested in business, leadership, or innovation.
Iger’s insights are both informative and inspirational, making this book a valuable addition to any personal library. The book earns a well-deserved five-star rating and highly recommended to anyone seeking a roadmap for success in business or life.
