More Than a Pink Cadillac : Mary Kay, Inc.'s Nine Leadership Keys to Success

by Jim Underwood

Remarkable insight into the leadership culture of one of the world's largest cosmetics companies It's no secret that Mary Kay Inc. -- home of the famous "Pink Cadillac" -- is one of the best run and most successful companies in the world, prompting Harvard professors and U.S. Government agencies to study what made the company a global phenomenon. But what many people may not realize is that Mary Kay is much more than a Pink Cadillac. While this widely recognized icon is a symbol of top performance, it stands for something greater - a way of doing business with a personal concern for people that has made Mary Kay a different kind of company. This book explains the methods and mindset that can bring the same kind of success to your organization. More than a Pink Cadillac provides insights into a unique and extraordinarily successful business - one that grew out of, and is still founded upon, a simple set of powerful principles. It represents the first time the company has given an outside author -- Jim Underwood -- unlimited access to its employees and management. The principles he reveals in this book have already influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of men and women around the world - and they can do the same for your organization.

Genres: Nonfiction, Leadership, Business

204 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2002

Reviews

[Karen Syed · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I decided to start my own business, my goals were lofty and to the average person unattainable. Many people in my life were unconvinced that I could accomplish them. Desperate to grown personally, I began working my way through self-help books and the like. By mistake I picked up MORE THAN A PINK CADILLAC" and my life was forever better. Jim Underwood offers us a look into the life of a remarkable woman who refused to let anyone hold her back. Not only does this book share her personal/professional journey, it shares the journey's of women just like myself. It's not just about business, it's about people. It reminds us that this world is nothing without the people in it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever thought they couldn't make it work...no matter what "it" is. Pure inspiration!

[Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story about the origination of Mary Kay cosmetics. It was interesting, but nothing ground breaking in the book. One thing I did pick up is that everything in business is always changing, like your customers, products, new innovations, employees, etc. but one thing that should never change in your business are your values, be them corporate or personal.

[Teechbiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

No I'm not a Mary Kay Independent Sales person. I teach business classes in high school and I find her story of success very compelling.

[Baroness · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman was a force.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Not just about Mary Kay but also running a business, customer service and how to treat people.

[Wiragita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buy this at bazaar book. I always love the story about strong woman starting her own business and excellent in everything ❤

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I worked for Mary Kay Inc. for over 40 years. Jim Underwood faithfully captures the character of Mary Kay and the culture of the company which she founded.

[WriterDoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leadership

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit that I began reading this book because I am a Mary Kay consultant, and it has been recommended as a fantastic way to really understand the workings of the company. This all was proven to be true. But, it is not a book strictly about Mary Kay. Underwood has specifically identified 9 keys to success that businesses that are successful over a very long period all have in common, and he uses Mary Kay as a way to explain how these leadership keys work in one successful business.

[Arlene Bolger, MaryKay IBC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it really interesting that it is written by someone not affiliated with the company, but who had experienced the effects of the principles he highlights to the point that he was so impressed by them, he was compelled to write them.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book while I was a Mary Kay consultant, and enjoyed learning more about the company culture. I found the principles could apply in other areas as well, though. Eventhough I'm not longer involved in the business side of Mary Kay, I've held onto the book as one to refer back to sometime.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who is looking to start a business. Mary Kay Ash believed in all that was good in people, and built her business to bless the lives of others. What an inspiration!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about the world inside of Mary Kay cosmetics and the Mary Kay, herself.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and inspirational book about Mary Kay, and how she came up with a marketing plan that is taught in business schools today!