The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company - Robert Iger - 5 Stars

[Jason]

I loved this book way more than I thought I would. And I've really become an Iger fan.

This is a memoir (even thought he says in the book this is not a memoir) as well as a book on leadership.

The book is broken into two parts: Learning - Leading. Through stories about his career, he gives insight into good and bad leadership. Iger started working for ABC before it was purchased by Disney and he eventually became Disney's CEO. During his tenure, Disney purchased Pixar, Marvel, Lucas Films, and 20th Century Fox.

I loved how Iger seems like a regular, normal guy who just happens to be CEO of the largest entertainment company in the world. This book is not a tell all, is not gossipy or vindictive. Instead, it emulates how he lead Disney for 15 years. He is thoughtful and compassionate but also decisive and direct.

I will remember many of his stories for a long time to come and try to emulate some of his leadership skills.

[KateNZ]

Nice one, Jason. This sounds like a handy book to read about leadership more generally, as well as the actual events being really interesting

[Charlotte]

I also rated this book a 5. Definitely near the top of my all-time favorite memoirs. I was an Iger fan prior to reading but this book endeared him to me even more. Especially as he described his thoughts and actions when the child was taken by a gator at one of the resorts. (Actually the nicest Disney World resort). I was living near there in FL when it happened and remember the big news about it. Great review!

[Jason]

Charlotte wrote: "I also rated this book a 5. Definitely near the top of my all-time favorite memoirs. I was an Iger fan prior to reading but this book endeared him to me even more. Especially as he described his th..."

I remember that Disney World resort attack also and that is how Iger starts the book. Telling that story and how he trusted those in charge to handle it since he had to prioritize opening Shanghai Disney. But he also reached out the family despite legal warnings because it was the right thing to do. That is when I looked at my wife, (we were listening together on a road trip) and I said, "He seem like a normal, genuine guy."

[Theresa]

Great review and my interest is piqued. Actually, the history of leadership at Disney starting with Walt himself is absolutely fascinating. I think Iger's tenure was one of the most critical to the Disney Company's continued growth, longevity, and dominance.

One of these days I will have to read this.