Thursday, March 24, 2022

Play Nice But Win: A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader - Michael Dell (2021)

 The book does not have a co-author, which means Michael Dell is a profound storyteller. Unlike other CEOs of successful companies, you don't hear much about Dell. FAANG CEOs typically hug all the limelight. However, Michael Dell is remarkable. Precise communicator, to the point delivery of facts, a good bit of details into his likings that made him the successful manager he is, although he does not have a formal college education. He is so precise most chapters in his book are almost twenty pages long. A biography starts from early childhood to successful adulthood in a chronology; this story is more like two parallel stories. One talks about taking Dell company private vis-a-vis the author's childhood and how he set up the company. Towards the end of the first part, both stories merge into the present how he brought Dell Technologies into a publicly-traded organization again,  thus providing enhanced stockholder value. He is not the strongest technologist. Yet, he has a deep understanding of the business and conducts himself as a strong manager and visionary. The last chapter was not very interesting; it felt one is leading the regular business press. 

Overall the book is a great read and almost unputdownable. 

Tuesday, March 01, 2022

Make Your Bed - Admiral William H. McRaven (2017)

The book is an extension of the commencement speech given by the Admiral. Anecdotes are taken from his experience as a Navy SEAL and delivered as ten short pieces of advice. Those are summarized in the final paragraph of the book. 

"Remember… start each day with a task completed. Find someone to help you through life. Respect everyone. Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often. But if you take some risks, step up when times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden, and never, ever give up—if you do these things, then you can change your life for the better… and maybe the world!"

Overall a breeze read. 

The Chamber - John Grisham (1994)

A good family story but not the best of John Grisham.  I like John Grisham because of the depth in which he covers legal matters in his nove...