The Ride Of A Lifetime | Book Review

The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company

By Robert Iger

OVERVIEW

This book is a holistic look at how to conduct yourself in a corporate environment. There are clear and valuable lessons for leaders of course, but also just some generally very sound advice for life.

In terms of structure, the book takes you from Robert’s humble beginnings in Long Island through to his meteoric rise to be the CEO of one of the world’s most well known brands. He shares his observations and learnings along the way, filled with rich, compelling characters and nail-biting scenarios.

Rob provides with you a captivating story, and summarises his life-to-date’s learnings up into ten principles for good leadership as well as an appendix filled with insightful bite-sized thoughts.

You do come away from the book thinking that Robert is a bit too perfect, I would like to hear more of the lessons that he learnt from his mistakes rather than his successes because it can feel a bit preachy at times and some of his personal challenges can seem skimmed over. Overall though, a really stand out book on Leadership, it’s engaging and offers up plenty of valuable insights into some of the biggest mergers and acquisitions the Entertainment industry has seen - and of course some very on-brand inspirational quotes.

“If you approach and engage people with respect and empathy, the seemingly impossible can become real.”  ROBERT IGER

FAVOURITE INSIGHT/LEARNING

Easily my favourite part of this book was how much Robert encourages a leader’s own self awareness. He constantly reminds us not to get ahead of ourselves, to really understand where success comes from (not just attributing it to ourselves but those around us), and the importance of being a genuinely nice, respectful person.

Leading with kindness is something we need more of.

FAVOURITE QUOTE

“Don’t be in the business of playing it safe. Be in the business of creating possibilities for greatness.” ROB IGER

THOUGHT PROVOKERS

Questions for self-reflection:

• Do you value and reward integrity and genuine goodness?

• Do others feel comfortable to share their opinions and ideas around you?

• Do you empower and develop those in your team to be ready to step into your shoes?