The Ride of a Lifetime

Book review and key takeways from the memoir of Disney CEO Rober Iger.

The Ride of a Lifetime is a memoir by Robert Iger, former CEO of the Walt Disney Company. This book offers a candid and revealing look into Iger's life and his leadership at Disney.

One of the strengths of this book is the way it traces Iger's career from his early days as a young ABC executive to his rise to the top of the Disney corporation. Along the way, Iger shares valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and risk-taking. He also provides insights into some of the major decisions and challenges he faced during his time at Disney, including the acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, and the launch of streaming service Disney+.

Iger writes in a warm and engaging style, and his love for Disney is evident on every page. His passion for storytelling and creating meaningful experiences for audiences shines through, and it's clear that he approaches his work with a strong sense of purpose.

The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the inner workings of a major corporation or in the principles of effective leadership. It's a thoughtful, inspiring, and enjoyable read that will leave you feeling motivated and ready to tackle your own challenges.

I would rate The Ride of a Lifetime an 8 out of 10. While the book is well-written and offers valuable insights into leadership and corporate strategy, I did find some parts of the narrative to be somewhat repetitive or slow-paced. However, these moments were few and far between, and overall I found the book to be a captivating and inspiring read.

My key takeaways from the book are:

1. Take risks and embrace change - It is important to be willing to take calculated risks and embrace change in order to stay competitive and drive growth.
2. Foster a culture of innovation - A strong culture of innovation is crucial for any organisation looking to stay relevant and succeed in the long term.
3. Focus on the customer experience - Delivering a positive customer experience and ensuring that all products and services meet the needs and expectations of the audience is crucial.
4. Build strong partnerships and collaborations - Partnerships and collaborations can be a powerful tool for driving innovation and growth, and it is important to build strong relationships with other companies and organisations.
5. Lead with purpose - Having a clear sense of purpose and using it to guide decision-making is essential for effective leadership. Leaders should think beyond short-term goals and consider the long-term impact of their actions.