In The Ride of a Lifetime, Robert Iger shares the lessons he learned during his fifteen years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, a period of unprecedented success. Iger describes how Disney achieved extraordinary results by focusing on the needs of its customers and employees, investing in technology, and staying true to its values. He also offers insights into the leadership style he cultivated and the decisions that transformed Disney, including the acquisitions of Pixar, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
The Ride of a Lifetime is an inspiring and candid memoir by one of the most respected CEOs of our time.
Table of Contents:
1. The Mouse That Roared
2. The Magic of Disney
3. The Power of Technology
4. The Importance of People
5. The Value of Values
6. The Quest for Quality
7. The Courage to Innovate
8. The Secret of Staying Relevant
9. The Joy of storytelling
10. The Responsibility of Leadership
11. The Challenge of Change
12. The Dilemma of Success
13. The Future of Disney
14. The Ride of a Lifetime
15. Conclusion
1. The Mouse That Roared
In The Ride of a Lifetime, Robert Iger shares the lessons he learned during his fifteen years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, a period of unprecedented success. Iger describes how Disney achieved extraordinary results by focusing on the needs of its customers and employees, investing in technology, and staying true to its values. He also offers insights into the leadership style he cultivated and the decisions that transformed Disney, including the acquisitions of Pixar, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
2. The Magic of Disney
Iger began his career at ABC in 1974, and he rose through the ranks to become president of the network in 1989. In 1995, he was named president and COO of Capital Cities/ABC, and two years later, Disney acquired the company. Iger became president of Disney in 2000 and was named CEO in 2005.
Under Iger’s leadership, Disney has been transformed into the world’s preeminent entertainment company. Iger has overseen the acquisitions of Pixar, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, and the launch of Disney’s streaming service, Disney+. He has also steered the company through the global financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic.
3. The Power of Technology
Iger has been a champion of technology, and he has overseen the development of some of Disney’s most groundbreaking products, including the first-ever 24-hour cable network, ESPN; the world’s first digital animation studio, Pixar; and the world’s first mass-marketed 3D movie, Toy Story 3.
4. The Importance of People
Iger has always put people first, and he has built a culture of inclusion at Disney. He has also been a strong advocate for gender equality, and he has championed the advancement of women in the workplace.
5. The Value of Values
Iger has always been clear about Disney’s values, and he has instilled them in the company’s employees. He has said that Disney’s values are “integrity, creativity, responsibility, and respect.”
6. The Quest for Quality
Iger has always been focused on quality, and he has set a high bar for the company’s products. He has said, “If we don’t exceed the expectations of our customers, they will not come back.”
7. The Courage to Innovate
Iger has always been willing to take risks, and he has encouraged his team to innovate. He has said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”
8. The Secret of Staying Relevant
Iger has always been focused on staying relevant, and he has been quick to embrace new technologies and platforms. He has said, “You have to be willing to change… If you don’t change, you’re going to become irrelevant.”
9. The Joy of Storytelling
Iger has always been passionate about storytelling, and he has overseen the production of some of Disney’s most beloved films, including Toy Story, The Lion King, and Frozen. He has said, “Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do at Disney.”
10. The Responsibility of Leadership
Iger has always taken his role as a leader seriously, and he has always been aware of the impact of his decisions. He has said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”
11. The Challenge of Change
Iger has always been open to change, and he has navigated Disney through some of the most tumultuous periods in its history. He has said, “Change is inevitable… The only thing that is constant is change.”
12. The Dilemma of Success
Iger has always been aware of the challenges that come with success, and he has worked to maintain Disney’s culture of innovation and excellence. He has said, “Success can breed complacency.”
13. The Future of Disney
Iger has always been focused on the future, and he has set Disney up for continued success. He has said, “The key to the future is to focus on the things that are most important to the customer.”
14. The Ride of a Lifetime
The Ride of a Lifetime is an inspiring and candid memoir by one of the most respected CEOs of our time. Iger shares the lessons he learned during his fifteen years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, a period of unprecedented success. Iger describes how Disney achieved extraordinary results by focusing on the needs of its customers and employees, investing in technology, and staying true to its values. He also offers insights into the leadership style he cultivated and the decisions that transformed Disney, including the acquisitions of Pixar, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
15. Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Iger’s tenure as CEO of the Walt Disney Company has been an incredible ride. He has navigated the company through some tough times and come out the other side stronger than ever. He has also been able to instill some important lessons in his time as CEO. These lessons are sure to continue to guide Disney in the years to come.