HOW TO LEAD

Charismatic leaders share the secrets of their success.

In this follow-up to The American Story: Conversations With Master Historians (2019), billionaire businessman and philanthropist Rubenstein highlights the contributions of distinctive leaders in six categories: “Visionaries,” “Builders,” “Transformers,” “Commanders,” “Decision-Makers,” and “Masters.” The author opens with Jeff Bezos, who discusses his career as Amazon founder, space travel enthusiast, and owner of the Washington Post. Since most of the interviews were conducted within the last decade, the advice about starting small, building gradually, and staying focused is mostly relevant. In other profiles, Rubenstein explores the careers and motivations of Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Richard Branson, Phil Knight, Jamie Dimon, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Jack Nicklaus, Lorne Michaels, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Yo-Yo Ma, and Oprah Winfrey, who was once terminated as a TV anchor and advises that “getting fired is an opportunity for something else to show up.” Though readers will be familiar with many of Rubenstein’s subjects, his interviews are filled with useful, probing queries on career challenges, ethical responsibilities, and even equality—as evidenced in an interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook. The author also questions the interviewees about the keys to their industry durability and longevity through volatile economic, social, and political instability and their humanitarian initiatives and philanthropic foundations. Rubenstein also shares his own personal history, emphasizing the indispensable nature of a solid work ethic and how, as a young New York attorney, he was immensely influenced by John F. Kennedy. Though the collection would have benefitted from a wider selection of racially diverse contributors—notwithstanding the inclusion of Winfrey, Ma, and PepsiCo. CEO Indra Nooyi—the profiles are worthwhile, especially for college students and both aspiring and established entrepreneurs eager to discover the unique perspectives of today’s distinguished leaders.

A cleverly organized motivational collection brimming with wisdom and business acumen.