This book looks at 16 entrepreneurs and CEO’s (one per chapter) who have been involved in some of the most catastrophic business failures. Most tales explain how they have built up vast empires, often from nothing, only to lose it all again, frequently in moments of weakness or possible madness.
Whilst I found this book interesting from the angle that someone had researched the way in which each of the entrepreneurs featured had made and lost their fortunes I found it a bit lacking in actual insider knowledge or real understanding of why these men did what they did. I was left wondering what, other than shock value, this book had to offer me as a learning tool. I had hoped it would explain more about what makes entrepreneurs take unreasonable risks and how others can save themselves from similar fates.
It did however cement in my mind that even the most intelligent people can become swept up in the moment. Believing they are invincible and that it is their business skills alone which has seen them get this far; leading them to believe that any business they touch will be a success. The book demonstrates, as I have seen before, that success in one field does not guarantee success in another.
Would I recommend this book? Well yes actually. Its an easy and interesting read, which you can dip in and out of, but its let down by its lack of reflective learning, although perhaps great to make you feel better about your own success.
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