Customer Reviews

The Education of an Accidental CEO: Lessons Learned from the Trailer Park to the Corner Office

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I hadn't known too much about David Novak, chairman and CEO
of Yum! Brands, the home to KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long
John Silver's, and A& W All American Food . . . that's no longer
the case, though, since I've devoured THE EDUCATION OF AN
ACCIDENTAL CEO, the inspirational
book he wrote with John Boswell.

Almost every page had an idea that could be implemented not just
in the food industry, but in my teaching and/or in just about any
other walk of life . . . as Novak notes:

* When I read business books or motivational books I find that if there
is one thing I can take away with me, and more important, if it is
something that stays with me, then it is well worth the price of
admission. Obviously, that "one thing" differs from person to person,
but if there is anything I have said within these pages that helps you
define your dreams and then go after them, then it is well worth the
effort it has taken to write this book and see it through publication.
Whatever field you have chosen, whatever your aspirations may be,
and however you choose to make them come true, I hope one day
you achieve more than you can even imagine.

My problem, and it's a nice one to have I must admit, is that I took
away many ideas . . . I regret that I can't share them all with you,
but to cite just two:

* I fancied myself a writer, but under Tom I would rewrite test-market
analyses six or seven times until I learned how to put forth a
recommendation, explain the rationale for that recommendation,
and summarize it all in a single page. I try to force myself to use
this same discipline today. Limiting myself to a single page not only
helps concentrate my mind, it almost guarantees clarity.

* The second thing I learned is that all the answers are in the building.
Every company is filled with experts. If you want to learn the company's
history, have a meeting with a twenty-five-year veteran. If you want to know
what customers are thinking, talk to the people who answer the 800-number
calls. If you want to know why the trucks aren't getting out on time, a route
salesman who's trucks who's been at the job for a while is likely to know the
answer.

THE EDUCATION OF AN ACCIDENTAL CEO had me laughing at
spots, too . . . for example, when Novak showed how a floppy rubber
chicken often had more value than a gold watch . . . it might not
sound possible, but if you read this book, you'll see that it
well could be the case where you work too.

The Education of an Accidental CEO breaks the mold of dry, boring, business audiobooks. This audiobook is not only informative but entertaining, because we get know the author as both a person and successful CEO. Novak has the makings of a childhood-as-train wreck memoir writer, but his tale has a twist. Novak learned how to be successful in the business world through his life lessons, and he shares his knowledge with listeners. Novak is the CEO of Yum! Brands, Inc. which owns KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and other famous restaurants. His book demonstrates how people from ordinary and modest beginnings can accomplish great success in the business world. Novak makes this achievement seem attainable to everyone. If you are looking for business advice and are a fan of books like Running with Scissors, then The Education of an Accidental CEO is the business book for you. The audiobook is narrated by Howard Ross, whose voice captures Novak's sense of the ordinary amidst the extraordinary. Listeners won't be disappointed. -Jessica Teel

David Novak has written a wonderfully readable account of his remarkable career. The leadership concepts that Mr. Novak espouses are not neccessarily ideas that have never before been put forth, however the fact that he actually leads in a manner that is consistent with these ideas is what makes this book such a pleasure to read.
Mr. Novak is not only a great story teller but also a great teacher. Both of these abilities are clearly in evidence throughtout the book. To me the most impressive aspect of Mr Novak's story is his honesty and openness about some of the mistakes he had made. His understanding that mistakes are an important element of every successful executives growth trajectory, is an extremely important point to make. One that is often lost in the pursuit of protecting a CEO's fragile corporate image. I congratulate Mr. Novak on creating a culture that other companies would do well to emulate and for writing a book that shows them how to do so.

I found this book in a used book store while out of town. It has truly had a positive impact on many of my thoughts on what it takes to be a great leader. I found the writing style to be fast paced and very approachable. True, it is certainly told from a vantage point of an autobiography and while that is a style of book I have not historically been attracted too, after reading this I am going to give some others a shot. I found many examples in the book that are relevant to a leadership position and mindset in almost any position; from being part of an impromptu social group to a formal CEO. I have to admit that when reading the back of the book the idea of giving away rubber chickens sounded trite and sort of silly, however, after reading how he does it I understand why it works as well as it does. I am looking for suggestions for other books like this so if you have any, replies to this would be appreciated. Great job David - keep "walking the talk"!

I went through only the first audio CD of six, and though it did tell about the author, the author was unable to describe the "business" techniques that are teachable to others. It was his set of particular skills or virtues (you know these already) that enabled him to accomplish such and such. Waste of time. If you're looking for a good CD on management or CEO behaviour, "Doing What Matters" is vastly superior. It teaches specific business techniques. I would give it a 1 star, except, I didn't go through the remaining five CDs, and have no easy way of previewing these.

I found this book to be inspirational as well as educational. It was also entertaining enough that it was a very fast read. David Novak's live has touched products and advertising I have been familiar with my whole life so it was easy to go along for the ride. Some stories were a little tangential but I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone in corporate America looking to excel in their career.

The priniciple problem with this book is that it reads more as an autobiography on the life and times of David Novak. We learn he was a great junior high basketball player, great editor, great natural salesperson and the benefactor of an unusual upbringing that forced him to be more social and outgoing than most. Many of these stories especially the latter are retold throughout the text. It is not really a book on business that transfers much of lasting value to the reader.

No doubt Mr. Novak is a very successful business leader but I'm guessing he believed too highly in his own editoral skills to listen to the feedback provided by his editor. If you are looking for more than an autobiography and want to really learn something tangible from successful CEOs then check out Gary Sutton's Six Month Fix or Jack Welch's Winning.

This book by David Novak, CEO of "YUM! Brands," is an easy read. The subtitle, "Lessons Learned from the Trailer Park to the Corner Office" is a great description of how he uses past experiences as a valuable resource for guidance, inspiration and strength in his drive to succeed.

His belief in people and recognizing their contributions towards the success of the organization is one of the significant themes of the book.

For those seeking similar success, Novak's counsel rings true:

"The first rule of being a great leader is to be yourself."

"Be a passionate learner, and pass on what you know to others. Not only will this make you a success in business, it will make you a success in life."

David is an AMAZING guy. He is down to earth and funny. He tells you like it is and is an inspiration. You will not want to put the book down. He has great tips and ideas. It's a business book and autobiography in one.

Some reviewers have commented about how some of his concepts are 'basic.' While yes it is true that some are, the difference is he gets results and he knows how to properly execute the basic concepts which we all know is a rarity.

Another thing I love is he is not shy about talking about where he screwed up and what he learned from it. His story will make you want to eat fast food again . . . well at least consider it :)

"Very good read on the executive development, and the role of luck, of a well known and respected CEO. Insights and solutions on managing multiple brands, product lines and stakeholders, inclusive of decoupling such historical systems. "