Icons of Business [Two Volumes] [2 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of Mavericks, Movers, and Shakers (Greenwood Icons) [Hardcover]

Kateri Drexler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 2006 | Series: Greenwood Icons

The huge popularity of The Apprentice reflects the degree to which business has emerged as a primary force in popular culture. Not surpisingly, what it takes to succeed in the cutthroat corporate environment is not unlike show business—strong ego, ability to withstand rejection, creativity, and risktaking, to name a few of the requisite qualities. Icons of Business presents 24 entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and mavericks whose influence extends beyond business into society at large. From Martha Stewart to Ben and Jerry, Bill Gates to Anita Roddick, Icons of Business offers indepth profiles of the business leaders whose names and products have become household words. Each profile includes discussion of the subject's background, career, accomplishments, supporters and detractors, and lasting influence.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Drexler, a freelance writer, entrepreneur, and professor of marketing and business administration, showcases 24 contemporary innovators, mavericks, and corporate leaders in a wide range of industries and industry niches. Those selected, among them Bill Gates, Lee Iacocca, Martha Stewart, and Oprah Winfrey, have achieved significant success, are often sought out for their advice, and exhibit enduring qualities and skills of leadership. Each alphabetically arranged entry describes and discusses "The Early Years," "Career Path," "Personal Life," "Leadership Lessons" (the longest section), "Political Influence," "Critics," and "Possible Future Impact." A time line and resources list are provided along with company address, URL, and ticker symbol. Entries also include quotations by and about the subject and photos. Sidebars provide additiional information relevant to the subject's company or industry, such as the lengthy discussion of "The United States Airline Deregulation Act of 1978" in the Herb Kelleher (of Southwest Airlines) entry. A sidebar in the Bill Gates entry discusses the 15 guiding principles of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and one in Body Shop Anita Roddick's entry includes a list of the various campaigns she has sponsored on women's rights, human rights, and environmental issues. The second volume concludes with a bibliography of business biographies and autobiographies and a short list of databases and Web sites of business information. A brief index provides additional access points to the entries. This set, part of Greenwood's Icons series, will be used in academic and large public business collections by students and entrepreneurs to study leadership methods and successes. Awe, Susan

Review

"In this encyclopedia, 23 prominent figures in the contemporary business world are profiled, with discussions of their personalities, career path, leadership style, organizations, skills, and traits, as well as information on biography and their personal lives. How these leaders wield power in the political arena is also discussed, and sections on criticism of them and their future impact are included. Individuals were chosen if their companies were successful market leaders, and they represent a variety of industries. Examples are Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Alan Greenspan, Lee Iacocca, Phil Knight, Martha Stewart, Donald Trump, Sam Walton, and Ted Turner. Quotes, company information, and timelines are incorporated, and information for the entries was drawn from research texts, management books, biographies, autobiographies, interviews, and company websites."

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Reference & Research Book News

"The entries provide more than mere biographical information; instead, they give context for each individual that begins with a brief overview of his/her achievements, followed by detailed discussions of personal history, career path, and personal life. Each entry includes a major Leadership Lessons section, wherein strategies and philosophies come to light; a time line; a bibliography; and handy company contact information. Attention is given to critics and the potential future of each icon. One of the especially nice features is the inclusion of a photograph with the entry's introduction….Useful for adults but especially recommended for young adult collections."

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Library Journal

"[S]howcases 24 contemporary innovators, mavericks, and corporate leaders in a wide range of industries and industry niches….This set part of Greenwood's Icons series, will be used in academic and large public business collections by students and entrepreneurs to study leadership methods and successes. Readable and engaging profiles for students who are interested in business."

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Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood; First. edition (December 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313338620
• ISBN-13: 978-0313338625
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.2 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,662,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kateri Drexler is dedicated to discovering what drives and enables students to learn. When a high school biology teacher challenged her to raise her own standards significantly beyond what she thought possible, it changed the course of her future. Since then, she has studied how others can benefit from finding their own driving force and mastering learning skills by making small adjustments in habits and practices.

Kateri has been designing online applications for students for over fifteen years. As the President of Global Learning Solutions, Inc. Kateri oversees the creation of interactive and engaging online courses, labs, and simulations. Prior to venturing into the online world, she was a professor of business administration and has authored or co-authored twelve texts in the field of student success. She has traveled extensively around the world, living and working in Africa, Asia, South America and the U.S. helping thousands of students take control of the factors and forces that shape their lives.