More Than a Pink Cadillac : Mary Kay, Inc.'s Nine Leadership Keys to Success (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "THE LEADERSHIP STORY of Mary Kay Inc. begins with the leadership story of the founder herself..." (more)
Key Phrases: independent sales force, independent beauty consultants, independent sales organization, Mary Kay, Golden Rule, Mars Kay (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Remarkable insight into the leadership culture of one of the world's largest cosmetics companies

It's no secret that Mary Kay Inc. -- home of the famous "Pink Cadillac" -- is one of the best run and most successful companies in the world, prompting Harvard professors and U.S. Government agencies to study what made the company a global phenomenon. But what many people may not realize is that Mary Kay is much more than a Pink Cadillac. While this widely recognized icon is a symbol of top performance, it stands for something greater - a way of doing business with a personal concern for people that has made Mary Kay a different kind of company. This book explains the methods and mindset that can bring the same kind of success to your organization.

More than a Pink Cadillac provides insights into a unique and extraordinarily successful business - one that grew out of, and is still founded upon, a simple set of powerful principles. It represents the first time the company has given an outside author -- Jim Underwood -- unlimited access to its employees and management. The principles he reveals in this book have already influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of men and women around the world - and they can do the same for your organization.

From the Back Cover

Headline: "If your mind can conceive it, and if you can believe it, you can achieve it."--Mary Kay Ash

"Mary Kay Ash built one of America's most admired companies. She turned a $5,000 investment into a billion-dollar corporation, and along the way helped thousands of women launch successful careers. The book is filled with the inspirational tales of modest women with grand expectations. Their stories are proof that

success is based on choices, not circumstances."--Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

"If you want to understand the true foundation of success, read this book.  Then, take action and put [Mary Kay's] philosophy to work for you!"--Cheryl Richardson, author of Life Makeovers

More Than a Pink Cadillac reveals how extraordinary leadership and a value-based mindset launched Mary Kay Inc. into the stratosphere. Jim Underwood, the first author granted unlimited access to Mary Kay employees and management, found nine principles and a leadership style that have made the company an icon of success and empowerment around the globe.

Featuring inspirational stories about Mary Kay sales force leaders, More Than a Pink Cadillac emphasizes that success is based on choices, not circumstances. You'll see how the choices you make--for yourself and your organization--can motivate your employees, impress your customers, and protect your company against pitfalls.

If you have the desire to be a true leader, all you have to do is follow the nine key principles in this book--and open yourself to a new way of thinking that is guaranteed to inspire top performance, from yourself and those around you.

It's no secret that Mary Kay Inc.--home of the famous "Pink Cadillac"--is one of the best run and most successful companies in the world, prompting Harvard professors and U.S. government agencies to study what made the company a global phenomenon. But what many may not realize is that Mary Kay is much more than a Pink Cadillac. While this widely recognized icon is a symbol of top performance, it stands for something greater--a way of doing business with a personal concern for people that has made Mary Kay a different kind of company. This book explains the methods and mindset that can bring the same kind of success to your organization.

More Than a Pink Cadillac provides insights into a unique and extraordinarily successful business--one that grew out of, and is still founded upon, a simple set of powerful principles. It represents the first time the company has given an outside author--Jim Underwood--unlimited access to its employees and management. The principles he reveals in this book have already influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of men and women around the world--and they can do the same for you and your organization.

Inside, you'll find inspirational stories from Mary Kay management and leaders of the independent sales force that illustrate the "nine leadership keys to success," which can be applied in any company. From "Never Leave Your Values" and "Think and Act Strategically"to "Have a Higher Purpose" and "Innovate or Evaporate," More Than a Pink Cadillac gives you the strategies and tools you need to build binding ties of trust and loyalty-- to your customers and employees--and adopt the leadership thinking necessary for high performance.

Mary Kay Ash was the best example of this leadership style. She was devoted to her employees and her independent sales force. This was a woman who viewed her company as a family; who talked of P&L not as profit and loss, but "people and love." You'll see how the Mary Kay philosophy can make enthusiasm, integrity, laughter, and excellence an everyday part of your organization--along with extraordinary growth. You'll learn why inspirational leadership is fundamental to leadership success. And you'll discover the skills you need to triumph against overwhelming odds--no matter the scenario.

Much more than a company history, more than a book about the cosmetics industry and women in business, More Than a Pink Cadillac is about fail-proof principles of leadership--a must-have how-to manual for business and for life.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 204 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (December 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071408398
• ISBN-13: 978-0071408394
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #464,362 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A BOOK ANYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM!, February 11, 2003

By	"ssparklers" (Orlando, FL United States) - See all my reviews

I am a MK Consultant and this book is a great recruiting tool! A must-have for ANY MARY KAY Independent Beauty Consultant OR Director. Also, a perfect book for any employer or large corporation to read and apply the nine Leadership keys!

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a tribute to a company..., January 16, 2003

By	Jennifer Matz (Fairbanks, Alaska United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book does more than explain the success behind Mary Kay, Inc. It tells the world how Mary Kay Ash lived her life. The simple steps outlined in this book can give direction not only to a business but to a life. The sections are put together well and the text is very well thought out and suggestions are given from the heart. Every business leader should read this book and put it into practice.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very inspirational..., May 31, 2003

By A Customer

This is not a self help type of books for MK consultants. It describes the type of leadership you will find at the MK headquarters and throughout the company. Many business owners and corporations could learn a thing or two from this book, as well as the lay person in search of living a better life and improve their interpersonal skills. I am a consultant and now I understand many things I've been learning from my directors. If you are in MK you MUST get the book. If you are a business owner, YOU MUST also get the book.