Happy New Year you all and compliments of the season (I never quite know when the right time is to stop saying that sentence). I have been gone for quite a bit and while I have not been updating my blog as regularly as I would like to, 2012 is the year when I change that circumstance. On to the point, I recently read a book written by Neville Isdell, former CEO and Chairman of the Coca-Cola Company, called Inside Coca-Cola. While one would assume that this book would be a typical autobiography of a prominent businessman, it serves much more than that – it not only depicts and follows his professional life in one of the most successful companies in history, but it also teaches the reader about the business lessons and fundaments that he has learnt throughout his career; lessons that may come in handy for present and future entrepreneurs, and business leaders.
In this cleverly-written and insightful book, one cannot begin to fathom the challenges and hardships that Isdell must have faced, and the creativity and courage that it took to solve them while also trying to successfully lead a multi-billion dollar company. More commendable however, is his simple yet powerful analysis of positive capitalism. In the last chapter entitled Connected Capitalism, he extensively explains how capitalism can contribute positively towards solving some of the world’s greatest problems; this of course only being possible through the positive collaboration and marriage of three key elements – NGOs, businesses and governments.
He is an iconic businessman, but more notable is his great penmanship as he is the co-author of this enthralling book, and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone and everyone!!!
