The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success

In this book, William Thorndike Jr. presents a counterintuitive look at eight CEOs whose firms outperformed the S&P 500 by a factor of twenty.

These CEOs, leading companies such as Berkshire Hathaway, The Washington Post Company, and General Dynamics, were characterized by their humility, frugality, and avoidance of the spotlight.

They shared traits such as a laser-sharp focus on per share value, exceptional capital and human resource allocation, and a belief that cash flow determines long-term value.

The book extracts lessons and reveals an alternative model for leading companies and investing, emphasizing relentless rationality and a focus on long-term success.