We Study Billionaires - The Investor’s Podcast Network

TIP527: The Epic Collapse of GE w/ William Cohan

Feb 24, 2023
Guest
William D. Cohan
In this engaging discussion, William Cohan, a New York Times bestselling author known for his in-depth analysis of corporate giants, breaks down the storied history of General Electric. He shares captivating insights about founders like Thomas Edison and the controversial reign of Jack Welch. The conversation touches on pivotal corporate decisions, including the effects of decentralization and Buffett's investment. Cohan also reflects on how leadership choices led to GE's decline and its transformation into three separate entities, revealing the complex legacy of this American icon.
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ANECDOTE

Cohan's GE Connections

  • William Cohan worked at GE Capital and knew John Flannery, who later became GE's CEO.
  • This connection, along with Cohan's prior GE experiences, provided valuable insights for his book.
INSIGHT

Edison's Opposition

  • Thomas Edison, despite being associated with GE, was against the merger that formed the company.
  • He was a small shareholder who quickly sold his shares after the merger.
INSIGHT

Coffin's Leadership

  • Charles Coffin, often overlooked, is considered by some to be a better CEO than Jack Welch.
  • Coffin prioritized a decentralized system, fostering innovation and leadership development at GE.
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