Sean McNulty, a reporter at The Ankler and co-host of The Ankler Podcast, dives into the tumultuous leadership landscape at Disney. He discusses Bob Iger's looming exit and the proxy battles shaking up the boardroom, laying bare the challenges faced by his successor, Bob Chapek. The conversation touches on Disney's recent streaming gains against industry giants, the ongoing layoffs aimed at enhancing profitability, and Nelson Peltz's influence on the company’s future. It's a riveting look at the challenges and strategies shaping the Disney empire.
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Peltz's Previous Targets
Nelson Peltz, known for targeting consumer-facing businesses, aimed to increase stock value.
His previous targets included companies like Procter & Gamble, Wendy's, and Snapple, with no prior entertainment experience.
insights INSIGHT
Why Peltz Targeted Disney
Peltz likely targeted Disney due to its falling stock price in 2022, caused by rising streaming costs and internal CEO struggles.
Peltz's goal appeared to be increasing his wealth through stock price improvement.
insights INSIGHT
Iger and Perlmutter's Friction
Bob Iger and Ike Perlmutter had long-standing friction, culminating in Perlmutter's firing in 2023.
This firing presented an opportunity for Iger, though Perlmutter's alliance with Peltz likely wasn't unexpected.
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Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World
A.J. Baime
The Accidental President by A.J. Baime is a captivating biography that focuses on Harry S. Truman's first 120 days as President of the United States. Chosen as FDR’s fourth-term vice president due to his work ethic, good judgment, and lack of enemies, Truman was thrust into the presidency after FDR’s sudden death. During his initial months, Truman oversaw significant historical events such as the founding of the United Nations, the fall of Berlin, victory at Okinawa, firebombings in Tokyo, the first atomic explosion, the Nazi surrender, the liberation of concentration camps, the Potsdam Conference, and the controversial decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The book provides a detailed and nuanced account of Truman’s leadership during this tumultuous period, using sources like official documents, journal entries, and personal correspondence to bring the story to life.
James
Percival Everett
Percival Everett's "James" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Everett's writing is both sharp and witty, blending humor and pathos to create a compelling narrative. The novel explores themes of race, freedom, and identity in a way that is both timely and timeless. Everett's unique voice and perspective offer a fresh take on a familiar story, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about race and American history. The novel's unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged until the very end, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
The Women
Kristen Hanna
1984
None
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
Bob Iger has held the keys to the Disney castle since 2005. The last time this larger-than-life CEO tried to leave, an entire proxy battle broke out under the nose of his successor. Now, with Iger’s contract up in 2026, the entertainment industry (and Wall Street) are wondering who — and what — will come next. Sean McNulty, co-host of The Ankler Podcast, joins David to break down Disney’s next steps, and whether Iger can finally land the plane on his successor.
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