William D. Cohan, a seasoned business writer and former investigative reporter, dives into power, ego, and corporate leadership. He discusses his new book, examining the link between Marcus Aurelius and Jack Welch, the imperial CEO of General Electric. Cohan critiques society's idolization of powerful CEOs, revealing the tragedy behind their rises and falls. He explores the complex interplay of risk and decision-making in corporate governance, questioning the true nature of success in high-stakes acquisitions and the allure of charismatic leadership.
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Welch's Discontent
Jack Welch, after retiring from GE, complained about his successor at his club.
This, despite being a billionaire and former CEO of one of the world's largest companies.
insights INSIGHT
The Paradox of CEOs
CEOs seem like ordinary people, yet they make billion-dollar decisions affecting millions.
Their decision-making can appear based on personal whims rather than calculated risk assessment.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Edison's Myth
Contrary to popular belief, Thomas Edison played a smaller role in GE's founding than credited.
Financial figures like Henry Villard and JP Morgan orchestrated the merger against Edison's wishes.
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Four Friends: Promising Lives Cut Short is a poignant memoir by William D. Cohan, focusing on the lives of four of his Andover classmates who met untimely deaths. The book explores the lives of Jack Berman, Will Daniel, Harry Bull, and John F. Kennedy Jr., delving into their backgrounds, struggles, and the tragic circumstances of their deaths. Cohan uses extensive interviews to bring these men to life, highlighting both their privileged upbringing and personal challenges.
The Price of Silence
The Duke Lacrosse Scandal, the Power of the Elite, and the Corruption of Our Great Universities
William D. Cohan
The Price of Silence delves into the infamous Duke lacrosse team case, providing a comprehensive and deeply reported narrative. The book examines how the most combustive forces in American culture—unbridled ambition, intellectual elitism, athletic prowess, sexual and racial bias, and absolute prosecutorial authority—collided and exploded on a powerful university campus, in the justice system, and in the media. It highlights the ever-widening gap between America’s rich and poor and how the powerful protect themselves, even at the price of justice.
House of cards
A Tale of Hubris and Wretched Excess on Wall Street
William D. Cohan
This book provides a meticulous and gripping narrative of the events leading to the collapse of Bear Stearns, one of the oldest and largest investment banks. It exposes the excessive greed, corruption, and unethical practices within the firm, particularly the failure of its hedge funds loaded with subprime mortgages. The author, William D. Cohan, offers a comprehensive look at the power struggles among senior management, the lack of oversight, and the catastrophic consequences of their actions on the global financial system.
Power Failure
The Rise and Fall of an American Icon
William D. Cohan
In 'Power Failure,' William D. Cohan provides a detailed history of General Electric's 130-year journey, from its founding to its current state. The book delves into GE's innovations, exponential growth through acquisitions and mergers, and its pioneering doctrine of shareholder value. Cohan also examines the leadership of iconic CEO Jack Welch and the vulnerabilities that were hidden beneath GE's successful facade. The narrative is enriched by rare interviews with key figures, including Jack Welch, and offers a cautionary tale about the hubris and avoidable mistakes that can afflict even the most iconic corporations.
Conspiracy
Ryan Holiday
In 'Conspiracy', Ryan Holiday chronicles the intricate and ambitious plot by Peter Thiel to take down Gawker Media. The book is based on interviews with key players and delves into the strategic and philosophical underpinnings of Thiel's actions. It examines the intersection of power, privacy, and free speech in the digital age, highlighting the ruthless and brilliant tactics employed by Thiel. The narrative transcends a simple tale of a billionaire vs. a media empire, offering insights into the broader implications for culture and society.
Ryan speaks with William D. Cohan about his new book Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon, the link between Marcus Aurelius and the “imperial CEO” of General Electric Jack Welch, the legacy of Thomas Edison and GE, the egos of powerful CEOs, and more.
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