In this book, Ken Auletta explores the life and career of David Ogilvy, often referred to as the 'King of Madison Avenue.' Ogilvy was a pioneering figure in advertising who founded Ogilvy & Mather and is credited with revolutionizing the industry through his innovative approaches and emphasis on research-based advertising. The book delves into Ogilvy's early life, his rise to prominence, and his significant contributions to the field of advertising, providing a detailed and insightful look at the man and his impact on modern advertising.
This book is a compendium of quotes from Charlie Munger, culled from interviews, speeches, and questions and answers at the Berkshire Hathaway and Wesco annual meetings. It offers insights into Munger’s remarkable financial success and life philosophies. Described by Business Insider as 'sharp in his wit and investing wisdom,' Munger’s investment tips, business philosophy, and rules for living are unique, intelligent, and successful. The book is structured similarly to The Tao of Warren Buffett and The Tao of Te Ching, with commentary by David Clark, coauthor of the Buffettology series.
This book provides a comprehensive and detailed account of Warren Buffett’s life, from his early days to his ascension as one of the most successful investors in history. Written by Roger Lowenstein, the book is based on three years of research and includes interviews with Buffett’s family, friends, and business associates. It explores Buffett’s investment strategies, his long-term philosophy of buying undervalued stocks, and his role in transforming Berkshire Hathaway into a highly successful corporation. The book also delves into Buffett’s personal life and the influences that shaped his investment approach, including his mentor Benjamin Graham and his partnership with Charlie Munger.
This book provides a unique perspective on the growth of female leadership at Berkshire Hathaway, a company once dominated by men. It profiles eight powerful women, exploring their career paths, working relationships with Warren Buffett, and how they balance work and personal life. The book offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of these women, highlighting the gradual shattering of the glass ceiling in corporate America.
What I learned from reading The Women of Berkshire Hathaway: Lessons from Warren Buffett's Female CEOs and Directors by Karen Linder.
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Follow one of my favorite podcasts: Invest Like the Best and listen to episode 326 Alexis Rivas—A New Blueprint for Homebuilding
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Episode outline:
Mr. Buffett, we're going to put our competitors through a meat grinder. — Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist by Roger Lowenstein. (Founders #182)
There are several "Going Out of Business" advertisements from competitors' stores framed and hanging on the wall.
As a general rule, bet on the quality of the business, not on the quality of the management-unless, of course, you've got a Mrs. B. in your hand. If that is the case, go all in. She was a business genius. — The Tao of Charlie Munger (Founders #295)
Retirement is fatal. — David Ogilvy (Founders #189)
Business like raising a child, you want a good one. A child needs a mother and a business needs a boss.
What is your favorite thing to do on a nice evening? Drive around to check the competition and plan my next attack.
He was 52 and famous. I was 33 and a junior account executive. Early on, he wrote a letter to one of my clients. After listing eight reasons why some ads prepared by the company’s design department would not be effective, he delivered his ultimate argument: The only thing that can be said in favor of the layouts is that they are “different.” You could make a cow look different by removing the udder. But that cow would not produce results. So began my “David” file. Almost everyone who worked at the agency kept one. — The King of Madison Avenue: David Ogilvy and the Making of Modern Advertising by Kenneth Roman. (Founders #169)
Buffet said: If she ran a popcorn stand I’d wanna be in business with her. She's just plain smart. She's a fierce competitor and she's a tireless worker.
Buffett “on how Mrs. B ran her business: One question I always ask myself in appraising a business is how I would like, assuming I had ample capital and skilled personnel, to compete with it. I'd rather wrestle grizzlies than compete with Mrs. B. They buy brilliantly, they operate at expense ratios on to t competitors don't even dream about, and they then pass on to their customers much of the savings. It's the ideal business—one built upon exceptional value to the customer that in turn translates into exceptional economics for its owners."
She hired a chauffeur who drove her around Omaha each day. The driver took her to other stores. She looked in the windows and checked to see how many cars were in their parking lots. It didn't take long for her to plan her revenge.
There was no looking back. She just swung.
Aspiring business managers should look hard at the plain, but rare, attributes that produced Mrs. B’s incredible success. Students from 40 universities visit me every year, and I have them start the day with a visit to NFM. If they absorb Mrs. B’s lessons, they need none from me.
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“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth
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“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth
Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast