Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain: Lessons from Warren Buffett's Top Business Leaders

by Ronald Chan

Overview

Warren Buffett is a legend primarily for his investment philosophy. He isn’t concerned about the intricacies of the market, but instead focuses on the quality of the companies Berkshire Hathaway stands behind. Yet we know little about the leaders of the companies that Buffett handpicks.

In Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain: Lessons from Warren Buffett’s Top Business Leaders, author Ronald W. Chan — founder and CEO of Chartwell Capital — offers a behind-the-scenes look into the careers of Berkshire Hathaway executives who have both directly and indirectly contributed to the conglomerate’s success.

Drawing on exclusive interviews from Berkshire leaders, Chan vividly describes how an exceptional group of managers has built a culture of achievement. With a keen eye for detail, he shows how their lessons can be applied for career success and personal fulfillment. Brimming with practical advice, the book will appeal to both executives and employees wanting to improve their leadership skills and work performance.

Covering the career and life decisions of David Sokol of MidAmerican Energy, Cathy Baron-Tamraz of Business Wire, Dennis Knautz of Acme Brick, Randy Watson of Justin Brands, Stan Lipsey of Buffalo News, and many more, the book offers a wide range of business insights, philosophies, and strategies directly from leaders at the top of their fields.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781119066187
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	04/19/2010
Pages:	193
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

RONALD W. CHAN is the founder and CEO of Chartwell Capital Limited, an investment management company based in Hong Kong. He is a frequent contributor to financial newspapers and magazines in the Asia Pacific region. Ronald received bachelor of science degrees in finance and accounting from New York University.

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Table of Contents

Preface ix

Chapter 1 Exploring Life with Cathy Baron-Tamraz: Business Wire 1

Chapter 2 Teaming Up with Randy Watson: Justin Brands 19

Chapter 3 Taking Action with Stanford Lipsey: Buffalo News 37

Chapter 4 Brainstorming with Barry Tatelman: Jordan's Furniture 53

Chapter 5 Adding Value with Dennis Knautz: Acme Brick Company 69

Chapter 6 Investigating Business with Brad Kinstler: See’s Candies 87

Chapter 7 Looking Forward with Marla Gottschalk: The Pampered Chef 105

Chapter 8 Striving for Excellence with David Sokol: MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company 121

Chapter 9 Learning to Adapt from Walter Scott Jr.: MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company 141

Conclusion Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain 157

Acknowledgments 167

About the Author 171

Index 173

Editorial Reviews

Berkshire is where it is today because of the all-stars running our various operating businesses. This book captures what makes them special.”
– Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

“Ronald Chan has peaked behind the curtain that surrounds Berkshire Hathaway. He introduces us to a superb sample of the remarkable team of leaders who manage the living museum of great companies that Warren Buffett has gathered under the aegis of Berkshire Hathaway.”
– Donald Keough, Chairman of the Board, Allen & Company, Inc., author of The Ten Commandments for Business Failure

“This book will help you learn how Berkshire Hathaway managers built highly successful businesses before acquisition by Berkshire, and how they remain productive now. There are many wonderful ideas scattered throughout, ideas that every manager should carefully study.”
– Prem C. Jain, McDonough Professor of Accounting and Finance, Georgetown University, author of Buffett Beyond Value

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