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

by Ronald Chan

Overview

Warren Buffett is a legend for his investment philosophy, but few are familiar with the leaders of his companies.

In Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain, author Ronald Chan—the founder and CEO of Chartwell Capital—offers an inside look at the early careers of numerous executives and CEOs who have contributed to Berkshire’s success. Page by page, you will learn about the early career decisions these individuals made, what they gained from their jobs, the skill sets they acquired, and how they became part of the world’s most dynamic conglomerate.

Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, this reliable resource:

• Contains lessons that any executive or employee can use to improve their performance
• Provides exclusive interviews with top Berkshire Hathaway executives and CEOs, including David Sokol of MidAmerican Energy, Walter Scott Jr. of Level 3 Communications, Cathy Baron Tamraz of Business Wire, Brad Kinstler of See’s Candies, Marla Gottschalk of the Pampered Chef, Stanford Lipsey of the Buffalo News, and many others
• Offers a wide range of approaches to developing a successful business mindset

With Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain, you will quickly discover how an exceptional group of managers have contributed to a culture of achievement and how their lesson can be applied to both your career and life. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470642979
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	04/07/2010
Sold by:	JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	193
File size:	2 MB

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.

Read an Excerpt

Click to read or download

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

From the Publisher