Autobiography: business and industry Books

Book Synopsis* THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER *Young Mary Newton, born into a large Irish family in a small Watford semi, was always getting into trouble. When she wasn’t choking back fits of giggles at Holy Communion or eating Chappie dog food for a bet, she was accidentally setting fire to the local school. Mary was a trouble magnet. And, unlike her brothers, somehow she always got caught…Britain in the 1970s was a world where R White's lemonade was drunk in secret, curry came in a cardboard box marked Vesta and Beanz meant Heinz. In Mary’s family, money was scarce. Clothes were hand-me-downs, holidays a church day out to Hastings and meals were variations on the potato. But these were also good times which revolved around the force of nature that was Theresa, Mary’s mum.When tragedy unexpectedly blows this world apart, a new chapter in Mary’s life opens up. She takes to the camp and glamour of Harrods window dressing like a duck to water, and Mary, Queen of Shops is born…Trade ReviewPortas writes with wit and verve... The book has the narrative charm of Anita and Me or The Buddha of Suburbia; so when the darkness comes it's genuinely shocking. Shop Girl is a testament to survival. But most of all it is a love letter to her mother, Mary Flynn. Every joke, argument, cake baked, tenderness proffered, sings off the page. 'To my mum - How lucky was I getting you' is the book's dedication. And we are lucky to read it. * Independent *Enormous fun, readable, nostalgic, poignant and authentic... Read it then give it to your daughter * Daily Express *Absolutely fabulous... Colourful, camp and unexpectedly heart-rending, I loved it. -- Caroline Sanderson * The Bookseller *Her school stories are hilarious... a nostalgia-fest * Heat *Portas's memoir is witty, fascinating and, at times, sad but always compelling * Stylist *It breezes along seamlessly... with levels of charm, depth and humour * The Observer *Poignantly described * Telegraph *Heartbreaking * The Times *Inspiring and emotional * OK! *[A] delightful memoir... full of evocative images * Choice Magazine *Warm, witty and evocative, Shop Girl is a cloudless trip down memory lane * The Tablet *Undeniably compelling * Irish Sunday Independent *Searingly honest... A fascinating memoir * Hello! *[Shop Girl] is both a beautifully nostalgic look back at a world long gone and a testament to family ties and our inherent strength * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisDr J.S.Nagra is a retired Inspector of schools. He played a leading role in in getting Asian Languages and Asian studies introduced in British schools. .He has written around fifty books that are used around the world

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Book SynopsisIn 1964 Ryszard Kapuscinski was appointed by the Polish Press Agency as its only foreign correspondent, and for the next ten years he was 'responsible' for fifty countries. He befriended Che Guevara in Bolivia, Salvador Allende in Chile and Patrice Lumumba in the Congo. He reported on the fighting that broke out between Honduras and El Salvador in 1969 around their matches to determine which one of them would qualify for the 1970 World Cup. By the time he returned to Poland he had witnessed twenty-seven revolutions and coups. The Soccer War is Kapuscinski's eyewitness account of some of the most defining moments in twentieth-century history.Trade Review* 'Part-diary, part-documentary account of the twenty years in which Kapuscinski make the telex machines chatter with his unique reportage, his datelines forming a gazetter of the world's trouble spots' Sunday Telegraph *'In this book you learn what it feels like to have benzene poured over you by someone who is about to set you alight. You feel very cold indeed' James Fenton, Independent on Sunday *'As rich and strange as anything in Marquez' Guardian

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Book SynopsisWhat is a good psychopath? McNab is a diagnosed psychopath but he is a GOOD PSYCHOPATH. Unlike a BAD PSYCHOPATH, he is able to dial up or down qualities such as ruthlessness, fearlessness, conscience and empathy to get the very best out of himself – and others – in a wide range of situations.

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Book SynopsisHard - won advice practical business advice from the hugely successful entrepreneur and founder of the Rodial skincare, Maria Hatzistefanis - with plenty of advice, tips and practical steps to follow, she demonstrates how to kick start your career and be the best you can be in business.'A truly very inspiring book' -- ***** Reader review'One of the best books I have ever read' -- ***** Reader review'Inspirational and real' -- ***** Reader review'Truly inspiring and a total must read' -- ***** Reader review'The tips, advice and actionable steps are fabulous!' -- ***** Reader review'Obsessed with this book I can't put it down!!' -- ***** Reader review*******************************************************************************************"You are not born an entrepreneur. It's a skill that you learn along the way."When the skincare company Rodial launched its cult 'snake' serum, the press quickly called the business an 'overnight success'. However, Rodial's founder Maria Hatzistefanis had been toiling for 18 years, building the company from scratch in her bedroom. Now, the beauty boss sets out to demonstrate in this very accessible book that its success stemmed from sheer hard work, tireless efforts and a lot of patience.Fashion-loving Maria set out with a dream to build a beauty business and - despite not excelling at school, and being fired from her first job - she has achieved it. She did it by dreaming big, working hard, surrounding herself with the best, taking risks, creating buzz and building her own personal brand, which is now a favourite with high-profile models and media personalities including Poppy Delevingne, Daisy Lowe and Kylie Jenner.Crucially, she believes anyone can do this and her book, brimming with good sense, great advice, tips and secrets - all presented in an easy, friendly style - shows how.

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Book SynopsisJoan Didion at a startup' Rebecca SolnitImpossibly pleasurable' Jia TolentinoThis is essential reading' StylistAt twenty-five years old, Anna Wiener was beginning to tire of her assistant job in New York publishing. There was no room to grow, and the voyeuristic thrill of answering someone else's phone had worn thin.Within a year she had moved to Silicon Valley to take up a job at a data analytics startup in San Francisco. Leaving her business casual skirts and shirts in the wardrobe, she began working in company-branded T-shirts. She had a healthy income for the first time in her life. She felt like part of the future.But a tide was beginning to turn. People were speaking of tech startups as surveillance companies. Out of sixty employees, only eight of her colleagues were women. Casual sexism was rife. Sexual harassment cases were proliferating. And soon, like everyone else, she was addicted to the internet, refreshing the news, refreshing social media, scrolling and scrolling and scrTrade Review‘I've never read anything like Uncanny Valley, which is both a searching bird's-eye study of an industry and a generation as well as an intimate, microscopic portrait of ambition and hope and dread. Anna Wiener writes about the promise and the decay of Silicon Valley with the impossibly pleasurable combination of a precise, razored intellect and a soft, incandescent heart. Her memoir is diagnostic and exhilarating, a definitive document of a world in transition’ Jia Tolentino, New York Times-bestselling author of Trick Mirror ‘Joan Didion at a start-up’ Rebecca Solnit, bestselling author of Men Explain Things To Me ‘This was the memoir I'd been waiting for. A witty, unique perspective and fresh insight showing us the behind the scenes of the tech industry in a new thrilling way’ Emma Gannon ‘Uncanny Valley is a generation-defining account of the amoral late-capitalist tech landscape we are fatally enmeshed in. …Insightful, compelling and urgent’ Stephanie Danler, author of Sweetbitter ‘Uncanny Valley is an addictive combination of coming-of-age story, journalistic memoir, and brilliant social critique. This is a stunningly good book. I loved it’ Dani Shapiro, author of Inheritance ‘This much-anticipated memoir of Anna Wiener's time spent working in San Francisco's booming, seductive tech industry is guaranteed to make you think differently about the role apps command in our everyday lives’ Vogue ‘Wiener’s compulsive debut memoir chronicles her journey from proud late-adopter to true believer, forging on into burnout territory and beyond. It’s a wry, crisply written tale of optimism and hubris, idealism and misogyny. While it often reads like sci-fi, it’s also a kind of horror story, one in which we are all – through inattention, if nothing else – complicit’ Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisIt was on 6 June 2004 that BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner and cameraman Simon Cumbers were ambushed by Islamist gunmen in a quiet Riyadh back street. Simon was killed outright. Frank was hit in the shoulder and leg. As he lay in the dust, a figure stood over him and pumped four more bullets into his body at point-blank range.Trade ReviewGardner is a superb reporter; his terrible experience only make his analysis all the more telling * EVENING STANDARD *Gardner tells his remarkable tale well and bravely, with an astonishing lack of anger and enduring love and respect for the Islamic world * SUNDAY TIMES *Chilling, graphic and admirably unsentimental... Gardner comes across as a modest, thoroughly decent man... an exemplary foreign correspondent * GUARDIAN *A witty, self-deprecating, inspiring testament * DAILY TELEGRAPH *Vivid detail... entertaining anecdotes... Gardner is a tremendous model for what relations between East and West can be... a fine introduction both to journalism and to the culture of the Middle East * INDEPENDENT *

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Book SynopsisMichael Bloomberg rose from middle-class Medford, Massachusetts to become a pioneer of the computer age, mayor of New York, one of the world's most generous philanthropists, and one of America's most respectedand fearlessvoices on gun violence, climate change, public health, and other issues. And it all happened after he got fired at the age of 39. This is his story, told in his own words and in his own candid style. After working his way through college and graduating from Harvard Business School, Bloomberg landed on the bottom rung of a Wall Street firm and worked his way up to partner. But in 1981, he was forced out of the firm. With an idea for computerizing financial data, Bloomberg started his own company. And, since personal computers barely existed, he built his own. Specially designed for Wall Street traders and analysts, the Bloomberg Terminal revolutionized the world of finance. Under Bloomberg's leadership, his company grew rapidly, playing David to the Goliaths of fiTable of ContentsPreface vii Chapter 1 The Last Supper 1 The Thrill of Getting Fired: Tarrytown 1981 Chapter 2 Capitalism, Here I Come 9 School, Work, and Hard Knocks Chapter 3 I Love Mondays 39 Entrepreneurship: Vocation and Avocation Chapter 4 We Can Do That 69 Elementary Journalism, Not Rocket Science Chapter 5 “No” Is No Answer 93 Establishment Ignorance and Arrogance Chapter 6 Money Talks 113 Textbook Multimedia Chapter 7 Man vs. Machine 129 Technology: Politics and Promises Chapter 8 Management 101 153 The Bloomberg Way Chapter 9 Coming Up Next 177 America’s a Wonderful Country Chapter 10 Out of the Office 189 Character and Consistency Chapter 11 Wealth, Wisdom, and Work 211 Philanthropy and Public Service Index 239

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Book SynopsisMalcolm Turnbull, Australia’s 29th Prime Minister, tells the remarkable story of his life in this lively political page-turner. When Malcolm Turnbull took over the nation’s top job there was a sense of excitement in Australia. Sky-high opinion polls followed as the political outsider with a successful business, legal and media career took charge.The infighting that dogged politics for the best part of a decade looked to be over. But a right-wing insurgency brutally cut down Turnbull’s time in office after three years.Exceptionally candid and compelling, A Bigger Picture is the definitive narrative of Malcolm Turnbull’s prime ministership. He describes how he legalised same-sex marriage, stood up to Donald Trump, rebooted Australia’s defence industry and many more achievements – remarkable in their pace, significance and that they were delivered in the teeth of so much opposition. But it’s far more than just politics. Turnbull’s life has been filled with colourful characters and controversies, success and failure. From his early years, growing up with a single father, to defending 'Spycatcher' Peter Wright against the UK Government; the years representing Kerry Packer, leading the Republican Movement and making millions in business; and finally toppling Tony Abbott to become Prime Minister of Australia. For the first time he tells it all – in his own words. With revelatory insights on the contentious events of Turnbull’s life, A Bigger Picture explores the strengths and vulnerabilities of one of Australia’s best-known and dynamic business and political leaders. Lyrically written in highly readable and entertaining prose, this is a genuine page-turner that’s not just for political junkies.Trade Review'This is the most extraordinary, revealing, incendiary and often compelling Australian prime ministerial memoir published. Nothing compares. Hard to put down.' - Troy Bramston This is the most extraordinary, revealing, incendiary and often compelling Australian prime ministerial memoir published. Nothing compares. Hard to put down. -- Troy Bramston * Twitter *

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Book Synopsis''More than just a memoir. A manifesto for a whole way of thinking'' Daily Mail''An idiosyncratic and gripping memoir about his life and the indomitable career of the Cube'' Observer''The rise and enduring power of the world''s most popular puzzle toy . . . Cubed is less a memoir than a chronicle of Rubik''s evolving relationship with his creation'' Financial Times***As a child, Erno Rubik became obsessed with puzzles of all kinds. To him, they weren''t just games - they were challenges that captured his imagination, creativity and perseverance. Rubik''s own puzzle went on to be solved by millions worldwide, becoming one of the bestselling toys of all time. In Cubed, he tells us the story of the unexpected and unprecedented rise of the Cube for the very first time - and makes a case for why rediscovering our playfulness and inner curiosity holds the key to creative thinking.Trade ReviewThe inventor of the Rubik's Cube on what life and his beloved puzzle have taught him . . . An idiosyncratic and gripping memoir about his life and the indomitable career of the Cube * Observer *Rubik's book is more than just a memoir. It's a manifesto for a whole way of thinking, for the need to retain your childhood playfulness into adulthood if you wish to create anything of worth * Daily Mail *The rise and enduring power of the world's most popular puzzle toy . . . CUBED is less a memoir than a chronicle of Rubik's evolving relationship with his creation * Financial Times *As a school maths teacher and a puzzle writer, I encourage all curious people to open their minds to the words on these pages. This is in part a manifesto for anyone wishing to become a creator. Unleash your creativity with Mr Rubik as your guide -- Bobby SeagullWhile the book tells the story of how Rubik, a Hungarian architect and professor of design, invented the Cube as a way to demonstrate a geometric problem, it also is laced with his thoughts about curiosity, change and the meaning of life * Forbes *A rewarding, idiosyncratic autobiography * Nature *In CUBED, the Hungarian inventor and architect goes into detail explaining how a bold thirst for knowledge has animated his life. He tells the story of how he invented the toy which bears his name, and how his childhood helped turn him into the man he is today. Going one step beyond this, Rubik uses his cube as an allegory for the nature of knowledge itself * Salon *

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Book SynopsisWinner of Best Book of the Year at the Singapore Book Publishers Association awards 2018. Robert Kuok is one of the most highly respected businessmen in Asia. But this legendary Overseas Chinese entrepreneur, commodities trader, hotelier and property mogul has maintained a low profile and seldom shed light in public on his business empire or personal life. That is, until now. In these memoirs, the 94-year-old Kuok tells the remarkable story of how, starting in British Colonial Malaya, he built a multi-industry, multinational business group. In reflecting back on 75 years of conducting business, he offers management insights, discusses strategies and lessons learned, and relates his principles, philosophy, and moral code. Kuok has lived through fascinating and often tumultuous times in Asia - from British colonialism to Japanese military occupation to post-colonial Southeast Asia and the dramatic rise of Asian economies, including, more recently, China. From his front-row seat and as an active participant, this keen, multi-cultural observer tells nearly a century of Asian history through his life and times. Readers interested in business, management, history, politics, culture and sociology will all enjoy Robert Kuok's unique and remarkable story.

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Book Synopsis"You are not born an entrepreneur. It's a skill that you learn along the way."When the skincare company Rodial launched its cult 'snake' serum, the press quickly called the business an 'overnight success'. However, Rodial's founder Maria Hatzistefanis had been toiling for 18 years, building the company from scratch in her bedroom. Now, the beauty boss sets out to demonstrate in this very accessible book that its success stemmed from sheer hard work, tireless efforts and a lot of patience.Fashion-loving Maria set out with a dream to build a beauty business and - despite not excelling at school, and being fired from her first job - she has achieved it. She did it by dreaming big, working hard, surrounding herself with the best, taking risks, creating buzz and building her own personal brand, which is now a favourite with high-profile models and media personalities including Poppy Delevingne, Daisy Lowe and Kylie Jenner. Crucially, she believes anyone can do this and her book, brimming with good sense, great advice, tips and secrets - all presented in an easy, friendly style - shows how.

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Book SynopsisDiscover how Brooks Running Company CEO Jim Weber transformed a failing business into a billion-dollar brand in the ultracompetitive global running market. Running with Purpose is a leadership memoir with insights, inspirational stories, and tangible takeaways for current and aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and the 150+ million runners worldwide and those in the broader running community who continually invest in themselves.This leadership memoir starts with Jim Weber''s seventh-grade dream to run a successful company that delivered something people passionately valued. Fast forward to 2001, Jim became the CEO of Brooks and, as the struggling brand''s fourth CEO in two years, he faced strong headwinds. A lifelong competitor, Jim devised a one-page strategy that he believed would not only save the company but would also lay the foundation for Brooks to become a leading brand in the athletic, fitness, and outdoor categories. To succeed, he had Trade Review'Running with Purpose is a master class in focus, tenacity, team building, innovation, and culture. While I have known Jim Weber for many years, I can only now understand the depth of the struggles he faced on his way to being one of the great leaders of a generation and creating a brand that has motivated millions of runners to Run Happy. I can say with certainty that all managers and leaders will find helpful tools in this book to build their businesses for success.' * Robin Thurston – CEO, Outside, Inc. *'Running with Purpose is as inspirational, insightful, and educational as the company it features and the leader who wrote it. The story of how Brooks rose from the ashes to become a force in running is full of important lessons on both formulating and executing strategy. Read it to learn how performance brands and great teams are built, and how successful leadership requires not just vision but courage and discipline.' * Kusum Ailawadi – Professor, Tuck School of Business, and Co-author of Getting Multichannel Distribution Right *'As a long-time Brooks athlete, it's been easy to draft off the brand's approach of reaching for the biggest goals regardless of being labeled the underdog. Jim Weber goes beyond the goal and gives readers the hows and whys behind the company's success. This book will motivate and guide those looking to have a breakthrough performance and solidifies my belief that Weber is one of the greatest leaders in business.' * Des Linden – Boston Marathon Champion *'I regard Jim as a miracle worker. The institution is the length and shadow of this man.' * Charlie Munger – Vice Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. *'Jim Weber beautifully demonstrates the power and joy of leading with purpose and authenticity and how it can create stunning business results while being a force for good. A wonderful book that is both inspiring and very practical.' * Hubert Joly – Former Chair & CEO, Best Buy Co., Inc., and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of The Heart of Business *'Jim Weber is one of the great brand leaders of today. He has carefully shaped the Brooks experience to honor the legacy of running and Brooks customers. This is a definitive story of what can happen when you zero in on the essence of your customers' beliefs and then build a brand and culture of passion around that.' * Tod Leiweke – CEO, Seattle Kraken *'Jim Weber's remarkable new book chronicles his amazing success story with Brooks Running, inspired by his authentic leadership and his crucible in overcoming a life-threatening bout with cancer. His openness and insights make Running with Purpose a must-read book for everyone.' * Bill George – Senior Fellow, Harvard Business School, former Chair & CEO, Medtronic, and author of Discover Your True North *'Jim's message will resonate with anyone, whether you run or not. His judgment, focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing, and efforts to foster a culture of fun in the workplace have led to some of the most impressive business results around. There is much to learn from this engaging read.' * Sri Zaheer – Dean, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, and Board Chair, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis *'Over the last twenty years as a Brooks athlete, I've watched Jim Weber turn a gasping business into a champion in the industry by not just being a CEO who wants to win the race, but one who leads from the front and brings out the best in everyone. His captivating career path proves that passion + precision elevates performance every time.' * Scott Jurek – Ultramarathon Champion and New York Times Bestselling Author of Eat & Run and NORTH *'Whether you are an entrepreneur setting out with your first brick-and-mortar or running a global corporation, the learnings from Jim Weber's fascinating story will help any leader frame their strategy for success. Jim's tale of how he built Brooks to become the market leader among giants is an inspiring reminder that when you lead with heart and remain steadfast to even a lofty vision, there are no limits to what you can accomplish.' * Kathy Dalby – CEO/Owner, Pacers Running, and Industry Leader *

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Book SynopsisVery few people in parliament can match Nadhim's childhood experience, his understanding of international affairs, his skills as a businessman and his passion for politics' Rory Stewart''From Baghdad to number 11 Downing Street: in any other country it would be fiction. You have to read it to believe it' Jeffrey ArcherBorn and raised in Baghdad, Nadhim Zahawi arrived in the UK aged 12, having been forced to flee Iraq with his family, under threat from Saddam Hussein's regime.In this candid and thoughtful memoir, Nadhim vividly recalls his upbringing in the Middle East, his family's adjustment to their new life in Britain and his rise to Second Lord of the Treasury, one of the highest offices in his adoptive homeland.From his family home being repossessed in his teens to the incredible success of YouGov, and from the highs (and lows) of Jeffrey Archer's mayoral campaign to overseeing Britain's rollout as Minister for COVID Vaccine Deployment, Nadhim reflects on the setbacks faced and hu

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Book SynopsisIt's time to reset, adjust and take the power back.Having spent over 20 years building her hugely successful beauty empire, Maria Hatzistefanis managed to achieve all her childhood dreams and goals. She has attended exclusive parties, walked on glamorous red carpets and visited beautiful cities. Whilst this life of glamour and success is exhilarating, Maria is shocked to find that the happiness it brings is fleeting. This leads her to realise that her life needs a new focus. In this easy to follow guide Maria asks the fundamental question 'what is happiness?'. Analysing her own experiences, failures and fortunes, Maria provides clear, concise and intuitive strategies to help you tackle your own challenges. From aligning your thoughts and actions to detaching your success from achievements, Maria shares her practical secrets to mastering your mindset. How to Live Your Best Life will equip you with the tools you need to be in control of your own destiny. Brimming with good sense, great advice and clear tips Maria guides you on your journey to happiness and ultimately success.

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Book SynopsisMax Hastings is a Sunday Times bestselling author who, between 1986 and 2002, served as editor-in-chief of The Daily Telegraph, then editor of the Evening Standard. In his youth he was a foreign correspondent for newspapers and BBC television and he has won many awards for his journalism and books. His books include Editor and Going to the Wars, covering his journalistic experiences, and Overlord, Das Reich, Bomber Command, Operation Biting, Abyss, All Hell Let Loose and Catastrophe. He was knighted in 2002 for services to journalism.

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Book SynopsisEmbark on a journey of self-discovery as you learn the secrets to living a fearless, meaningful life.Today, more than ever, we act out of fear. We fear change, rejection, failure, and suffering. But what if we could find a way to live that looks to the future instead of the past? What if we could replace our fear with purpose, and discover our potential for growth instead of focusing on our limits?Global mentor for leaders in some of the world''s biggest tech companies, Michal Oshman has created a unique personal growth methodology that challenges you to explore what really matters and offers solutions to everyday struggles. Covering everything from relationships to parenting, developing your career to dealing with past traumas and controlling anxiety, these tools will empower you to embrace change and discover who you really are and what you were born to do with your life. This unique book will help you to find your courage and move forward freely to embrace a life that is free from fear.

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Book SynopsisThe go-to guide on how to build a world-class business by doing the right thing - from one of Britain's most successful ever businessmen.Trade Review'Wise words' Financial Times'The best and wisest book on advertising I've ever read' Bernard Barnett, former editor of Campaign

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Book SynopsisSir Richard Branson is a global entrepreneur, adventurer and founder of the Virgin Group, one of the world's most recognised and respected brands. He is the international bestselling author of seven books, including the classic Losing My Virginity and the new autobiography Finding My Virginity. He lives on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, is married to Joan, father to Holly and Sam and proud grand-dude to five grandchildren.Trade ReviewRefreshing, easily understood and instructive * Independent *The Virgin Way is about daring to be different * Irish Times *Leaves the reader suitably inspired to have a go at founding their own Virgin * City AM *

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Book Synopsis''A hilarious account of life with the children of the super rich...well written...and very funny indeed'' - BOOK OF THE WEEKDaily Mail''A hilarious, behind-the-scenes memoir of the mad world of the very rich'' Daily Telegraph''Very funny...the book bursts with butlers, helicopters and Damien Hirsts'' The Times''There are so many laughs in this book, you almost forget how upsetting capitalism is'' Simon AmstellA naked Russian oligarch is spanking me in his basement. His weapon is a birch branch, the setting his luxurious home sauna. Above us is 30,000 square feet of one of Moscow''s most obscene private homes, an original Damien Hirst above the fireplace, a vacuum cleaning system built into the skirting boards. Invisible speakers serenade us with a desolate pan pipe cover of ''Bridge Over Troubled Water''. A light display rotates kaleidoscopically, illuminating the oligarch''s genitals in a Trade ReviewA hilarious account of life with the children of the super rich...well written...and very funny indeed - BOOK OF THE WEEK * Daily Mail *A hilarious, behind-the-scenes memoir of the mad world of the very rich * The Daily Telegraph *Very funny...the book bursts with butlers, helicopters and Damien Hirsts * The Times *Absurdist tales of tutoring the super-rich...a tongue-in-cheek observation of an unfamiliar side to London, entertainingly narrated...and full of farce * Financial Times *An eye-opening insight into the mindset of the super-rich...sharp and very funny...the laughs come thick and fast...but Knott humanises them even while poking fun at their weirdness, giving the book a memorably melancholy bite * Daily Mirror *There are so many laughs in this book, you almost forget how upsetting capitalism is * Simon Amstell *Hilarious... bursts with splendid anecdotes... I nearly fell off my chair laughing * The Spectator *Effortlessly funny. I inhaled A Class of Their Own. It's a cracking read * Nick Pettigrew, Sunday Times bestselling author of Anti-Social *Extremely funny... fizzes with great one-liners * Reader's Digest *I howled with laughter throughout... touching and hilarious in equal measure * Amrou Al-Kadhi, Author of Life as a Unicorn *With his pleasing turn of phrase... Knott is a witty, observant guide * The Week *Deliciously funny and very poignant * Amia Srinivasan, author of The Right to Sex *An unputdownable outsider/insider account of the utter absurdity of the super-rich * Reaction *Matt Knott is a comic genius * Grace Chatto *I laughed aloud. So many times. Finally a book that deconstructs the bizarre and grotesque world of the super rich and is funny, smart and moving while doing it * Tom Rasmussen, Author of Diary of a Drag Queen *A hilarious and timely look behind the curtain of the international super-rich * Michael Walker *One to make you laugh out loud...Knott writes with comic genius...if you loved reading Adam Kay's "This is Going to Hurt", then you will also enjoy this * Manx Independent *Amusing and a warning to parents who think parenting can be outsourced * Money Weekly *

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Book SynopsisIn 1967, Sir David Khalili finished his military service in Iran and travelled to study in the United States with $750 - his remaining royalties from a book he wrote when he was just 14. Over the course of the next five decades he single-handedly, piece by piece, assembled eight of the finest art collections in their field, ultimately becoming one of the world's greatest collectors, about whom Queen Elizabeth II once said: 'It is scary how much this gentleman knows about art.'For the first time, Sir David shares his extraordinary journey: one that has taken him through the souks of North Africa, the auction houses of Europe and the United States, the bazaars of South Asia, and far beyond. Through a riveting collection of real-life adventures, he reveals his collecting strategy, business ethics and what motivates him to continuously collect, conserve, research, publish and exhibit the treasures in his collections. Through his story, Sir David questions how the undeniable power of art can be harnessed to foster greater peace and unity worldwide. No one is better placed to enlighten us.Trade ReviewA compelling account of the making — and the maker — of an outstanding collection, which has been shared, admired and enjoyed around the world -- Neil MacGregor, author of A History of the World in 100 ObjectsHe has, in one person the great wisdom of three religious leaders: a Chief Rabbi a Cardinal and Grand Mufti -- Pope Benedict XVIThis book, just like David’s life, is the embodiment of cultural diversity and interfaith harmony -- RH Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth NationsA man who works for dialogue and peace -- Francois Hollande, former President of France

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Book SynopsisDespite her family's ailing finances, Diana Athill's childhood - spent in a lovely house in Norfolk - was blissful. In 1932, she fell in love with Paul: an undergraduate who tutored her younger brother. Within several years, she had moved to Oxford to study and they were engaged to be married. Then everything fell apart in the cruellest possible way. Athill's debut is also her most personal: a dissection of personal tragedy and the struggle to rebuild her life amid severe disappointment and loneliness. Unfolding throughout the Second World War, Instead of a Letter is an inspiring story of love and loss, heartbreak and hope, and a testament to her strength of character - her vivacity, honesty and perspicacity.Trade ReviewHer first and still most perfect perfect book -- Carole Angier * Literary Review *The reader sees the transformation of the battered soul into a buoyant woman, open-minded and open-hearted -- Hilary Mantel * Spectator *This classic memoir ... well deserves another airing * Daily Mail *I first came across Diana Athill when I was 17. I picked up her memoir, Instead of a Letter, attracted to its title. I was driven on by avid inexperience, sure that I could find out from Athill what life itself was not yet ready to tell me about love, sex and - most impressively - heartbreak. I admired her elegant vigour and control of words in contrast to the freedom with which she wrote about herself. She became, in my reading life, a friend -- Kate Kellaway * Observer *One certainly admires both her and this truly excellent book, which is a masterpiece of confessional literature * Tablet *The documentary of one woman's ordinary and yet, in her telling, wholly extraordinary life -- Erica Wagner * The Times *A model mix of clear-eyed analysis and deep, unashamed feeling * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisThe engrossing, insightful, and personal musical odyssey of Peter Shapiro, perhaps the most notable independent concert promoter since Bill GrahamPeter Shapiro is the best known and most influential concert promoter of his generation. He owned the legendary Wetlands in Tribeca and has gone on to much bigger things, including Brooklyn Bowl (NYC, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and Nashville), the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, producing U2 3D, and promoting the Grateful Dead''s fiftieth-anniversary tour (Fare Thee Well) featuring the Core Four and Trey Anastasio . . . and so much more.In The Music Never Stops, Shapiro shares the inside story of how he became a power-house in the music industry-an island in an increasingly consolidated landscape of venues, ticketing, and touring-through the lens of fifty iconic concerts. Along the way, readers gain insight into what it was like to work with some of the most celebrated bands in modern music, including no

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Book SynopsisGET OUT THERE, GIVE IT 110% AND ABSOLUTELY SMASH IT!Tom Skinner is a grafter. Born and bred in Romford, he?s spent a lifetime on market stalls and has always had an eye for opportunity. He?s sold everything from laughing monkeys to luxury mattresses! Like a magician, Tom can make something out of nothing, although he?s seen it all disappear just as quickly, too.Graft is a window into the world of a professional wheeler-dealer who knows exactly what it takes to stay afloat and keep your chin up when the going gets tough.Inside, Tom shares his story and the hilarious escapades he?s found himself involved in while trying to make a quick buck. He also reveals how you, too, can make your own luck using the simple mantras he abides by and how to bounce back off the ropes when it feels like you?re down and out.From fuelling yourself with a big breakfast (preferably down Dino?s Cafe) to the importance of making mistakes, Tom offers an entertaining, motivational read for anyone who wants to do bigger and better things ? or just wants a good laugh.This is how to smash life the Skinner way. BOSH!Trade Review‘The boshfather strikes again. A funny man and a funny book. I give it 5 boshes out of 5. Bosh’ Rob Beckett ‘This book could ruin my life, I've known this pest for too long’ Rylan ‘What a great addition to the literary canon. Tom Skinner is like the cockney Oscar Wilde.’ Jack Whitehall

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Book SynopsisJames Cordier, a renowned figure in the commodity trading world, offers a captivating and honest account of his remarkable journey in Reflections of an Option Seller. From his humble beginnings in a small Wisconsin town to his rise as a prominent portfolio manager, Cordier''s story is one of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of mastering the art of commodity trading.In this memoir, Cordier takes readers behind the scenes of his life and career, sharing invaluable insights and hard-won wisdom gained from nearly four decades of experience. He delves into the challenges and triumphs of building OptionSellers.com, one of the most innovative and respected firms in the industry, and candidly reveals the untold story of its downfall in 2018.Through his engaging storytelling and unique perspective, Cordier illuminates the complexities of commodity futures and options markets, providing a rare glimpse into the mind of a true market maverick. With a focus on adaptability and perseverance, he shares the valuable lessons learned from his experiences and how he is applying them to tackle the ever-changing landscape of today''s markets.Reflections of an Option Seller is a must-read for anyone seeking an inside look at the world of commodity trading, as well as those searching for inspiration to overcome obstacles and achieve success in their own endeavors.

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Book SynopsisAs the founder of financial futures and initiator of Globex, the world?s first global electronic trading system, Leo Melamed revolutionized the finance industry. Man of the Futures, his definitive memoir, recounts Melamed?s journey from Holocaust survivor and accidental runner at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), to one of the most prominent leaders in the world of finance.At 33, Melamed gave up a promising law career to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time pit-trader at the CME. He quickly ascended the ranks to become chairman. From there, he set out to disrupt the status quo and ultimately transform both the exchange itself and the broader finance industry. Through daring to embrace innovative ideas many considered absurd, Melamed was a pioneer, continually fighting for modernisation in the financial markets through diversification and the introduction of new technologies. Covering the internal battles waged within the CME, the launch of the International Monetary Market (IMM) and the rise of Globex, this enthralling autobiography details the struggles, scandals and triumphs of a visionary in his field.Together with behind-the-scenes reminiscences about the financial markets, this narrative delves into Melamed?s philanthropic work at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, as well as his fascinating dealings with political figures at home in Chicago, at the White House, and around the world in China, Japan, Singapore, Great Britain, Russia, South Korea, and Brazil. .Man of the Futures offers exclusive access to the rationale behind some of the biggest financial decisions and dealings in the late 20th and early 21st century. Join Leo Melamed for this fascinating and revealing story of a life lived in pursuit of the future.

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Book SynopsisKarren Brady is an inspiration to women everywhere, and her incredible success is borne of her passion, impressive business instinct, ambition, and her very genuine, honest, down-to-earth outlook.This is Karren's story before being Alan Sugar's aide on The Apprentice and VC of West Ham United, how she started out as a sparky 18 year old at Saatchi & Saatchi and at 23, went on to persuade David Sullivan to buy Birmingham City football club turning that business round to sell it for an incredible 82 million 12 years later.Strong Woman tells how she balances her personal life with her professional, her priorities, her life as mother of two and wife. Karren reveals how she coped when doctors told her after a routine scan that she had a brain aneurysm, that she must have a complicated operation immediately and had a 30% chance of not surviving, and how it has since influenced her outlook and priorities.An overwhelmingly inspiring and real look at work and life, Karren Brady defies conventiTrade Review‘Karren's story will be an inspiration to women everywhere. She is a champion for women. Her story explains to others how to find that balance between family and being a top business woman at work.’ LORD SUGAR ‘Karren's story shows that with hard work and tenacity it is possible for women to reach the top of any industry and I am sure this book will encourage many more to be ambitious and successful.’ MARTHA LANE FOX

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Book SynopsisSoon to be a major film starring Will Smith, this is the inspiring rags-to-riches story of the charismatic Chris Gardner, a once homeless father who raised and cared for his son on the mean streets of San Francisco and then went on to become a crown prince of Wall Street.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''A moving portrait of Diwan and the Cairo that embraced it, an ode to all the people who have kept it going'' Harvard ReviewIn 2002, three young women with no business degrees, no formal training, and nothing to lose founded a fiercely independent bookstore. At the time, nothing like Diwan existed in Cairo. Culture was languishing under government mismanagement, and books were considered a luxury, not a necessity. Over the next decade, these three women would contend with censors, chauvinists, critics, one another and many people who said they would never succeed in establishing Diwan as Cairo''s leading bookstore.Frank, fresh and very funny, Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller is a portrait of a country hurtling toward a revolution, a feminist rallying cry, and an unapologetic crash course in running a business under the law of entropy. Above all, it is a celebration of the power of words to Trade Review'A moving portrait of Diwan and the Cairo that embraced it, an ode to all the people who have kept it going' * Harvard Review *'A unique memoir about career, life, love, friendship, motherhood, and the impossibility of succeeding at all of them at the same time. It is the story of Diwan, the first modern bookstore in Cairo, which was opened by three women, one of whom penned this book. As a bookstore owner I found this fascinating. As a reader I found it fascinating. Blunt, honest, funny' -- enny Lawson, author of Broken (in the best possible way)'Each chapter tells of a different section of the bookshop/cafe, with the memoir exploring the many challenges and difficulties the women faced in their enterprise. Her story is a fascinating and enlightening one' * Choice Magazine *

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Book SynopsisIn equal parts a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of some of our best-loved institutions and a guide on how governing boards should work - HRDirectorThroughout the world, thousands of people give their time, skill and energy to serving on a board. From local councils to international corporations boards play a critical role in the running and success of any organisation, large and small.In On Board John Tusa brings us behind the closed doors of the boardroom to provide an insight into the inner-working of boards. From personal squabbles to financial crises, Tusa shares his experiences serving on a wide variety of international boards such as the British Museum and American Public Radio. These lively life-stories unveil how boards overcome deep-set divisions, appoint new members and survive in times of chaos. Through these stories, Tusa provides lessons and tips on how to effectively operate in cooperative business environments. TusaTrade Review'On Board' is a serious story lightly told, with numerous hints and tips along the way on how boards behave and how they should. Every board member should read it... and learn. -- Joan Bakewell, broadcaster, writer and President of Birkbeck, University of LondonJohn Tusa is one of the bravest and most thoughtful public servants of a generation, and one of the people I admire most in British public life. -- Rory StewartJohn Tusa deals with the great and seldom asked questions: why do chairs and chief executives not get on? Why do boards make the wrong appointments? What does a great board look like? His answers – based on huge experience – are vital reading for chairs and trustees everywhere. This is a book on an important subject full of insight and interest: essential reading! -- Lord Tony Hall of Birkenhead CBE, Chairman of the National Gallery and former Director-General of the BBCPart primer, part memoir, part history, laced with psychology and social anthropology, On Board is an arresting and enlightening survival guide for anyone who aspires to sit on a not-for-profit board. It makes an eloquent case for the public value of the independent and good governance of our intellectual and cultural institutions – and the inherent obstacles to achieving it. John Tusa’s case studies, from the many distinguished boards on which he has served and chaired, provide a serious and authoritative analysis of the tenets of institutional governance. This is also a riveting and, at times, excruciatingly candid account of personal learning painfully acquired in what he describes as one of “the most demanding complex and taxing activities in the world of public life”. On Board charts the perilous navigation between the Scylla and Charybdis of personal rivalries and collective prevarication on which so many boards can come to grief. Anyone who has served as a Trustee will recognise his description of boards’ capacities for resilience and dysfunctionality, and, at their centre, the delicate chemistry of the CEO/Chair relationship. Anyone asked to join such a board will be well advised to learn from Tusa how codes, management theory and mission statements cannot substitute for decency, humanity and rigour, so much more difficult to achieve than to proscribe. In the end, good governance depends on good behaviour. -- Tim Gardam, Chief Executive, Nuffield Foundation, former Principal of St Anne's College Oxford and former Chair, Ofcom Content BoardFor anyone considering joining a board, especially one in the arts, this is an excellent guide for what awaits them. It gives a clear sense of how the complex issues and relationships are handled from someone who was there, and lessons in good governance have rarely been so fluently expressed. And for those interested in many leading characters of the London arts scene over the past 20 years, this is a hugely entertaining read. -- Sir Andrew Likierman, Professor and former Dean, London Business SchoolWith outstanding insight, John weaves his way elegantly through misunderstandings, personal ambition, indecision, and incompetence to illustrate with clarity, the consequences of flawed Chairmanship, board composition, mistaken beliefs, and finally the privilege and honour of being part of a Board that gets it right. -- Lady Alison Myners, Chair of Royal Academy TrustOne of the truly great and good, John Tusa has led many of Britain's cultural institutions and led them brilliantly. This book explains, modestly but straight-forwardly, how he has dealt with boards of trustees as helmsman, nanny, confessor, policeman, plotter, and Scout leader. Necessary reading for anyone involved in schools, arts organisations or other non-profits. -- Richard Sennett, Chairman of Trustees, Theatrum Mundi

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Book SynopsisA SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER! THE #1 BESTSELLING BUSINESS BIOGRAPHY OF 2022.'Determined, focused and full of heart - this book encapsulates all that has made Sara Davies the powerhouse she is.' Giovanna FletcherFrom student halls to Dragons Den (and Strictly Come Dancing!), this is Sara Davies MBE's story of building her multi-million-pound business from scratch and why we can all make it big.------------------------Sara Davies is the queen of crafts. Whilst working as an intern in a small company, Sara noticed a gap in the industry and decided to pursue it. By the time she left university, she was running a business with a half million-pound turnover from her student bedroom. When she became the youngest of BBC 1's iconic Dragons, that turnover was £25 million. Today, she is one of Britain's biggest business names.In her first book - as full of warmth, wit and wisdom as she is - Sara shares what it took to get there: from manning factories overnight with her mam and dad to hitting the trade shows of Las Vegas alone, armed with little more than ambition and passion.We Can All Make It chronicles everything from what she looks for in a business investment to how she manages to find time to enjoy family life while running an empire. From the buzz of witnessing your latest product sell out, dancing the cha cha as you broadcast live to 96 million American homes, thriving after lockdown to being at the head of the biggest tables, Sara's unique storytelling answers all the questions for women in business today.Praise for Sara Davies'A business whizz' - Radio Times'A brilliant read.' Steph McGovern'Page-turning, inspiring' - Gethin Jones'She is amazing!' - Alison Hammond'Energy, focus, commitment: she's relentless!' - Peter JonesTrade ReviewI knew I loved Sara Davies but I love her even more now I've read this. Page-turning, inspiring, Sara's book has reaffirmed all that I think is most important in life. -- Gethin JonesA brilliant read. Fun, accessible, and whether you are in business or not, there so many take home messages to think about. -- Steph McGovernSara Davies is amazing! -- Alison HammondEnergy, focus and commitment: she's relentless! -- Peter Jones, EntrepreneurDetermined, focused and full of heart - this book encapsulates all that has made Sara Davies the powerhouse she is. -- Giovanna Fletcher

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Book SynopsisMohamed Mansour has spent his life fighting adversity. Born in Egypt in the post-war period, his childhood was halted abruptly when, aged ten, he almost lost a leg in a devastating car accident. At 18, he had to support himself through college in the US when his family's assets were seized by the Egyptian government. Aged 20, he fought cancer. Then, at 25, he returned to Egypt to help revive the fortunes of his family's once thriving business group as it steadily diversified into sectors from automobiles to construction equipment, fast food to venture capital.Almost five decades on, he and his family stand at the helm of some of the largest companies in North Africa and the Middle East. They have partnered with global brands from General Motors and Caterpillar to McDonald's and invested early in Silicon Valley successes such as Facebook, Uber and Airbnb. He also served as Egypt's Transport Minister from 2005 to 2009.Filled with hard-won wisdoms, Mohamed Mansour's inspirational story demonstrates the importance of learning from experience and never giving up in the drive to succeed.

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Book SynopsisI read Free Spirit all in one go as I literally couldn''t put it down.Tanya Sarne''s courage and resilience are utterly awe-inspiring.You could read no better book than this on the zeitgeist of London and Hollywood in the Sixties and Seventies and the fashion world of the Eighties and Nineties. - Joanna Lumley Wherever it was at, Tanya seemed to be. This is an honest, amusing depiction of life as founder of Ghost, the British fashion brand much loved by woman of all shapes and ages. As well as navigating life through the Sixties and onwards, here is a story of a woman boss juggling motherhood, marriage, romance and every other thread of life''s rich tapestry. - Alexandra ShulmanTanya Sarne''s Ghost very quickly became the show that all the girls wanted to do - Kate Moss, Helena Christensen, Naomi Campbell, etc. It was really incredible casting and the girls LOVED the clothes. The party after the show was the ''party of the week'' - sh

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Book SynopsisThe way we measure success is ready for a redo. This is a handbook for a new kind of entrepreneur: the kind that wants to create not just a profitable business but a worthwhile life. With inspiration and insights from a wide range of business builders, Dr Bob Gomersall sets out a vision for a new kind of return on investment and shows you how to create this success for yourself, your way. Whether you're an established business leader or just feeling ready for a change, this is a blueprint for a better life and a better way of doing business. ''An inspirational guide for entrepreneurs to build businesses that allow us to flourish and thrive, rather than just survive'' - Dame Linda Pollard Chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

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Book SynopsisExtraordinary stories from a lifetime spent conducting interviews. This is the world of the dreaded door-knock from the other side of the door. Trish Palmer has been working as an interviewer and area manager for market research companies for over 20 years, invited into the homes and private lives of an astonishing array of folk from every lifestyle imaginable. Her experiences on the job entail everything from bare bottoms to angry cats, the desperately struggling to the well-off, and everyone in between. There is comedy and sadness, surprises and the downright odd, from witches to boat-builders, dope growers and more. Poignant, hilarious, and always thought-provoking, this is a highly entertaining read.

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Book SynopsisPer Wimmer is equally known as a global financier, philanthropist, adventurer and explorer. Today, Per owns and runs his own investment bank, Wimmer Financial, which he founded in 2007. He has also supported numerous charities financially with a particular view to inspiring children to live out their dreams. His penchant for exploration and adventure has taken him to 85 countries, a world landspeed record attempt, crossing the USA on a Harley-Davidson motorbike, living with the Indians of the Amazon Forest, skydiving over Mount Everest - and soon to be the first Dane private citizen to fly into space via Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic. This is the first volume in the autobiography of a person who a commentator described as "a true Indiana Jones meets 007 James Bond". Per Wimmer's life story is far from ordinary and very much driven by the desire to push boundaries. This first volume covers Per's formative years, his growing fascination for adventure, travel and space, and the growth of his career in international finance, culminating in the founding of Wimmer Financial.

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Book SynopsisThe inside story of a case that illustrates the horrific perils of unchecked prosecutorial overreach, written by the man who experienced it firsthand.Raj Rajaratnam, the respected founder of the iconic hedge fund Galleon Group, which managed $7 billion and employed 180 people in its heyday, chose to go to trial rather than concede to a false narrative concocted by ambitious prosecutors looking for a scapegoat for the 2008 financial crisis. Naively perhaps, Rajaratnam had expected to get a fair hearing in court. As an immigrant who had achieved tremendous success in his adopted country, he trusted the system. He had not anticipated prosecutorial overreach—inspired by political ambition—FBI fabrications, judicial compliance, and lies told under oath by cooperating witnesses. In the end, Rajaratnam was convicted and sentenced to eleven years in prison. He served seven and a half. Meanwhile, not a single senior bank executive responsible for the financial crisis was even charged. Uneven Justice is the story of his bewildering and confounding prosecution by forces who, quite frankly, were looking for bigger game. When Rajaratnam refused to support the narrative that would make that happen, he and the Galleon Group became collateral damage. A cautionary tale with implications for us all, Uneven Justice is both a riveting page-turner and an eye-opening lesson in the vagaries of justice when an unscrupulous prosecutor is calling the shots.Trade Review“The book, "Uneven Justice," makes a persuasive case that this prosecution served to cover up the embarrassment of the Obama DOJ's malfeasance and advance the ambitious Bharara's career. But it's most important point is that the entire justice system is rigged against defendants. Obviously, few people are going to sympathize with a billionaire hedge fund manager. But that's the point. That's not the book's goal. His case is done. The book is a genuine, serious, in-depth study of all the ways federal prosecutors have unchecked power to destroy people. Federal prosecutors routinely threaten people's families, conceal exculpatory evidence, exploit the fact that almost anything is a crime, and in general have rigged the system to make acquittal almost impossible. If it takes Rajaratnam to help expose that, this book is welcomed.” -- Glenn Greenwald, Pulitzer Prize winning Journalist, NY Times Best Selling Author and former constitutional lawyer

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Book Synopsis“An academic career was in front of me, but I sampled the oil and gas industry and stayed. Thirty years later I became CEO of an international company based in Greece.” Michael Earle’s story is full of exploration and adventure from beginning to end. He witnessed the aftermath of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and felt the threat of nuclear war between Pakistan and India; in the Sahara Desert he crossed a minefield in the war zone between Libya and Chad, and he was attacked by gigantic hornets in the spectacular mountains of Papua New Guinea - all in the line of duty. Extensive international travel came with the territory, and the narrative contains interesting portraits of many countries, and insights into the pros and cons of expatriate life. Finally, I am CEO recounts the hard lessons learned at each stage of a tortuous path through corporate life, and how passion for work and the need to support a family strained marriages and determined career choices.

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Book SynopsisAt 30, Duncan Bannatyne had no money and was enjoying life on the beaches of Jersey. He saw a story of someone who had made himself a millionaire, and decided to do the same. Five years later he had done it, and now he is worth 168 million.In this remarkable book, Bannatyne relives his colourful path to riches, from ice cream salesman to multi-millionaire, explaining how anyone could take the same route as he did - if they really want to. Hugely articulate, and with numerous fascinating and revealing stories to tell, this is an autobiography and a business book unlike any other - but then Bannatyne isn''t like any other businessman, either.

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Book SynopsisChosen as one of the Daily Mail's Memoirs of the YearTim Waterstone is one of Britain's most successful businessmen, having built the Waterstone's empire that started with one small bookshop in 1982. In this charming and evocative memoir, he recalls the childhood experiences that led him to become an entrepreneur and outlines the business philosophy that allowed Waterstone's to dominate the bookselling business throughout the country.Tim explores his formative years in a small town in rural England at the end of the Second World War, and the troubled relationship he had with his father, before moving on to the epiphany he had while studying at Cambridge, which set him on the road to Waterstone's and gave birth to the creative strategy that made him a high street name.Trade Review[A] moving, funny take on business, family and mortality -- Jim Armitage * Evening Standard *The rollicking, page-turning memoir of Britain's biggest book tycoon * Daily Mail *[Waterstone] writes movingly... Small, poignant images stand out... From such raw clay are great entrepreneurs moulded * The Tablet *The Face Pressed Against a Window confirms one's sense that this extraordinarily energetic and well-meaning man has been, and still is, a force for good. * Literary Review *Table of Contents1: Prologue 1: Part One 2: Where the Children of My Childhood Played 2: Part Two 3: I do, ladies. I do. I 'ave a go. 3: Epilogue 4: Miranda Beeching 5: The Carriage Clock

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Book SynopsisCharles Handy is perhaps best known outside the business world as a wise and warm presenter of Radio 4''s ''Thought for the Day''. Long recognised as one of the world''s leading business thinkers (over a million copies of his books have been sold around the world), in Myself and Other More Important Matters he leaves the management territory he has so effectively and influentially mapped in the past to explore the wider issues and dilemmas - both moral and creative - raised by the turning points of his long and successful life.Here he investigates the big issues of how life can best be lived as they have emerged from the unfolding of his life and his unique and influential understanding of what really matters.From supplying oil by boat to an area larger than England as a bullish young Shell executive in Borneo to realising that there was a big difference between describing the development of a ''portfolio'' life (made up of a variety of activities for a range of purpoTrade Review[Goes] deeper into the heart of business than almost any book that tackles the subject head on ... A compelling, touching and finally inspiring journey ... To paraphrase TS Eliot, his remarkable achievement is to bring us back to our starting point - but allow us to recognise the place for the first time * Observer *Highly readable ... A wise work from which we will all learn * Sunday Times *Handy at his best; humane, thoughtful and serious * Financial Times *His writing is both spiritual ... and practical: he makes you want to do something about your life, and at the same time convinces that you can, and furnishes you with some good examples of how to go about it ... So much of it will strike home ... Real inspiration ... excellent advice * Times Educational Supplement *Charles Handy is a true statesman in the field . . . a wizened dean of faculty for the world of independent thinkers -- Jim Collins, author of Good to Great

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