Book Review of Profit Wise: How to Make More Money in Business by Doing the Right Thing by Jeff Morrill

Jeff Morrill’s Profit Wise: How to Make Money in Business by Doing the Right Thing comes with deep insights of life & leadership experiences and lessons.

While I was initially skeptical about picking up the book, it turned out to be a nice easy-breezy read.

The author pens his experiences and learnings of running his first car dealership venture – Plant Subaro. It is not always easy leading / managing other people. The book proves to be a guide to building a good team, managing people, and of course retaining them.

The book reminded me of all the important things I have come to value in my life – like – Hiring the best, and trusting them; breaking the norms; valuing the potential in people not just skills; valuing people overall (being employee / customer centric); clarity of thought; taking a stand; doing the right thing always; being diverse in hiring; being a responsible corporate citizen; building the right culture from Day 1; course corrections in the journey as required; effective time-management – well you name it!

What really kept me glued were the real-life stories / experiences shared by the author that brought out all the learnings in a more relatable manner. It is sad how most corporate giants and mammoth organizations forget their basics with time.

As I was mentioning, this is a quick read. The chapters are precisely drawn up to give a holistic view and approach towards running a business (which can also be used in the corporate world across all levels). The language is easy, relatable and the reader is bound to feel connected at all times. A smart move by the author to incorporate mind-tickling questions at the end of each chapter to reflect on.

This book, I believe, is a must-have / must-read for young entrepreneurs and all the young adults venturing in the corporate world. Well, others can read it too – it is never too late to learn a thing or two about how successful businesses are run and what it takes to ensure you stay in the running, and reach the next-level. It outlines some really good leadership principles which I have personally experienced in my career journey with some really great leaders.

This one I would highly recommend to read, and re-read!

Book Review of “Beyond The MBA Hype: A Guide To Understanding And Surviving B-Schools” by Sameer Kamat

Beyond The MBA Hype: A Guide To Understanding And Surviving B-Schools
by Sameer Kamat

There is no doubt that education in India is way different than education overseas. While in India most work can and is done with the power of money, the institutes overseas have very strict and different parameters to judge a student’s candidature. Masters in Business Management (MBA) is one such sought-after course that stands proof to the growing apathy of students in India.
Beyond The MBA Hype: A Guide To Understanding And Surviving B-Schools by Sameer Kamat addresses the woes and issues faced by students when applying for MBA programmes overseas. The book begins with the basic question as to why one should go for an MBA.

It further goes on to explain the application process, the overall outlook of the industry, tips on how one can improve their MBA profile, ways to ace the CAT exam, the skills gap that causes hindrances and how to overcome those, skills and benefits of networking and internship, ways to go about your career hunt, career change, etc.

The book demystifies the hype around the course and walks you through the steps to achieving your goal. MBA aspirants will benefit from the realistic and practical approach of this book as the author mentions the techniques and yardsticks used by international universities while selecting students.

The author himself is an MBA Graduate from University of Cambridge with several years of IT and Management experience. He gives insights to the academic life and issues faced by students on securing a place in B-schools. Worries related to networking, internship, career hunt, career change have been revealed skillfully. The book will make you introspect to find out your real goal, and ways to achieving it.
An absolutely worthy book for all MBA aspirants.

Book Review of “The Boss Is Not Your Friend” By Vijay Nair

The Boss Is Not Your Friend

By Vijay Nair

(A Handbook For Indian Managers To Survive All Things Organizational)

Vijay Nair’s The Boss Is Not Your Friend challenges many theories of self-help management books.

It is more of a good guide to the “real” corporate world and the authorities that somewhat rule it. The book reveals the ugly truth that not many “management gurus” wish to spill. Presenting a collection of true life incidents of people from various corporate worlds, the book takes a dig at the Indian work culture and the people involved. Like: employees are not encouraged to ask questions, but to take orders; it is good to maintain a certain distance from your colleagues and your boss, lest your work gets affected; butter up your boss before the appraisal or be sly in getting a promotion.

Quite refreshing in its style with real life incidents and an interesting set of questionnaire to help classify the different kinds of bosses, and practical advice on how to deal with each type.
The six categories of bosses are quite aptly described, bringing in humor and practicality in dealing with such bosses. The Oily Oyster, The Vicious Viper, The Flattering Fraud, The Crafty Conman, The Burly Bastion, and The Horny Harry.

The narrative is quite funny and contemporary, and highlights latest scams of the corporate world.

The book is definitely unique in approach; offers intelligent pointers; and very realistic in nature. I’d say give it a read to know the truth behind corporate success.

Moral of the book: Beware of your boss. ‘It’ is not your friend.