The CEO Factory (PB)

The book is neatly packed from start to end which is a wonderful thing, You start to learn about HUL journey and learn about major decisions and more complex values progressively. When it comes to HUL, it truly is an institution which has a DNA that deserves study and it must also be structured into an AI model for the world to follow! The policies, values, actions, hiring, firing philosophy all of them form a complex model of nurturing and deriving the best from humans and giving it back! It makes me feel that HUL must be studied to understand how wonderful rock solid DNA can be nurtured in corporates also. Everyone talks about culture and family but the practice is always missing in corporates. 
The writing is fluid and beautiful, heavy on the heart and not on the head, wonderful not only for management lessons but as a life journey. There are many well structured books but the use of difficult language, words, phrases not only makes them complex to read but also difficult to understand and remember the concept, forget about practicing anything!. This book is bang-on in terms of merging theory to practical to story to all the things that I cannot define as I am a nobody.This book will truly remain the best book I have read. It’s an emotional roller coaster teaching you about life, business and HUL in very many ways and how a place of work can live forever like a family. Towards the end I started getting emotional that all the wonderful stories I was reading are going to end! I have never felt this way for any book given the fact that I read and browse many books. It was totally a wholesome journey, I have LIVED through a lifetime reading this book. 
This book will remain my Holy Bible and Geeta which tells me that all the pain I feel in life is nothing compared to the great work and sacrifices that HUL institution has made in loading my house with Brooke Bond and Vim bar and Horlicks and Lux and Dove and Vaseline and what not. It inspires me to find my higher purpose and live true to my values and die with it feeling all the pride. I bow down to HUL and the author for toiling so many years in putting forth such a wonderful piece of art. I wish some chapters of this book can be made compulsory in schools and colleges! HUL can surely work on it ;)

This is a great book for those interested in sales and marketing. Good practical learnings from a great co. Written in a simple non jagron way. Highly recommended If you are into sales marketing or a business owner.

To begin with, The CEO Factory reminded me of the courageous brand-perception re-programming, Mr. Sudhir Sitapati, the author, had urged in the brand custodians, and later end consumers... on a massive, market-leading decades-old laundry brand. This transforming, high-risk thinking, not only starkly redefined and face-lifted the brand, but continues to click and stay relevant, even a decade, down the line.Likewise, The CEO Factory is abundant with bold, upfront and candid, marketing wisdom, with examples from every business function possible, every corner of the country, every socio-economic class of consumer, possible.The book had me in splits with its amusing, rib-tickling anecdotes, like a tall manager’s ‘height’ened experience in the rash, petite, gender-segregated Tamil Nadu buses, the likelihood of 3/4th women travellers, to throw up in them, or the dowry-offsetting procreation, being practiced in highly-populated UP, among much other work-life humour.What’s heart-warming is that, great emphasis has been given to, the importance of a VALUE SYSTEM, even in business, which is a powerful message for leaders, of our times, and a pressing need of the hour.The CEO Factory is also an eye-opener; explains the influence of the gargantuan Unilever, on partner-companies! How strong value-systems, have powerful ripple-effects across industries, generations and professional ecosystems! Also how, many who began their careers with Unilever, continue to illustrate the strong Unilever values, no matter where they go.The CEO factory rightly highlights, that one’s first company, and early leaders, are a massive source, of unending influence; known or unknown, upon an individual, and there’s no better a learning ground like ‘The Unilever’.StrengthsBuy the book for great marketing wisdom made simple, case studies of countless brands, you most likely have already consumed, lucid, friendly articulation, and a liberal infusion of humour.For understanding the pride of belonging to ONE great organisation, learning and growing within it; which is rare to witness, in today’s time.Priceless inputs from fellow Unilever leaders; so one really sees collective, cross-functional leadership wisdom, at work here.For, its harp on the finer human qualities of sweetness, humility and simplicity, and being there for each other in crisis, way beyond one’s call of duty.Finally, for notes on sense of ownership, and belonging, one would’ve not expected examples of, in a book of marketing.The CEO Factory, is impressionable, has great entertainment value, and high re-read value, making it a priceless own for both young readers, and young leaders.Other practical plus points include, a hardbound book, a big font size, offering comfort of reading, and a cover design inspired by the unforgettable, erstwhile Surf detergent pack.Order The CEO Factory.. nowww 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 !

Loved it

The book initially begins with the glorification of the MBAs and the institutions behind them. Later it begins to built up the substance which is more important. Marketing is nothing but application of common sense. The road side chat wala applies all the management theories in his trade from product positioning, brand visibility, inventory control, product mix, product quality etc. All is applied diligently as his very survival is dependent on these factors. He may not even be educated. The book brings practical insights into marketing and sales which very few books cover. Must read. Thanks to the author. Writing a book is not easy.

I have read many a book and then few more. None have evoked such a wide range of emotions from a single book - from being inspired, to laughing at the humour, to shedding a tear at some of the stories, learning from such invaluable experiences, and then the silencing of the internal voice that often asked the question - Whether the decisions you have made in life are right or not - Reading this book has calmed that voice and provided substantial proof that most of the questionable decisions were the right ones as they were deeply steeped in my values and beliefs.I feel rejuvenated and inspired to continue to contribute to myself, my family, my friends, the society and to my work! Thank You, Mr. Sitapati. What a masterclass this is.

Good read for budding entrepreneurs!

I like this book very much. This book help me and inspired me in many executive and administrative decision taking aspects.

Great testimony of what HUL is! Recommend it highly