From Publishers Weekly
As vice chairman of a global executive search firm, Ramakrishman uses his access to the top executives at major corporations to ask the one question aspiring CEOs, and even new entrants to the business world, would most like to know: What do you know now that you wish you had known 20 years ago? The result is a low-key, highly personal look back at success. The advice Ramakrishman elicits from the executives delves into such areas as the importance of choosing only 'A' players when seeking to assemble a strong team and striving for a flatter organizational structure to promote communication and information flow. The subject matter does not vary significantly from standard career topics like the importance of networking, but the real value here is access to the wisdom and guidance of proven leaders such as Steve Reinemund of Pepsi and Terrence Marks of Coca-Cola. Chapter-ending executive summaries underscore key points that will benefit anyone—regardless of their corporate ranking—looking to advance in their field. (Nov.)
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Product Description
A top corporate recruiter reveals what it takes to reach the top of a major corporation.
Few people have as deep an understanding of corporate leadership as Umesh Ramakrishnan. As vice chairman of CTPartners, one of the world’s premier search firms, he has placed dozens of C-level executives at companies around the globe. Now he shares powerful lessons from his long career and also from exclusive interviews with top CEO’s.
Ramakrishnan identifies the qualities that distinguish those who are likely to make it from those who aren’t. And he explains, for instance:
• Why the surest route to the top is not always straight up the greasy pole
• How it’s possible to have a star team without everyone being a star
• Why your listening skills need as much attention as your communication skills
• How to meet the challenges—and grasp the opportunities—of globalization
There’s No Elevator to the Top is like an exclusive lunch date with a tableful of CEOs, as Ramakrishnan features the insights of dozens of top leaders at companies like Dell, Cadbury Schweppes, Aetna, BT Group, Pepsi, Infosys, and Ecopetrol.
About the Author
Umesh Ramakrishnan is vice chairman of the executive search firm CTPartners. He recruits directors, CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and other senior management positions for Global 2000 companies. He is a sought-after speaker and a regular guest on CNBC.