ISBN: 978-1-85788-513-2

Published by Nicholas Brealey

How would you like the opportunity to quiz 150 leaders of major organisations about how they run their businesses? That's exactly what Tappin and Cave do in this 300-page encyclopaedia of expertise.

For the first time, claim the authors, 150 top chief executives reveal what it is really like to be a CEO; what it has taken them to succeed; what motivates them.

Published just before the world economy imploded, the book examines the trends shaping the world, the early stages of the 'credit crunch' and the resulting fundamental change; change that most agreed was inevitable - and now have been proved right.

Later in the book, the different types of leader and their unique approaches are put under the spotlight. There is some inevitable simplification - for instance reducing leadership behaviour to five 'types' - but the conclusions have the air of authenticity and will be most useful in helping the reader understand his/her own 'type' and consequent potential shortcomings.

There is sound advice for up and coming leaders, together with a dire health/happiness/relationships warning - just in case anyone believes the world of the CEO is one of endless milk and honey.

Not an 'easy' read but one well worth the effort.