In 2013, Michael Dell was fighting for the soul of his company. An attempt to take the company private had stalled and Dell was facing a challenge from known corporate raider Carl Icahn. By taking the company private, Dell was looking to further evolve his company’s work in the technology sector, beyond the manufacturer and sales of the Personal Computer. Michael Dell grew up in Houston, Texas, a precocious youth taught to “Play Nice, But Win.” He idolized the leaders of business who reigned in the 1970s-1980s, more specifically, the visionaries(Steve Jobs, Bill Gates). Dell was obsessed with the advent of the PC, and loved to dismantle the device and educate himself on the intricacies of the machinery. His entrepreneurial spirit moved him to establish his own Computer business in 1984.

Dell Computers’ rise wasn’t a sure thing, as there were many competitors (Apple, HP, Compaq) in the market. Their service and leadership were key to being ranked “The Most Admired Company” in 2005. Dell writes a refreshingly candid account of his company’s rise to the top of the Computer Industry as well as how it has remained a top company in the business world. A most pleasantly enjoyable read.