The Smartest Guys in the Room

By Bethany McLean, Peter Elkind

Published: 2003

The Smartest Guys in the RoomBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

The inside story of one of history's greatest business scandals, in which top executives of America's seventh largest company walked away with over one billion dollars while investors and employees lost everything.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from The Smartest Guys in the Room

About the Authors

B

Bethany McLean

Bethany McLean is a prominent American author and journalist known for her incisive analyses of the financial and business worlds. She gained national recognition for her book 'The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron,' which delves deeply into the factors behind the Enron scandal. This work not only highlights her investigative prowess but also her ability to translate complex financial topics into engaging narratives for the general public. McLean's writing style is characterized by clarity, thorough research, and a talent for making intricate subjects accessible. Other notable works include 'All the Devils Are Here: The Hidden History of the Financial Crisis' and 'Saudi America: The Truth About Fracking and How It's Changing the World.' Her contributions extend beyond books, as she has also been a writer for several high-profile publications, providing critical insights into major economic events.

P

Peter Elkind

Peter Elkind is a distinguished journalist and author, known for his insightful narratives on business and culture. He is the author of several notable works, including 'The Death of Innocents,' which delves into the tragic circumstances surrounding a family affected by a corporate scandal, and 'Rivals: The Ten Men Who Exploited the Titanic', which examines the competitive dynamics of the maritime industry in the aftermath of one of history's most infamous disasters. Elkind's writing style is characterized by thorough research, compelling storytelling, and a keen eye for detail, making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Bethany McLean, Peter Elkind
Published
January 2003
Publisher
N/A
ISBN
N/A
Language
English
Pages
486
Genres
Business and EconomicsEntrepreneurship

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

EntreLeadershipBook binding

EntreLeadership

Dave Ramsey

Made in AmericaBook binding

Made in America

Claude S. Fischer

Shoe DogBook binding

Shoe Dog

Phil Knight

ReworkBook binding

Rework

Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson

The Hard Thing About Hard ThingsBook binding

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

Ben Horowitz

The Startup WayBook binding

The Startup Way

Eric Ries

The 4-hour WorkweekBook binding

The 4-hour Workweek

Timothy Ferriss

The $100 StartupBook binding

The $100 Startup

Chris Guillebeau

Showing 8 of 30 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Alex Lieberman's Book Recommendations

Alex Lieberman's Book Recommendations

Alex Lieberman is the co-founder and executive chairman of Morning Brew, a media company that delivers engaging business news. Under his leadership, Morning Brew has grown to reach millions of subscribers, becoming a significant player in modern business journalism. Lieberman is also known for his insightful commentary on entrepreneurship and media trends. His work has significantly influenced the way business news is consumed by younger audiences. Beyond Morning Brew, Lieberman frequently writes and speaks about the intersection of media and technology, further cementing his role as a thought leader in the industry.

View Collection
Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian is an American entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s most popular social news and discussion platforms. Ohanian is also a prominent advocate for open internet and net neutrality, and he has invested in numerous startups through his venture capital firm, Initialized Capital. In addition to his work in tech, Ohanian is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to women’s rights, education, and social justice. He is married to tennis star Serena Williams, and together they advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Ohanian’s influence in the tech world and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in both business and activism.

View Collection
Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations

Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations

Ana Lorena Fabrega is an innovative educator and author passionate about reimagining education. Known as “Ms. Fab,” she is the Chief Evangelist at Synthesis, an education startup inspired by the problem-solving and collaboration model used at SpaceX. She advocates for alternative learning methods, encouraging curiosity and creativity in students. Ana's work emphasizes the importance of engaging young learners in real-world challenges and critical thinking. She also shares insights on education reform through her popular newsletter, Fab Fridays.

View Collection
Alexey Moiseenkov's Book Recommendations

Alexey Moiseenkov's Book Recommendations

Alexey Moiseenkov is a Russian entrepreneur and tech innovator best known for creating Prisma, the groundbreaking mobile app that transforms photos into artworks using artificial intelligence. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work in AI and digital transformation has influenced contemporary discussions on the intersection of technology and art. Moiseenkov's contributions have been featured in various tech and innovation journals, highlighting his impact on modern digital culture. His work underscores the evolving narrative of creativity in the digital age, bridging the gap between artistic expression and technological advancement. Moiseenkov continues to inspire through his ongoing ventures in AI and entrepreneurship.

View Collection
Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations

Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations

Audrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Wing, a network of co-working spaces and social clubs designed for women. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to creating supportive environments for professional women, significantly impacting feminist discourse and workplace equality. Gelman has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where she discusses gender, politics, and culture. Her leadership at The Wing has been celebrated for fostering community and collaboration among women. Additionally, Gelman's influence extends to the political sphere, having previously worked as a press aide on several high-profile campaigns.

View Collection
Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations

Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations

Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

View Collection

Showing 8 of 18 related collections

Frequently Asked Questions