Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?

In 'Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?', Louis V. Gerstner, the former CEO of IBM, shares his remarkable journey of reviving a colossal corporation on the brink of collapse. With insightful anecdotes and candid reflections, he unveils the bold strategies that transformed IBM into a modern powerhouse. Gerstner emphasizes the importance of embracing change, fostering innovation, and inspiring a culture of accountability. This compelling narrative is not just a corporate tale, but a blueprint for leadership and resilience. Dive into the story of how one man led an 'elephant' to dance again and discover what it takes to orchestrate a successful turnaround!

By Louis V. Gerstner

Published: 2003

Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?Book binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

EntreLeadershipBook binding

EntreLeadership

Dave Ramsey

DriveBook binding

Drive

Daniel H. Pink

Good to GreatBook binding

Good to Great

Jim Collins

The Leadership ChallengeBook binding

The Leadership Challenge

James M. Kouzes, Barry Z. Posner

Leadership Wisdom From The Monk Who Sold His FerrariBook binding

Leadership Wisdom From The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

Robin Sharma

The 15 Commitments of Conscious LeadershipBook binding

The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership

Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, Kaley Klemp

Tribal LeadershipBook binding

Tribal Leadership

Dave Logan, John King, Halee Fischer-Wright

Andy GroveBook binding

Andy Grove

Richard S. Tedlow

First, Break All The RulesBook binding

First, Break All The Rules

Gallup Organization

LeadershipBook binding

Leadership

Doris Kearns Goodwin

Leadership Is an ArtBook binding

Leadership Is an Art

Max Depree

The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel CompanyBook binding

The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

Joseph Michelli

WinningBook binding

Winning

Jack Welch, Suzy Welch

Leadership BSBook binding

Leadership BS

Jeffrey Pfeffer

Everybody MattersBook binding

Everybody Matters

Bob Chapman, Raj Sisodia, Rajendra Sisodia

Leadership and Self-DeceptionBook binding

Leadership and Self-Deception

The Arbinger Institute

Conscious BusinessBook binding

Conscious Business

Fred Kofman

Herding TigersBook binding

Herding Tigers

Todd Henry

Hal Moore on LeadershipBook binding

Hal Moore on Leadership

Harold G. Moore, Mike Guardia

Strengths Based LeadershipBook binding

Strengths Based Leadership

Tom Rath, Barry Conchie

The 5 Levels of LeadershipBook binding

The 5 Levels of Leadership

John C. Maxwell

Adventures of a BystanderBook binding

Adventures of a Bystander

Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management

The Tao of LeadershipBook binding

The Tao of Leadership

John Heider

How The Mighty FallBook binding

How The Mighty Fall

Jim Collins

Leadership on the LineBook binding

Leadership on the Line

Ronald Abadian Heifetz, Martin Linsky

Management Mess to Leadership SuccessBook binding

Management Mess to Leadership Success

Scott Jeffrey Miller

IacoccaBook binding

Iacocca

Lee Iacocca, William Novak

Shakti LeadershipBook binding

Shakti Leadership

Raj Sisodia, Nilima Bhat

Leadership the Outward Bound WayBook binding

Leadership the Outward Bound Way

John Raynolds, Outward Bound, Inc

Identity LeadershipBook binding

Identity Leadership

Stedman Graham

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
Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Flickr, one of the first photo-sharing platforms that helped define social media and web 2.0. After the success of Flickr, Fake went on to co-found Hunch, a recommendation engine that was later acquired by eBay. She is a partner at Yes VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, with a focus on companies that foster human connection and creativity. Fake is also an advocate for ethical technology and often speaks about the importance of designing products that prioritize user well-being. Her contributions to tech and her insights on the intersection of technology and culture have made her a respected leader in the industry.

View Collection
Julie Stevanja's Book Recommendations

Julie Stevanja's Book Recommendations

Julie Stevanja is an accomplished entrepreneur and author, best known for co-founding the innovative activewear brand Stylerunner. Her leadership in the fashion industry has earned her recognition as a trailblazer in e-commerce and retail. Stevanja's insights into business and innovation are encapsulated in her writing, where she shares strategies and experiences that inspire budding entrepreneurs. In addition to her business acumen, she frequently contributes to various publications, offering advice on leadership and industry trends. Her influence extends beyond fashion, as she continues to empower others through her thoughtful and practical guidance.

View Collection
Drew Houston's Book Recommendations

Drew Houston's Book Recommendations

Drew Houston is an accomplished American entrepreneur best known for co-founding Dropbox, a widely-used cloud storage service, in 2007. As the CEO, he has led the company to serve millions of users worldwide and become a key player in the tech industry. Although not primarily known for literature, Houston has shared his entrepreneurial insights and experiences through various interviews and public speaking engagements, offering valuable lessons to aspiring business leaders. His work has significantly influenced the way people and organizations manage and share digital content. Houston's innovative vision continues to shape the future of cloud computing and digital collaboration.

View Collection
Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley is a renowned digital marketing pioneer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She is the author of "Everybody Writes," a seminal guide on creating compelling content, and co-author of "Content Rules," which outlines effective content marketing strategies. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has significantly influenced modern marketing practices. Handley is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insights on digital content and marketing trends. Her work has empowered countless marketers to elevate their content creation and strategy efforts.

View Collection
Aaron Levie's Book Recommendations

Aaron Levie's Book Recommendations

Aaron Levie is the co-founder and CEO of Box, a cloud content management platform that revolutionized how businesses manage and collaborate on content. He launched Box in 2005 while still a college student, and the company rapidly grew into a leader in the cloud storage industry. Levie is known for his innovative, forward-thinking approach to enterprise software and for pushing the boundaries of digital transformation. Under his leadership, Box went public in 2015 and continues to evolve with new technologies and partnerships. He is a strong advocate for cloud-first business strategies and frequently shares his insights on the future of work and the digital workplace. Levie is also a prolific speaker and writer, often discussing technology's role in the modern economy. His energetic and witty personality has made him a popular figure in Silicon Valley and beyond.

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
Jamie Dimon's Book Recommendations

Jamie Dimon's Book Recommendations

Jamie Dimon is an American business executive, best known as the Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest and most influential financial institutions in the world. Dimon has led JPMorgan through multiple economic crises, including the 2008 financial crash, and has consistently been recognized for his leadership in the banking industry. Under his tenure, JPMorgan has grown into a global financial powerhouse, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Dimon is also an advocate for corporate responsibility and frequently speaks on economic and regulatory issues. His leadership style and strategic insights have earned him widespread respect in the business world.

View Collection
Austin Rief's Book Recommendations

Austin Rief's Book Recommendations

Austin Rief is a prominent entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and COO of Morning Brew, a leading business newsletter that simplifies news for modern professionals. Under his leadership, Morning Brew grew its subscriber base to millions, becoming a staple in the daily routines of business enthusiasts. Rief's innovative approach to media and content delivery has earned him recognition in the entrepreneurial community. He frequently shares insights on business growth and digital media through various platforms. His contributions have significantly influenced how business news is consumed by younger audiences.

View Collection
Daniel Ek's Book Recommendations

Daniel Ek's Book Recommendations

Daniel Ek is a Swedish entrepreneur and co-founder of Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform. Ek revolutionized the music industry by offering a legal, user-friendly alternative to piracy, and Spotify has since become the dominant player in the streaming market. Under his leadership, Spotify has expanded globally, offering access to millions of songs and podcasts while reshaping how artists distribute their work. Ek is known for his forward-thinking approach to technology and his commitment to evolving Spotify’s platform for both users and creators. He continues to lead Spotify as it explores new innovations in audio entertainment.

View Collection
Daniel Burka's Book Recommendations

Daniel Burka's Book Recommendations

Daniel Burka is a prominent figure in the tech and design world, best known for his significant contributions to digital product design. As a design partner at GV (formerly Google Ventures), he has played a crucial role in shaping the user experience of numerous successful startups. Burka co-founded the design agency MetaLab, which has worked with top-tier clients like Slack and Coinbase. Additionally, his work at Digg as the Director of Design helped pioneer social media design trends in the early 2000s. While not primarily an author, Burka's influence extends into literature through his insightful writings and talks on design and innovation.

View Collection
Sophie Bakalar's Book Recommendations

Sophie Bakalar's Book Recommendations

Sophie Bakalar is a distinguished author and venture capitalist known for her adept storytelling and insightful exploration of contemporary issues. Her debut novel received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and societal dynamics. In addition to her literary achievements, Bakalar is a co-founder of a successful venture firm, where she leverages her keen understanding of market trends and innovation. Her essays and articles, often featured in prominent publications, reflect her deep engagement with cultural and technological shifts. Bakalar's multifaceted career bridges the worlds of literature and entrepreneurship, making her a unique voice in both fields.

View Collection
Changpeng Zhao's Book Recommendations

Changpeng Zhao's Book Recommendations

Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as "CZ," is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world and the founder and CEO of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Although not a traditional literary figure, Zhao has significantly contributed to the understanding and proliferation of blockchain technology through numerous articles, interviews, and public speaking engagements. His insights and leadership have been instrumental in shaping modern digital finance. Zhao's journey from coding at Bloomberg to creating Binance has been documented in various publications, shedding light on the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies. Through his work, CZ continues to influence both the financial and technological landscapes globally.

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
Sam Altman's Book Recommendations

Sam Altman's Book Recommendations

Sam Altman is an American entrepreneur, programmer, and investor, best known as the former president of Y Combinator, a startup accelerator that has launched numerous successful companies, including Airbnb, Dropbox, and Reddit. Altman himself is a co-founder of OpenAI, an organization focused on ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. He has been a leading voice in the tech world, advocating for responsible innovation and the ethical use of AI. Under his leadership, Y Combinator grew into one of the most influential organizations in Silicon Valley, helping to fund and mentor early-stage startups. Altman’s blog and writings are widely read in the tech community, where he shares his insights on entrepreneurship, technology, and the future of AI. He has also been involved in several philanthropic ventures and continues to influence the tech world through his investments and thought leadership. His work at OpenAI has put him at the forefront of discussions about the future of artificial intelligence.

View Collection
Ryan Hoover's Book Recommendations

Ryan Hoover's Book Recommendations

Ryan Hoover is the founder of Product Hunt, a popular platform where users discover and share new tech products, apps, and tools. Hoover started Product Hunt as a side project, which quickly grew into a thriving community for tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. The platform has helped launch countless startups and has become an essential resource for finding innovative products. In addition to Product Hunt, Hoover is an investor and writer, often sharing insights on startup culture and product development. His work has made him a key figure in the tech and startup ecosystems.

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
Brian Armstrong's Book Recommendations

Brian Armstrong's Book Recommendations

Brian Armstrong is a renowned entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding and leading Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange. His literary contributions include insightful writings on the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. Armstrong's work has been pivotal in demystifying complex financial systems for a broader audience. Beyond his business acumen, his thought leadership in publications and public speaking engagements has cemented his status as a key voice in the fintech revolution. His dedication to innovation continues to influence the trajectory of global financial systems.

View Collection
Austen Allred's Book Recommendations

Austen Allred's Book Recommendations

Austen Allred is an influential entrepreneur and author, best known for his contributions to the education technology sector. He co-founded Lambda School, a groundbreaking online coding bootcamp that offers deferred tuition and has revolutionized access to tech education. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Allred is the author of "The Grassfed Startup," which provides insights into building sustainable businesses. His innovative approach to education has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the tech industry. Allred continues to inspire with his commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.

View Collection
Brian Tracy's Book Recommendations

Brian Tracy's Book Recommendations

Brian Tracy is a renowned Canadian-American motivational speaker, self-development author, and business consultant. He has written over 70 books, including bestsellers like "Eat That Frog!" and "The Psychology of Achievement," which have been translated into dozens of languages. Tracy's work primarily focuses on personal success, leadership, time management, and sales strategies. He has also delivered over 5,000 speeches and seminars around the world, inspiring millions to improve their lives and careers. His practical advice and actionable insights have cemented his reputation as a leading authority in personal and professional development.

View Collection
Bryant Chou's Book Recommendations

Bryant Chou's Book Recommendations

Bryant Chou is a distinguished author renowned for his pioneering contributions to contemporary literature. He gained widespread acclaim with his debut novel, "Echoes of Solitude," which masterfully explores themes of isolation and human connection. Chou's work has been lauded for its lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, earning him several literary awards, including the prestigious Booker Prize. Beyond his novels, he is also a prolific essayist, with numerous pieces published in leading literary journals. Chou continues to influence the literary world through his innovative storytelling and profound insights into the human condition.

View Collection
Elizabeth Gilbert's Book Recommendations

Elizabeth Gilbert's Book Recommendations

Elizabeth Gilbert is a bestselling author known for her memoir Eat, Pray, Love, which chronicles her yearlong journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of self-discovery. The book was adapted into a successful film starring Julia Roberts. Gilbert’s other works include Big Magic, where she explores creativity and how to live a fulfilling artistic life. She is celebrated for her introspective writing style and her exploration of themes such as love, spirituality, and personal growth. Elizabeth continues to inspire readers with her thoughtful and candid reflections on life.

View Collection
Ben Horowitz's Book Recommendations

Ben Horowitz's Book Recommendations

Ben Horowitz is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author, best known for co-founding the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He made significant contributions to the tech industry through his leadership roles at Netscape and as co-founder of the software company Opsware, which was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard. Horowitz is celebrated for his insightful business book, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," which provides candid advice on the challenges of entrepreneurship. His follow-up book, "What You Do Is Who You Are," explores the importance of company culture in business success. Horowitz's works are highly regarded for their practical wisdom and have influenced countless leaders in the tech and business communities.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions