"ESPN The Company captures the phenomenal story of one of the most recognized brand names in existence today, while sharing valuable advice on how to run a successful, profitable business. As both a branding guy and sports fan, I found Smith's book to be a compelling read that pushes the boundaries of today’s business books."
Donny Deutsch
CNBC commentator, advertising executive, and former host of the The Big Idea
"Any sports fanatic can appreciate what ESPN has done for sports viewing. ESPN: The Company provides keen insights into the business plan, leadership, and passion that dramatically changed the scope of sports television."
T. Boone Pickens
Legendary entrepreneur and 2008 National Football Foundation Distinguished American Award winner
"ESPN The Company is a winner! It's a wildly entertaining book that teaches the fundamentals of the game better than any business book on the market. If you want to know how to build a successful franchise and how to keep loyal fans coming back day after day, you have to read this book. Tony Smith takes the reader behind the scenes, giving the real color commentary on what it's like to be part of a very special culture, but one, if we apply the lessons, can teach us a whole lot about how to make our own organizations special. His skillful use of sports' metaphors make this a terrific read, but the practical advice goes way beyond the television studio and the playing field. There's also a whole lot in here that can help us all with the game of life."
Jim Kouzes
Award-winning coauthor of the best-selling book, The Leadership Challenge The Dean's Executive Professor of Leadership, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University
"Tony Smith's captivatingly insightful story of how ESPN defied convention in its pioneering journey-- having fun all along the way - is a must read for sports, entertainment and brand marketing aficionados."
Jon Katzenbach
Founder, Katzenbach Partners, Former Director, McKinsey and Company, Author of many books, including The Wisdom of Teams
"Most sports fans are "fan"atics. ESPN has become the public face of this devotion. But ESPN is more than a sports channel or a media company; it is a brand. This readable, engaging, and interesting book shares the story behind the brand. Like being in the huddle or locker room, we learn about how ESPN leaders made choices that turned sports fanaticism into business results. The principles in the ESPN story apply to a broad spectrum of companies and leaders. A wonderful business read of a sports journey."
Dave Ulrich
Partner, The RBL Group, Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan Ranked the #1 Management Educator and Guru by Businessweek and the #1 Most Influential person in HR, by HR Magazine.
"American companies have done a lot wrong in the past few years. It is great to learn from one that has done a lot right! The greatest sports story of the decade is not about a game or a player--is all about a company—ESPN! Smith’s book is filled with great lessons on leadership from this American winner!"
Marshall Goldsmith
NYT and WSJ #1 bestselling author of What Got You Here Won't Get You There and Succession: Are You Ready?
"Leading a business through a fast-growth cycle has its challenges and Dr. Smith has captured not only the interworkings unique to ESPN but also broadly applicable lessons for anyone either starting, running or growing a major enterprise."
Thomas Ryan, Jr.
President & CEO, PODS Inc.
"The enormous success of ESPN did not happen by chance. The story and lessons of the powerful vision, decision-making, leadership, and corporate culture is captured in Dr. Smith’s compelling book. Truly a must read!"
Mike Krzyzewski "Coach K"
Head Basketball Coach, Duke University and the Gold Medal Winning United States Olympic Team 2008, and author of several best-selling books, including The Gold Standard; Building a World Class Team.
"Leadership is about visualizing an exciting future,and making it happen by combining the passion of true believers with the power of core values. Nothing brings this idea to life more than the ESPN story, and no one could have told it better than Anthony has in this very instructional and inspirational book."
Rajeev Peshawaria
Chief Learning Officer, Morgan Stanley
"This book is for anyone whoever wondered how ESPN created, nurtured, battled and branded what has become the worldwide leader in sports. Dr. Smith, a leading expert himself, shares the secrets of ESPN's success and presents the game plan for how, as he says, "to think like an incumbent, act like a challenger"
Lesley Visser
Award-Winning Sportscaster and First and Only Woman Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame
Dr. Smith has been a valued advisor to ESPN for over the 20 years. In fact, he became a Board member of the V Foundation based on the strong recommendations from ESPN. He has had a front row seat in watching ESPN grow, develop, and become the incredible company that it is today. His account of their evolution combined with his expertise in leadership and organizational science has culminated in this fascinating and compelling book.
ESPN has become enormously important to the world of sports and media, not to mention a great business story. I, along with my brother Bob, are honored to be associated with such a wonderful company, and I know my late brother Jimmy felt the same way. Both ESPN, The "actual" company and Dr. Smith are tremendous supporters of the V, and I am touched that he is giving much of his profits from the book to our foundation to support our mission to find a cure for cancer.
Nick Valvano
CEO, The V Foundation for Cancer Research
"If you love the business of sports, or the sport of business, you will love this book!"
Lawrence F. Probst III
Chairman of the United States Olympic Committee, and Chairman of Electronic Arts
"When Michael Eisner presciently called ESPN ‘the crown jewel of ABC,’ he may just as well have been referring to Dr. Anthony F. Smith. Amidst the multitudes of management consultants out there, Tony is one of the precious few able to cut through the clutter and platitudes to deliver smart, strategic, and practical advice about leadership and organizational performance. ESPN : The Company is a compelling read that makes you an insider in the fanatical world of arguably the world’s best managed media business."
James M. Citrin
Senior Director, Spencer Stuart and Best Selling Author of The Dynamic Path
"Knowing first hand the excitement and the challenges of leading a company, particularly in this environment, I found Dr. Smith's account of ESPN to be both inspirational and instructional. The authentic leadership throughout their history combined with the intense passion of the employees were obviously key to ESPN success, and are key to creating enduring brands forever. I am a big fan of learning from the best, and no one can argue with the fact that ESPN is the best at what it does, so enjoy the learning---I certainly did."
