"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"

Table of Contents

    Dedication

    A Personal Word and Acknowledgements

    Introduction: The Biggest “Business” Story in Sports

    Chapter 1: Turning Fanatics into Fans

  • Ready When The Red Light Goes On
  • Yes, But We’re Also a Business
  • Digging the Moat
  • On the Hiring of Fanatics
  • The Astoundingly Simple Principle
  • Chapter One Key Learnings

    • Chapter 2: Think Like an Incumbent, Act Like a Challenger

  • Insecure Overachiever
  • A Beacon in the Sky
  • The Ultimate Road Trip
  • Fast, Cheap and (Occasionally) Out of Control
  • When the Model Doesn’t Work, Turn It Over
  • Happy Accidents
  • Chapter Two Key Learnings

    • Chapter 3: The Right Leader at the Right Time

  • The Pioneers and the Settlers
  • The Calculating Strategist
  • The Programmer in Chief
  • The Kinder, Gentler Leader
  • Myths of Leadership
  • Chapter Three Key Learnings

    • Chapter 4: Create Your Own Game

  • Serving the Underserved
  • Cheap and Under Control
  • Crashing the Party
  • Paying to Play
  • Create Your Own Outlet
  • Stick with the Knitting
  • Chapter Four Key Learnings

    • Chapter 5: Expand the Brand

  • When in Doubt, Ask the Brand
  • ESPN Goes Abroad
  • ESPN Opens the Books
  • Keeping Down the Number of Freight Cars
  • When You Get Big, Go Humble
  • Leveraging
  • Stepping Into the Change
  • Chapter Five Key Learnings

    • Chapter 6: Playing Well With Others

  • Playing Well with Owners
  • Playing Well with Business Partners
  • The Battering Ram and the Velvet Glove
  • Chapter Six Key Learnings

    • Chapter 7: Blow the Whistle, Spot the Ball

  • Adjust and Make It Work
  • Stay Friends and Have a Short Memory
  • The No Blame Zone
  • The Don Hurta Rule
  • Chapter Seven Key Learnings

    • Chapter 8: Are You Having Fun?

  • The Perils of Market Dominance
  • The Perils of Keeping and Losing Talent
  • The Perils of Unexpected Competition
  • For the Fun of It
  • Chapter Eight Key Learnings

    • About the Authors

    ESPN Book Endorsers

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