Today’s business book review proves that big dreams can come true…
Global SAP CEO Bill McDermott had a dream (goal) when he 1st joined Xerox way back in 1983, as a rookie photocopier sales trainee aged just 22. To become Xerox global CEO.
Although Bill didn’t achieve, he’s exact dream. He got damn close. Most would suggest he over-achieved. Becoming SAP’s sole & 1st non-European Global CEO in 2014.
Since then though. In a freak accident. Bill lost his left eye. But. After spending 10 hours in an operating theatre. He was back at work driving SAP forward within 2 months.
‘Winners Dream’ is Bills story…
Growing up in a working-class suburb of New York & part of a hardworking family. Bill tells how his entrepreneurial spirit & sales ability took him on one hell of journey. The highlights being:
- Holding down 3 jobs as a teenager at school
- Owning a deli to pay his way through college
- Becoming Xerox’s top salesperson
- Guiding his team to become Xerox’s best performing team in America
- Turning Xerox’s worst performing district into their best
- Becoming Global general manager of Xerox Business Services
- Finally landing a senior position at SAP & becoming sole Global CEO
Bill’s time at Xerox came to an end, due to the business not willing to change & embrace the need to move to a service centric organisation.
Before he left. Bill had grown Xerox’s printing outsourced services (XBS) to 25% of their overall revenues. But still couldn’t convince the board that outsourced printing services was the future.
It took Bill a few years to kick start his mission again & find the organisation he could realise his dream (goal). With positions at Gartner & Siebel. Before landing at SAP America.
1 thing’s for sure. Bill gave every organisation his heart & sole. Approaching every role with the enthusiasm & gusto as when he first stepped on to the streets as a raw photocopier salesperson.
Do you know what. I love this book. It’s not because we provide printer & photocopier service contracts too. It’s because Bill proves (with hard work & dedication) dreams do come true.
If you’re a salesperson (new or experienced) with a dream. Or anybody else with a dream for that matter. You should read this book.
‘Winners Dream’ gets a thumbs up & 5-stars.
If you’ve got any questions about the book, connect & message me on LinkedIn or drop me an email to darren@mytotalofficesolutions.com
Watch all our business book reviews at mytotalofficesolutions.co.uk/business-book-reviews
Thank you for watching & see you next week.
