Out-Executing The Competition by Irv Rothman - Book review

Out-Executing the Competition

Building and Growing a Financial Services Company in Any Economy

By: Irv Rothman

Published: July 31, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 222 pages
ISBN-10: 1118312619
ISBN-13: 978-1118312612
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.














"These chapters are about a kind of evolution - my own and that of the world of corporate America. They are about dealing with the challenges of social and corporate change by consistently adhering to a set of ideals", writes President and CEO of HP Financial Services, Irv Rothman, in his deeply personal and guidance filled book Out-Executing the Competition: Building and Growing a Financial Services Company in Any Economy. The author describes hi four decades in the financial industry, and shares the timeless wisdom he learned about leadership, business management, and for conducting one's personal life.

Irv Rothman recognizes that some very fundamental principles are necessary to develop and expand a successful financial services company. For the author, these timeless principles work effectively, and result in positive achievements, regardless of the external economic conditions. Irv Rothman provides an examination of effective and sustainable leadership practices that reflect the crucial importance of remaining true to a set of core values and principles. When combined with an ability to adapt to changing conditions, and a willingness to innovate new products, processes, and systems to take advantage of new realities, a company will thrive and prosper. At the same time, the leader whose integrity guides their actions through their unshakeable core values, will succeed along with the organization, its employees, and its customers.

Irv Rothman (photo left) understands that even though there may be tremendous pressures resulting from economic and social change, it remains critical to stay true to one's personal principles. By living real ethical and authentic values, a leader strengthens their own personal resolve, and provides a good role model for developing other leaders. For customers, a company that lives and behaves with strong ethical values will be the business of choice.

In the financial services industry, trust is critical for success, and Irv Rothman demonstrates that principles build and grow the company in any economic climate. The author points out that business is all about the customer, and without trust, there will be no customers. This wisdom is true in good economic times, or in periods of economic turmoil or uncertainty. Irv Rothman also stresses that a leader must not get too complacent, or fail to get involved in the business. Customers and employees will appreciate a leader who goes that extra mile, and who supports and practices continual improvement and innovation.

For me, the power of the book is how Irv Rothman effectively combines his own personal experiences with sound advice for achieving success for both the leader and the entire organization. The author provides important insights into the leadership process by integrating them into the personal and business realms. Irv Rothman doesn't compartmentalize values and principles, but rather treats them as essential rules for living, leading, and building a company.

The author presents a solid blueprint for establishing a values based company, led and staffed by values based people. Because of this firm commitment to principles, an ability to adapt to changing economies and social conditions, and ongoing innovation, a company will thrive and prosper in any time or economy. The holistic approach taken by Irv Rothman creates the necessary conditions for true and sustainable success.

I high;y recommend the holistic and engaging book Out-Executing the Competition: Building and Growing a Financial Services Company in Any Economy by Irv Rothman, to any business leaders, executives, managers, or entrepreneurs seeking a road map for establishing, building, and expanding a successful company, based on ethical principles and timeless values. This book demonstrates the power of ethics and principles as a key to out-executing the competition.