About the Book
Success in business demands the effective management of people. James C. Morgan, who for nearly three decades led the high-tech powerhouse Applied Materials Inc. to both financial success and to the designation as one of America's most admired companies and best places to work, provides a simple, straightforward set of principles and tips that he says can help anyone be a better manager. Applied Materials is one of Silicon Valley's great success stories and it helped propel the digital revolution. But Jim Morgan's management techniques are not reserved for high-tech: Applied Wisdom shows how the same approaches, tools, and values work at any scale, from start-ups to middle management in a global corporation -- and even to non-profits. Rich in stories and practical examples, it's a must-read for those seeking a timeless and proven management manual.
Advance Praise for Applied Wisdom
"I have been a beneficiary of Jim's wisdom and this book makes his wisdom come alive for new and experienced leaders alike."
-- Henry M. Paulson, Chairman, The Paulson Institute, former U.S. Treasury Secretary
"Managers of any size business or non-profit group will find solid advice for building agile and effective organizations."
-- Meg Whitman, CEO, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, former CEO of eBay
"Jim is one of the icons of Silicon Valley... Applied Wisdom reinforces the importance of going beyond slogans and lip service and committing to basic, but very important values."
-- Willem P. Roelandts, Chairman of the Board of Applied Materials, Inc., 30-year veteran of Hewlett-Packard Co.
"Applied Wisdom is a treasure trove of useful insights from a true master of leadership in the business of technology."
-- G. Dan Hutcheson, CEO and Chairman of VLSI Research
"Applied Wisdom is a must-read for anyone who wants to have a more productive, focused and motivated team."
-- Mark R. Tercek, President and CEO, The Nature Conservancy
"If you want to be a better manager follow Jim's straightforward prescription and tips."
-- Heidi Roizen, Operating Partner, DFJ; Fenwick and West Entrepreneurship Educator, Dept. of Engineering, Stanford University
About the Author :
James C. Morgan ran Applied Materials Inc. for nearly three decades - one of the longest tenures of any Fortune 500 CEO. The company was near bankruptcy when he joined; when he retired as CEO in 2003, Applied was a multi-billion dollar global leader with more than 15,000 employees. Quite an achievement for a former Cayuga, Indiana farm boy who grew up herding cows, harvesting corn, and working in his family's vegetable cannery. Along the way, Jim collected and tested his management principles in such realms as the military, the diversified conglomerate Textron, in venture capital, on corporate boards and government commissions, and in the non-profit arena. He has served as both a California and a global director, and co-chair of the Asia Pacific Council of The Nature Conservancy. Recently he and his wife, Becky, have founded the Northern Sierra Partnership, which fosters collaboration among conservation organizations in order to preserve and restore one of the world's great mountain ranges. Jim also served as Vice Chair of President George W. Bush's Export Council and as an adviser to President Bill Clinton and Congress on U.S.-Pacific trade and investment policy. He was an active member of the Young President's Organization (YPO). He holds an undergraduate degree in engineering and an MBA from Cornell, and he co-authored the 1991 book, Cracking the Japanese Market: Strategies for Success in the New Global Economy. Among Jim's many recognitions are the IEEE Robert N. Noyce Medal; the Semiconductor Industries Award; the Silicon Valley Lifetime Achievement Award; the Global Humanitarian Award; the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Award; and TNC's Oak Leaf Award. In 1996, he was presented with the U.S. Medal of Technology from President Bill Clinton.
Review :
"I have been a beneficiary of Jim's wisdom and this book makes his wisdom come alive for new and experienced leaders alike." - Henry M. Paulson, Chairman, The Paulson Institute, former U.S. Treasury Secretary
"Managers of any size business or non-profit group will find solid advice for building agile and effective organizations." - Meg Whitman, CEO, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, former CEO of eBay
"Jim is one of the icons of Silicon Valley... Applied Wisdom reinforces the importance of going beyond slogans and lip service and committing to basic, but very important values." - Willem P. Roelandts, Chairman of the Board of Applied Materials, Inc., 30-year veteran of Hewlett-Packard Co.
"Applied Wisdom is a treasure trove of useful insights from a true master of leadership in the business of technology." - G. Dan Hutcheson, CEO and Chairman of VLSI Research
"Applied Wisdom is a must-read for anyone who wants to have a more productive, focused and motivated team." - Mark R. Tercek, President and CEO, The Nature Conservancy
"If you want to be a better manager follow Jim's straightforward prescription and tips." - Heidi Roizen, Operating Partner, DFJ; Fenwick and West Entrepreneurship Educator, Dept. of Engineering, Stanford University
