between the covers

The Difference between God and Larry Ellison* Inside Oracle Corporation. Author: Mike Wilson.

The Difference Between God and Larry Ellison: Inside Oracle Corporation

Mike Wilson

(Harper, Rs. 1,016)

Racing yachts, buying jets and partying with celebrity friends…Larry Ellison lives life king size. He has every reason to do so. For, he is the man behind the success of Oracle Corporation, the billion-dollar Silicon Valley giant, a tech company that Ellison started with just $1,200 in 1977.

Investigative reporter Mike Wilson tracks the rise of Ellison, whose entrepreneurial brilliance and ruthless tactics have made him legendary. Interviews with Ellison himself and more than 125 of his friends, foes and former Oracle employees have led to this eye-opening, fascinating portrayal of a company's journey filled with the stuff that dreams and cultural icons are made of.

There are many behind-the-scenes stories about the growth and worldwide success of Oracle, plus juicy tales of Ellison's fast-lane lifestyle. While this book probably won't transform you into an Ellison fan, you will be grateful for the chance to observe him — from a safe distance! Hence, the punchline “God Doesn't Think He's Larry Ellison.”

Globaloney 2.0: The Post-Crash future of Globalisation

Michael Veseth

(Hachette, Rs. 350)

Globalisation is in retreat, but history tells us that this is only temporary. It will return, but in what form remains to be seen. More cycles of boom and bust? Or can globalisation be rebuilt on a more feasible and sustainable platform? These are the compelling questions that Michael Veseth tackles in this updated edition of his award-winning book, illuminating the path to a sustainable global future.

In material that is new to this edition, Veseth describes the origins of the crisis and the role globalisation played in it. He cites many mistaken notions that contributed to the crisis, including misplaced faith in the ability of technology to eliminate risk and inadequate attention to perverse regulatory incentives. The ‘globaloney' is that global financial markets are stable; “safe as houses” is the purposefully ironic English term he uses. Veseth describes why globalisation of finance can reduce stability, in part, by bringing masses of foreign money into play. And, of course, in the process, spread the resulting pain around the globe.

The Corner Office: How Top CEOs Made It and How You Can Too

Adam Bryant

(Harper Press, Rs. 399)

What does it take to succeed in business and to inspire others? Adam Bryant of The New York Times spoke to more than 75 CEOs to find out what makes them tick, how they do their jobs and the most important lessons they learnt on their journey to the top position.

Chief executives such as Steven Ballmer (Microsoft), Carol Bartz (Yahoo), Jeffrey Katzenberg (DreamWorks) and Alan Mulally (Ford) reveal their mantras for success in the business world, including the five qualities CEOs value most in their employees.

For aspiring executives of any age, Corner Office offers perspectives that will help them become more effective leaders and employees, and show them a path to future success.