Rating: 
Summary: To Speak the Unspeakable
Review: That "Dead Bank Walking" has re-ignited debate on mergers and, in some cases, reopened old wounds, is a testament to its penchant for paring close to the bone. It is almost sacrilege for the chairman of a huge corporation to confess that when the chips are down shareholders are more important than employees. I am by no means an apologist for mass layoffs, but as an attorney I appreciate how rare it is for an executive to state what is harsh but truthful: That executive management has a legal fiduciary obligation to the shareholders of a corporation, and that this factor plays the key role in any decision to merge. Mr. Smith resoundingly makes his argument that Security Pacific Bank had no serious alternative--an ugly truth, but a truth nonetheless. This is the first time I have seen a CEO admit the un-admittable with conviction, humility, and some measure of self-rapprochment. Mr. Smith obviously regrets that he and BofA Chair Richard Rosenberg had to lay off so many employees--I read between the lines and sensed he is haunted by it--but is honest and courageous enough to say it was the right solution to an insurmountable problem. Readers who prefer the sugar-coated version are advised to steer clear of "Dead Bank." But for those in search of authenticity and clarification, this book is quite simply a revelation.In my estimation Chairman Smith has little to gain and much to lose by writing this book; it is the type of book a CEO never writes. A CEO is supposed to go off quiety to his corner with his golden parachute and never be heard from again. The style and fecundity of the writing is evidence of how important it was to Smith to relate this story and engage readers without condescension. The prose is vital but comprehensible. Any literate individual will immediately understand the momentous issues at stake. Smith manages to find humor in unlikely places. I have read a number of CEO manuscripts that never made the cut to published works and I can attest not only to the fact that Smith is an unusually adept author, but how rare indeed it is for an executive to be able to express himself in words to the degree that they provoke a heartfelt emotional response in the reader. I applaud the writing of this book and hope that it inspires other high level executives to speak the unspeakable.
Rating:
Summary: Held my attention.
Review: This book caught my attention in the first few pages, then held it throughout. I found every element one might expect in a great read, except sex. I found myself hating the villans and cheering the good guys through the struggle. Great intrigue about power struggles in the banking industry and with government regulators. As I moved through the book, I was eager to finish work each evening so I could reward myself with another chapter of Dead Bank Walking.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Read; Good Lessons
Review: While Dead Bank Walking was an enjoyable and stimulating read for anyone in the corporate world, it doesn't stop there. It's packed with great lessons for executives, particularly in the financial services industry. If you have ever faced mergers, regulators, stockholders and/or employees during difficult times, you can relate to Smith's story. If you haven't, read the story! There are great lessens here.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Read; Good Lessons
Review: While Dead Bank Walking was an enjoyable and stimulating read for anyone in the corporate world, it doesn't stop there. It's packed with great lessons for executives, particularly in the financial services industry. If you have ever faced mergers, regulators, stockholders and/or employees during difficult times, you can relate to Smith's story. If you haven't, read the story! There are great lessens here.
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