WORK IN PROGRESS

By Michael Eisner

Andrew Beck

Period 7 2/13/99

Mr. Luizzi

In the auto-biography Work in Progress by Michael Eisner, Eisner describes the often roller coaster-like life of a major corporation executive. In his case, The Walt Disney Corporation provides him with the enormous task of bringing wholesome, American entertainment to millions of families around the world. Work in Progress shows the maturation of both a top CEO and a household-name company. Eisner lived his early years in a Park Avenue apartment, later attending a private school for his adolescent years. He writes of his family and school years. His stern and strict father always keeping him on his toes while his mother was the only sanctuary. Obviously of a high profile family, connections landed Eisner a job as a page at NBC. This bottom-of-the-ladder job of answering phones and running errands eventually prompted Eisner to fall in love with the entertainment business. Through the years Eisner climbed the corporate ladder at ABC then being hired away as president of Paramount. After a successful reign at Paramount, Eisner left to become head of the Disney Corporation. Here, Eisner had the chance to climb new mountains by expanding the company as well as his responsibilities. A large part of the book is dedicated to Eisner's time at Disney due to the fact that he is still at Disney, hence the title Work in Progress. Eisner's decision to express himself through a book is rather surprising, considering that he is at the helm of one of the most powerful entertainment companies in the world. Yet the forms of expression between Asher Lev and Michael Eisner are difficult to compare because they are in two entirely different mediums. It is much like trying to compare apples and oranges. Even though Eisner is a man of great power, it seems as though he is somewhat uncertain about himself. He describes in his book his constant need for support and approval especially from those who are close to him including his wife. Such an instance includes when he takes business classes at NYU and pleads with her to ensue for his own security and comfort.