NBC's takeover went smoothly, but Disney was a different story. Those darn old geezers always wanted to give their two cents. Michael Eisner wasn't a patient man. Since the boss gave him free rein, there was no need to be polite.
Companies reaching a certain age need a lot of fresh blood. This is true for any business. The style of managerial operations later on was basically a response to this situation.
Generally, managers are out in three years. Their income is tied to performance growth. You can't afford them for longer, and by then, they've usually exhausted all their talent. Best to replace them with someone more capable.
The benefit of this approach is obvious. They'll try their best to squeeze employees and cut down on all unnecessary waste.
But the downside is also clear. Anything without short-term results, they dismiss, no matter how much potential it has.
Take a look at post-Jobs Apple, and you'll understand. What came after iPhone 5? But if you look at profit margins, you'll see Cook was incredibly strong. It's hard to say who's better or worse. From a consumer standpoint, Cook's lack of innovation is frustrating. From a shareholder and investor viewpoint, Cook's an angel.
...
"Boss, anything you need from me?"
"Get things in order quickly. Start with the cartoons. If we abandon our roots, what's Disney anyway?"
"Alright, boss. Some folks might be a bit troublesome."
"Just give them more compensation. Let's not have unions on our backs. That's not important. First, check what's going on with Paris Disney. If it's not working out, just scrap it. As for the one in Kyoto, why do we only have 10% shares there? Tell them we're planning to open another park in Osaka. Future characters won't be available to them unless we get at least 30% equity. We can buy with cash."
"Boss, this might be hard to pull off."
"Ugh, Michael, mark my words, the Japanese Disney is the most profitable in the world. Try to get as much as you can. We also have a comic company. If they don't want these things, it's up to them."
"Sure thing, boss. I'll handle it right away."
"Let me know when it's done. We need to start new animation projects."
"Got it, boss."
With Michael Eisner at the helm, there was no worry. He was ruthless. If he couldn't control the situation with full support, he might as well go jump into the ocean.
...
"Nani? Absolutely not. How can we transfer that much equity?"
"President, they're quite firm. They really plan to open one more in Osaka."
"Baka! Impossible. They're just a bunch of foreigners. No conglomerate would choose to partner with them; it's just negotiation tactics."
"Yeah, new boss, new ways. Really lacks the spirit of agreements."
"Soga, that's what it is. Form a negotiation team. This guy is tough. Those comics ended up with him, what a pity."
The Japanese figured compromise was inevitable, and they were just haggling. There's no refuting their logic. The other side made it clear: now it's America's Disney but will be International Disney in the future. You can't use any new cartoon characters; the contract isn't the same anymore.
Shameless?
Maybe.
Robbing the Japanese is America's duty, right? The Plaza Accord was the real robbery.
...
Seeing Michael Eisner in action, even the old timers didn't dare cause trouble. In this economic climate, unemployment meant death. As for traditions, who had the patience?
The two company acquisitions used drastically different methods, confusing outsiders. What was certain was that William White almost entirely let go.
Apart from the legal and finance departments being staffed by his people, there was no discussion. William White didn't intervene in other departmental adjustments.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, boss, he hardly managed these companies. Those two really took command quickly."
"Wow, is that so? What's that guy up to?"
"Making movies. Heard there's frequent mishaps. Destroyed a villa and several cars this time."
"Hah, you think that was accidental?"
"Maybe, seems like it."
"If I'm guessing right, no one got hurt?"
"Nope."
"See, that's publicity for you. It's his area of expertise."
...
Was it really that smooth?
Well, they thought the two messes would keep him busy, but it turned out differently. Apart from making movies, William White didn't have any serious business.
Wall Street folks thought William White was irresponsible. Four billion dollars in assets, and he actually trusted two outsiders to manage it. Is this even a private enterprise? Public companies don't even do that.
Alright, the people questioning him didn't have much weight, and he didn't even reply. William White's businesses were just that arrogant.
In fact, it wasn't arrogance. Big Blue now understood. The people in your PC department are not on the same level. If you want to talk business, go find Tom.
Initially hearing this, Big Blue felt very humiliated. This really was too much.
As William White kept rising, they weren't so indignant anymore.
Both Big Blue and Microsoft needed to mend their relationship with White Software. As for the ridiculous Lotus, whatever, it already went bust a second time, probably hard to revive.
Bill Gates got it, too. They weren't interested in developing an operating system, mainly to avoid antitrust investigations.
Funny, huh?
Initially sounded like it, but don't forget, he controlled the upstream chip department. If he also controlled the operating system, it would definitely cause trouble.
Actually, there's already trouble now. His shares, held under a family charity fund, were only temporarily easing the pressure. As for the board seats and CEO position, they were long handed to professional managers.
...
"Boss, our recent MTV show is doing well. It's a pity if we don't promote some singers through this platform."
"Ah, Barry, I'm really too busy. Your suggestion is good, though. I'll have those talent scouts work harder. Can't keep poaching; our reputation's terrible."
"Okay, Boss, I was just giving a suggestion."
"Alright, three months. If I can't find anyone suitable, I'll poach from Warner."
"Sure thing, Boss, both projects are doing great, rest assured."
"Good, let's keep it that way."
Poaching is normal, but don't overdo it. He's already increased the price for lyrics and compositions. If he keeps poaching, it might turn into a vendetta.
William White purely did it for fun; he didn't want to become a target for everyone.
*****
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