Play Nice But Win

A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader

By: Michael Dell, James Kaplan

Narrated by: Michael Dell

WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER

From Michael Dell, renowned founder and chief executive of one of America’s largest technology companies, the inside story of the battles that defined him as a leader

In 1984, soon-to-be college dropout Michael Dell hid signs of his fledgling PC business in the bathroom of his University of Texas dorm room. Almost 30 years later, at the pinnacle of his success as founder and leader of Dell Technologies, he found himself embroiled in a battle for his company’s survival. What he’d do next could ensure its legacy—or destroy it completely.

Play Nice But Win is a riveting account of the three battles waged for Dell Technologies: one to launch it, one to keep it, and one to transform it. For the first time, Dell reveals the highs and lows of the company's evolution amidst a rapidly changing industry—and his own, as he matured into the CEO it needed. With humor and humility, he recalls the mentors who showed him how to turn his passion into a business; the competitors who became friends, foes, or both; and the sharks that circled, looking for weakness. What emerges is the long-term vision underpinning his success: that technology is ultimately about people and their potential.

More than an honest portrait of a leader at a crossroads, Play Nice But Win is a survival story proving that while anyone with technological insight and entrepreneurial zeal might build something great—it takes a leader to build something that lasts.

A window into the mind of a CEO

how often do you see a CEO of one of the biggest companies there are, tell their story, explain their personal values and take the time to record the 10 hour long voice over?

Very inspiring

Great to hear from Michael Dell himself on how he started Dell and how he kept control of it through the years. Highly recommend

It's feels very genuine

A real true inspiration. I of course knew made computers, but WOW, never new they were much more. Michael, thank you for making this world a better place ❤

Inspirational

This is an excellent book giving us a peak into the life of one of the most Towering Leaders of our time. Micheal Dell provides such an inspiring story of his life that keeps you hooked from the first page. It also provide invaluable lessons for anyone wanting to develop themselves. A very positive an uplifting book. Looking forward to more from him.

Loved every minute!

I never grow weary of entrepreneurship stories, and this was great on multiple levels. I was blessed to live in Austin in the early 90s, so I got to witness much of the early Dell growth. Outstanding book.