Play Nice but Win

A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader

By: Michael Dell, James Kaplan

Narrated by: Michael Dell

Wall Street Journal best seller

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.

©2021 Michael Della, James Kaplan (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“The book is acidly funny, nail-biting and fast-paced. It is also blessed with a villain from central casting: Carl Icahn, activist investor and publicity hound, whose sparring with Mr. Dell gives the story its bite.” (The Economist)

“In this super-candid book filled with revealing stories, Michael Dell shows how his development as a person was tightly intertwined with building the company he founded in his college dorm room. It’s a fast-paced tale of launching a public company, taking it private, and then taking it public again, all while wrestling with colorful characters such as Carl Icahn. Dell provides a wealth of business insights but also something more important: how curiosity and good values are essential to success both in life and in business. It’s a lesson he learned from his strong parents and shares with his wife in the work of their foundation to give kids better opportunities. The result is a book that is exciting, insightful, and valuable.” (Walter Isaacson, best-selling author of The Code Breaker)

“Michael Dell takes you into the real world of building and transforming an empire, vividly describing conversations and deals with key players so you see the whole picture. It’s a great gift for those on a similar journey.” (Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates and author of Principles: Life and Work)

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

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.

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 ❤

Phenomenal book

This book was phenomenal. It was a very candid peek into the life of the Dell corporation and it’s founder. I learned a ton and get like we got a peak behind the curtain.

Excellent business biography

This is a great breakdown of an industry titan. Dell has a wonderful story and this is a must read.

Best part is you hear Michael Dell read

Many of the best books by Industry leaders have become obsolete to the pandemic. In this book not only does Michael Dell allow you to learn more about his organization and his adventure and journey to where he is today. Mr Dell acknowledged the fact that the pandemic has validated, and confirmed that we can work from home and be just as productive. During the story he shared the challenges of being a young entrepreneur, taking his enormous company private and the challenges. And how he overcame adversity from some of the most powerful people in private equity. In the end he showed how you can work hard and be nice.

An Enlightening Listen

As an entrepreneur, I learned so much from this story. Appreciated the candor, the detail, the lessons, and the humor. If you’re seeking inspo to push yourself beyond what you thought possible, you’ll enjoy this listen.

Enjoyed the book

Would have preferred a straight timeline. The bouncing back and forth was a bit confusing. You have a minute or two where you’re thinking okay where are we in the timeline?