Deepak Bhatt
2 min readNov 1, 2023

“In Their Time: The Greatest Business Leaders Of The Twentieth Century”

Book by Anthony J. Mayo and Nitin Nohria

“In Their Time: The Greatest Business Leaders of the Twentieth Century" by Anthony J. Mayo, Nitin Nohria, and Laura G. Singleton seems to be an insightful and comprehensive book that delves into the lives and achievements of prominent American business leaders from the 20th century. The book appears to highlight the concept of "contextual intelligence" as a key factor in their success, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique historical and economic contexts in which these leaders operated.

What's particularly noteworthy about this book is that it not only covers well-known figures like Sam Walton and Bill Gates but also introduces lesser-known, yet significant, business leaders. This diversity in profiles can offer readers a more holistic perspective on what contributed to the success of these individuals.

The emphasis on a new leadership theory, "contextual intelligence," provides a fresh perspective on leadership. Instead of focusing solely on personality traits, the authors have conducted research to support this theory, making it a valuable addition to the field of leadership studies.

Furthermore, the inclusion of business leaders from non-U.S. countries adds a global dimension to the book, showcasing that successful leadership transcends borders and cultures.

Overall, "In Their Time" appears to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of business leadership in the 20th century, and it offers a unique lens through which to analyze the achievements and contributions of these influential figures.

Deepak Bhatt

Founder & CEO, Global Management Consultancy, Ex. Head, Communication, PR & Digital Marketing IIM Ahmedabad, 🎓 Alumnus IIM Calcutta & Stanford GSB