You know, I think it becomes psychological almost either they don't want somebody to choose

somebody as their successor who will outperform them and show them up.

It seemed like that was the case with Bob Eiger and I think on some subliminal basis it might

have been the case with Jack Welch as well.

I'm Mary Long and that's William Cohen, a founding partner of the Digital News Company,

Puck.

He's also the author of Power Failure, the rise and fall of an American icon.

It's July 4th weekend, so we're highlighting some of our favorite conversations from the

year.

Back in January, Ricky Mulvey caught up with Cohen to talk about his corporate autopsy of

General Electric.

They discussed what caused the fall of one of America's most powerful companies, the key

differences between former CEOs, Jack Welch and Jeff Emelt, and why large companies struggle

with leadership succession.

Joining us now is William Cohen, the author of Power Failure, the rise and fall of an American

icon, talking General Electric today and appreciating joining us on Motley Full Money.

Thank you, Ricky, for having me.

So General Electric is this myth making machine.

That was one of the key things that picked up from your book.

It was born on a myth of Thomas Edison's involvement and possibly it may be dying even on myths

such as John Flannery's Alster.

When you were researching General Electric and doing these interviews, I know you worked

...