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Business Movers

Driving Chrysler Through Inflation | A Ford Man | 1

Business Movers

Wondery

History, Entrepreneurship, Business

4.71.6K Ratings

🗓️ 29 September 2022

⏱️ 45 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

During a time of rising inflation, Lee Iacocca rises through the ranks of the Ford Motor Company, eventually becoming its President. But reaching the top brings him into conflict with the erratic and jealous Chairman of the company, Henry Ford Junior.

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Transcript

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0:00.0

Hey, prime members, you can listen to business movers add free on Amazon music, download the app today.

0:23.0

It's July 13, 1978 at the Ford Motor Company World Headquarters in Detroit.

0:29.0

It's just before three o'clock in the afternoon, and the 53-year-old president of the company, Leia Cokas, strived through a busy office.

0:37.0

As he heads up to the executive conference room, a secretary bustles down the hall to greet him.

0:42.0

But there's something in her look that makes Leigh feel like she's pitying him.

0:46.0

Everyone here has heard the rumors. It's said that Leigh is about to lose his job.

0:51.0

Leigh has heard all sorts of rumors about why, the failing economy, a loss of consumer confidence.

0:59.0

But deep down, he suspects another reason. His boss, current CEO and chairman Henry Ford II simply doesn't like him.

1:07.0

But Leigh doesn't care about being Henry's friend.

1:10.0

He's dedicated his entire working life to the Ford Motor Company, and he's not the kind of man to give up without a fight.

1:16.0

Even when his enemy is the grandson of the company's founder, Henry Ford.

1:21.0

And today, he's going to fight for his job. But he won't be begging for it.

1:26.0

Soon, the secretary leads Leigh to the door of the executive conference room. There she knocks.

1:31.0

Yeah, come in.

1:32.0

Leigh steals himself. Then steps inside.

1:36.0

They are sitting at a large solid marble table. His Henry Ford II, looking heavy set, and every bit of his 60 years.

1:44.0

Leigh slides into a chair opposite his boss. Afternoon, Henry.

1:49.0

Thanks for coming to see me, Leigh. Of course, what can I do for you?

1:52.0

Well, there's something I felt that...

1:55.0

Well, something we need to discuss.

1:57.0

You see, there comes a time when a man has to do things his own way. Set his own path.

2:02.0

You know, steer his own zerre point, Henry.

...

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