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Without Prejudice: A Memoir
In a career that has seen him face coup leaders in his native Ivory Coast and lead some of the most prestigious Western financial institutions, Tidjane Thiam has blazed a trail through African and European politics and business.
In a career that has seen him face coup leaders in his native Ivory Coast and lead some of the most prestigious Western financial institutions, Tidjane Thiam has blazed a trail through African and European politics and business.
After a childhood in tumultuous west and north Africa, Thiam broke barriers in the elitist world of French higher education, becoming one of the first black consultants at McKinsey and Company before entering the Ivorian government. After a coup forced him into exile, he joined the world of finance, where his rise saw him named as CEO of Prudential in London and Credit Suisse in Zurich. Along the way, he was trained and supported by many both in the public and private sector who made his many achievements as a leader possible. However, his rise to prominence as the only African, black and Muslim boss of large Western corporations was also accompanied with disproportionate public and media scrutiny, as well as racism and xenophobia.
A blend of autobiography, business, politics, and personal philosophy, his book offers a unique vantage point on corporate and political life in Africa, Europe, the United States and Asia. In a story that spans from his father’s politically motivated imprisonment to the business principles that took Thiam to the top of global finance, he shares a personal and professional story that is equal parts inspirational and aspirational.
In a career that has seen him face coup leaders in his native Ivory Coast and lead some of the most prestigious Western financial institutions, Tidjane Thiam has blazed a trail through African and European politics and business.
After a childhood in tumultuous west and north Africa, Thiam broke barriers in the elitist world of French higher education, becoming one of the first black consultants at McKinsey and Company before entering the Ivorian government. After a coup forced him into exile, he joined the world of finance, where his rise saw him named as CEO of Prudential in London and Credit Suisse in Zurich. Along the way, he was trained and supported by many both in the public and private sector who made his many achievements as a leader possible. However, his rise to prominence as the only African, black and Muslim boss of large Western corporations was also accompanied with disproportionate public and media scrutiny, as well as racism and xenophobia.
A blend of autobiography, business, politics, and personal philosophy, his book offers a unique vantage point on corporate and political life in Africa, Europe, the United States and Asia. In a story that spans from his father’s politically motivated imprisonment to the business principles that took Thiam to the top of global finance, he shares a personal and professional story that is equal parts inspirational and aspirational.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 28, 2025
Tidjane Thiam is one of the most formidable contemporary Africans. So naturally I started this book with the expectation of what such a profile would usually resemble: privileged local upbringing, upward European trajectory, shatter glass ceilings, then come back home to seek political office. In a way, that’s the arc the memoir takes, but TT shows how this journey was non-linear and by no means smooth sailing.
TT highlights in no uncertain terms the dynamics of an African professional in Europe. He narrates the challenges in white-collar jobs that are transcendent of profession and status. I always admired TT as a trailblazing black banker, but his memoir spoke to me as a black mentor with whom we share similar experiences. An intriguing insight into race, career in finance, office politics, and African politics.
I am acutely aware that the memoir was published just before the Côte d’Ivoire 2025 presidential elections, in which TT was gearing to run against the incumbent Alassane Ouattara. So in some sections the book may be a bit hagiographic and read more like a manifesto. TT eloquently narrates his visions and successes at previous roles, and concludes the book with his manifesto for his country and the continent at large. Readers should not expect extremely deep personal reflections or grand mea culpa. Highly recommended read for everyone, but especially African professionals.
TT highlights in no uncertain terms the dynamics of an African professional in Europe. He narrates the challenges in white-collar jobs that are transcendent of profession and status. I always admired TT as a trailblazing black banker, but his memoir spoke to me as a black mentor with whom we share similar experiences. An intriguing insight into race, career in finance, office politics, and African politics.
I am acutely aware that the memoir was published just before the Côte d’Ivoire 2025 presidential elections, in which TT was gearing to run against the incumbent Alassane Ouattara. So in some sections the book may be a bit hagiographic and read more like a manifesto. TT eloquently narrates his visions and successes at previous roles, and concludes the book with his manifesto for his country and the continent at large. Readers should not expect extremely deep personal reflections or grand mea culpa. Highly recommended read for everyone, but especially African professionals.
September 13, 2025
Inspirational and very relatable read as an African & banker in London today. For many of us who got to know Tidjane during his business career chapters 4-6 would resonate closest…
Nonetheless, Tidjane remains a giant among men. He’s paved the way for an entire generation of Africans, bankers & Management Consulting to set their sights & ambitions much higher today . Highly Recommend Read
Nonetheless, Tidjane remains a giant among men. He’s paved the way for an entire generation of Africans, bankers & Management Consulting to set their sights & ambitions much higher today . Highly Recommend Read
December 16, 2025
Wasn't sure what to expect but this book was remarkably well written in a way that many business memoirs are not, had he included more of the personal context of his life, it would have been a 5 star read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews