Single-Minded: My Life in Business

by Claude Littner

The story of a high-stakes careerClaude Littner is best known as the mercilessly tough interviewer on the BBC's award-winning The Apprentice. His abrupt style and zero-tolerance policy on nonsense have become the highlights of every series. But what is he like in real business?Single-Minded reveals the story of Claude's varied career and the turbulent years that shaped him. From being told at school that he would never amount to anything to his current status as a boardroom heavyweight both on-screen and off it, success has never come easy. Claude's complex, fascinating work has taken him into many different industries and countries, encompassing retail start-ups; knife-edge company rescue missions; the bruising rough-and-tumble of Premier League football; facing down French trade unions; taking on Texan oil barons in multi-million-dollar deals; and, in the private sphere, conquering life-threatening illness.Told with characteristic candour and disarming modesty, Single-Minded is an unflinching account of a remarkable career in the spotlight.

Genres: Autobiography

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2016

Reviews

[John of Canada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this a lot.Despite being on the British version of The Apprentice he's not at all like Donald Trump...or is he?A good look at what it takes to be a success in business.

[K C · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is primarily an autobiography geared to an 18-35 year old audience of people who want to enter or start a business and are fan's of Littner's on the Apprentice UK. It is not a "how to" book, nor does it delve into the fine details or case studies of the various businesses with which he has been associated. It is light, conversational reading to provide a bit of entertainment as well as inspiration and guidance to his fans.

[Tom Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It makes for a solid read but there are no outstanding moments, just a step-by-step guide of Claude's career. It's amazing how similar these autobiographies can be, especially in the field of business. I think it all comes down to whether or not you "like" the individual. I do admire Claude for his truth, confidence and most importantly - likability. Subsequently I enjoyed this book, particularly at the end when the behind the scenes work on The Apprentice is explained

[Catalina Tincuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasure to read

I was very intrigued when I heard Claude Littner wrote a book so I had to read it. It is such a different character than the one perceived from the TV but I'm still a big fan.

[Andy Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and relatable

I found this more interesting than I thought I would. His experience of working in an office and in a team is something many can relate to and his insight and stories are important.

[Glyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly interesting, but I struggled through the football-heavy parts.

[James Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational book and shows that anyone can achieve no matter their upbringing. Absolutely loved this book.
9/10

[vanya yankova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of interesting stories.

This is a very good book with lots of stories about different business experiences of the author as well as some personal stories.

[C E McAnespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

A great memoir of a life in business which highlights Claude's determination, focus and ability to succeed. Inspiring man. Practical tips and information for budding entrepreneurs.

[Paul Pryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found Claude really harrowing on The Apprentice but after reading this I felt like we weren’t so incongruent. Great story and brilliantly told. It gets a 5 star for summary advice he gives.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK book and a standard autobiography. A factual, straight forward writing style makes for dull read.

A lack of detail and interesting story telling bogs this book down.

You will learn a few facts you didn't know but alt you well probably know.