Executive Crumple Zone

by Michael A. Sisti

When high-energy entrepreneur Dave Powers becomes head of marketing at a large health insurance company, he has no idea he's in for the roller coaster ride of his life. Used to operating independently, he's unprepared for the twists and turns of office politics, departmental turf wars, and behind-the-scenes shenanigans of narcissistic bosses and groveling sycophants.
Based on true events, this story is told in a series of emails, many of them verbatim. Dave's roughshod ride through the corporate corridors of bureaucracy is as hilarious as it is heart-breaking. His experience, including the creative triumphs,managerial incompetence, and exasperating fiascos is an object lesson of the realities of power, greed, folly and success in today's dysfunctional business world.

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Multi book award winner Michael Sisti is a prolific writer, having written books in three genres - thriller fiction, self-help, and humor. He has also collaborated with an award-winning film producer/playwright and written a TV drama series that they are currently pitching to various studios.

As a serial entrepreneur having founded over 25 companies, Mike got an early start in life, launching his first business venture at age 11, and writing professionally in his early 20s.

His focus since childhood has been to recognize the unexpected fun that surrounds us all. This mindset sharpens his creative skills and adds to his sense of humor while providing the basis for his writing.

After growing up in Brooklyn, Mike spent 50 years in northern New Jersey. He then moved to Rhode Island, and on to Sarasota, FL. He then spent three years in Greenville, SC before returning to the Sarasota area. Each residence along the way has provided countless adventures that have become the basis for his storytelling.

Mike shares his extensive business experience with other entrepreneurs looking to grow their own businesses. He also advocates for young adults looking to begin their careers.

As a disciplined writer, Mike is at his computer about 6:30 every morning but finds time to play golf and explore the nearby parks and beaches near his home. He and his wife also like to travel. Mike is an accomplished cook, creating his own recipes. Send him an email and he’ll share recipes with you.

Reviews

[Tom Mulvihill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author takes you on a tour d'force of the internal politics of a large corporation, disclosing the petty, as well as the malignant, forces that lie beneath the surface of all, yes all, major corporations. The real genius behind this work is presenting it forensically, through the detritus of emails that survived the calamity. Recommended reading on a quiet evening with a glass of your favorite wine, then hold on tight for a 'roller coaster' of a ride.

[Mark Mathes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Mike Sisti has a terrific ear for humor and sharp eye for the absurd in corporate American business. His hyper character Dave tries to maneuver the bureaucracy of a health insurance conglomerate after a pleasant career as an entrepreneur. Cubicle life, expense cuts and endless email chains almost kill his can-do attitude and spirits. The story is told in a series of funny and sometimes wilting emails. It's a fast read, visual and packed with clever lines. We had the Peter Principle in the 1970s, Dilbert in the 1980s and Dave Barry in the 1990s. Sisti is here with a contemporary story that gives hope to those of us still in meetings with a beginning and no end. After four or more decades in marketing, business and the entrepreneur life, he knows what he's writing about. Looking forward to his next tale.

[Annette Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Executive Crumple Zone is an in depth look at the corporate world. This book shows you how to navigate in the office with problem solving techniques and humor. Michael has a natural humor I haven’t seen since Lewis Grizzard. I had to read some of his hilarious comments to my daughter.
I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of Mike Sisti’s books.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written as a series of e-mails this book was an eyeopener into the corporate world. I couldn't put it down.

[Paul McGoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Sisti has written an epistolary novel that could double as a masterclass case study in bureaucracy and modern corporate life. E-mails zing back and forth just as they do in all large corporations, serving up the gossip of the day as well as presenting the serious issues confronting upper management. If you know what 'silos' refer to in business life, you'll be able to understand and sympathize with Dave Powers, the marketing exec whose drive and creative mind propel him up the corporate ladder -- but whose naivete and openness embroil him in misunderstandings, scandals, and lawsuits, ultimately derailing a promising career.