Am I Being Too Subtle?: Straight Talk From a Business Rebel by Sam Zell

Sam Zell's book, Am I Being Too Subtle?: Straight Talk From a Business Rebel, provides a candid insight into his storied career as a successful real estate investor, entrepreneur, and Corporate America disrupter.

The book can be broken up into two halves. The first half provides a glimpse at Zell’s remarkable biography, his take on individual success and personal fulfillment, as well as his perspective on common business challenges. Zell challenges the status quo and reveals how he became the successful businessman he is today by taking risks and being unafraid to act differently than everyone else. He also provides a comprehensive guide for those wishing to travel down the same path.

In the second half of the book, Zell goes into detail about his vast array of experiences regarding business deals, challenges and failures. He shares his successes and failures while shedding light upon common mistakes -- such as ignorance of regulations and overconfidence in oneself—as well as his own ideas on entrepreneurship, negotiation, partnerships and more.

Zell emphasizes the power of not being afraid to ask hard questions. He deconstructs common scenarios and understandings, revealing the underlying depths of complications and variables at play. He provides honest and direct assessments of various situations that emphasize the importance of being aware of the emotional, psychological, legal and financial complexities that can arrive in business.

Zell’s writing is both clear-cut and relatable, making for a great read for any entrepreneur hoping to achieve success. He emphasizes risk-taking as a necessary part of the game and highlights how it is also important to pay attention to the details, understand regulations, and be prepared to seek help and advice when needed.

Ultimately, Am I Being Too Subtle? is an invaluable resource for those wishing to gain a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in a business enterprise. Zell’s personal anecdotes, examples, and advice provide a realistic perspective of what any entrepreneur should expect. Armed with these insights, the reader will gain an understanding of Zell's success and how it can be replicated. Following Zell's advice and applying proper risk management, readers will come away with the ability to make more informed decisions, further equipped with the knowledge on how to navigate an ever-changing business landscape.