Le Deal: How a Young American, in Business, in Love, and in Over His Head, Kick-Started a Multibillion Dollar Industry in Europe
Product Description
High-Fashion Adventure
Le Deal is an adventure story involving raw entrepreneurship, high-level politics, and a young American family in foreign lands. It is the true story of Byrne Murphy, a businessman who abruptly moves to Paris with his wife and baby daughter in a quest to reignite his career and his fortunes. He quickly finds himself up against strange and powerful forces for which he is ill prepared.
Just days after landing in France, Byrne reads that the newly installed prime minister has declared a moratorium on all new retail development, apparently snuffing out Byrne’s proposed new venture—discount fashion malls—before it’s even started. He and his company will engage in a mano a mano struggle with the prime minister (which reaches all the way to France’s Supreme Court); encounter a ruthless political ambush in Germany by the soon-to-be chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder; and face a threatening (“Is this the Mafia?”)… More >>
4 Responses
9.29.2010
Being at a similar age as Byrne was during his plunge into the unknown, I can relate and feed off the energy. Motivating book and very well written.
Rating: 5 / 5
9.29.2010
Murphy’s memoir is light-hearted, witty, and very personal, but it simulteneously offers very serious lessons to any aspiring ex-pat entrepreneur. He also does a great job describing social, cultural, and geopolitical context (very important, of course) in addition to the business story. A must-read for those interested in real estate development or international business!
Rating: 5 / 5
9.29.2010
J. Byrne Murphy has written a very rare “business” book. It is a personal story first, with humor and many subtle points about life and business and morals that are all tied together at the end. Very well written. Could not put it down. As a real estate developer who experiences these same struggles it was an inspiration and reminder that we do what we do for love, family, and for life.
Rating: 5 / 5
9.29.2010
The American economy is absolutely dependant on American businesses being able to successfully sell their goods and services abroad. Exports are vital to American economic health and well being. That’s why there are so many “how to” books published every year for the American business community and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking success in foreign markets. What is unique about “Le Deal: How A Young American, In Business, In Love, And In Over His Head, Kick-Started A Multibillion Dollar Industry in Europe” is that it combines J. Byrne Murphy’s personal story that took him to Europe and Asia where for fifteen years he conducted his business activities with the riveting elements of a true life adventure story. Of special note are the cultural differences he encountered with respect to how business is conducted. For example, the Italians readily agree to new ideas — but have a tendency to delay implementation of them. The French are cautious about accepting new ideas and examine every aspect of the concept to extraordinary lengths before implementing them. The Germans (no surprise) are rigid about following rules no matter how outdated and in need of revision they may be. All this contrasts sharply with Americans who tend to move quickly and easily get frustrated when having to deal with other cultures and their approaches to business decision making. Very highly recommended reading, “Le Deal” is a real life case study that combines a fascinating personal story with entrepreneurial and corporate insights that will well serve any who aspire to engage in commerce abroad.
Rating: 5 / 5