The Wright Stuff

“Bob Wright makes us realize what great leadership can do … transforming NBC into an extraordinarily international enterprise … (and) bringing to the attention of all, the serious problem of worldwide autism and its calamitous impact on the patients and the families who suffer equally with them.” — Herbert Pardes, M.D., Executive Vice Chairman, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and former Director, National Institute of Mental Health

Bob Wright completely reinvented network television, in the process saving NBC and revolutionizing the visual broadcast business. He then harnessed his personal pain and concern, and rededicated his life and resources to establish the foremost autism science and advocacy organization, Autism Speaks.

Named president and CEO of NBC at the age of 43, he dodged the cautious corporate eye of GE and set the traditional network on a bold, uncharted course to survive and thrive in the changing cultural and technological landscape. Leading with the foresight to embrace cable and leverage the NBC brand using the power of the internet, Bob launched alternative news channels CNBC and MSNBC, along with MSNBC.com, and created strategic partnerships to transform “the peacock” into a $45 billion giant.

As Bob’s corporate career was closing on a high, his family was struggling. A baffling condition had turned his bright, talkative, and engaging grandson Christian into an increasingly ill, distant, and agitated toddler. Finally, physicians diagnosed autism—then poorly understood—and “basically said good-bye and good luck,” Bob’s wife, Suzanne, remembers. Always one to forge ahead toward solutions, Bob, together with the charismatic, compassionate Suzanne, founded Autism Speaks, which soon became the principal advocacy and research funding organization for this condition that so devastates families.

Now, in his new book The Wright Stuff: From NBC to Autism Speaks (Rosetta Press; April 2016), Bob Wright delivers his inspiring and instructive story. It is a fascinating insider’s look at revitalizing a business sector in an era of opportunity-filled, disruptive change; a mentor’s guide offering successful leadership strategies; and a deeply personal, compelling memoir of building a research and advocacy organization from the ground up.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Bob Wright served as Vice Chairman and Executive Officer of General Electric, President and Chief Executive Officer of NBC, and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NBC Universal. Autism Speaks, founded by Bob and his wife, Suzanne, has led the way for more than a decade in global autism research, advocacy, and support services. He has received numerous awards and accolades for philanthropy and community service. He serves on the boards of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, AMC Networks Inc., and is a Trustee of the New York Presbyterian hospital. He is also Chairman and CEO of the Palm Beach Civic Association and Senior Advisor of Thomas H. Lee Capital.

Diane Mermigas is an award-winning business reporter and analyst whose long-running column and cutting-edge interviews with leading industry executives have appeared in The Hollywood Reporter, Advertising Age and its former sister publication Electronic Media, and elsewhere. She is a conference speaker, consultant, and adjunct professor on digital media business strategies and trends, most recently at DePaul University. She resides in Chicago and Boston.