The Company I Keep

My Life in Beauty

By: Leonard A. Lauder

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

In his much-anticipated memoir, The Company I Keep: My Life in Beauty, Chairman Emeritus and former CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies Leonard A. Lauder shares the business and life lessons he learned as well as the adventures he had while helping transform the mom-and-pop business his mother founded in 1946 in the family kitchen into the beloved brand and ultimately into the iconic global prestige beauty company it is today.

In its infancy in the 1940s and 50s, the company comprised a handful of products, sold under a single brand in just a few prestigious department stores across the United States. Today, The Estée Lauder Companies constitutes one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of prestige skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. It comprises more than 25 brands, whose products are sold in over 150 countries and territories. This growth and success was led by Leonard A. Lauder, Estée Lauder’s oldest son, who envisioned and effected this expansion during a remarkable 60-year tenure, including leading the company as CEO and Chairman.

In this captivating personal account complete with great stories as only he can tell them, Mr. Lauder, now known as The Estée Lauder Companies’ “Chief Teaching Officer,” reflects on his childhood, growing up during the Great Depression, the vibrant decades of the post-World War II boom, and his work growing the company into the beauty powerhouse it is today. Mr. Lauder pays loving tribute to his mother Estée Lauder, its eponymous founder, and to the employees of the company, both past and present, while sharing inside stories about the company, including tales of cutthroat rivalry with Charles Revson of Revlon and others. The book offers keen insights on honing ambition, leveraging success, learning from mistakes, and growing an international company in an age of economic turbulence, uncertainty, and fierce competition.

Beyond my Expectations

Honestly, I am Blown away! I am an Lauder fan and supporter from now on!

Loved it.

Enjoyed the history, life lessons and wisdom he shared. New appreciation for the company . It was worth my time.

Surprisingly Fun Book!

What do I know or care about cosmetics? I enjoyed this book and Leonard’s life story so much, I am looking at a seven copies stack of the book that I will be sharing with friends and family this holiday. And to answer my intro question, I now know a lot more, not just about cosmetics, but about leadership, business strategy, and just leading a good life. Anyone and everyone would benefit from The Company I Keep!

The progression of success

This was a very enjoyable read. To look at such a powerhouse company and see the humbling roots in which they start from. It’s also sad to see now third generation where it’s not appreciative of where these humble ground started from. But I’ve learned a great lesson of business and perseverance and company acquisition from this book.

Hard to put down

I loved this wonderful life story ...sometimes found it hard to put down ... the story is very educational s as well as entertaining... I especially loved the parts about Leonards Mother .., Maybe her book will be next!