Trump: Surviving at the Top – A Hilarious and Honest Book Review for Business Mavericks

Photo Credit: Yahoo.com

​By William Ballard

Let’s face it—whether you love him, loathe him, or just enjoy his hair, Donald Trump is a business icon (and a master of making headlines). “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) isn’t just a book; it’s a playbook for entrepreneurs, dreamers, and anyone who’s ever thought, “Maybe I could own a skyscraper… or at least a lemonade stand on 5th Avenue.”
 
Published in 1990, this book finds Trump at a crossroads—after the dizzying success of “The Art of the Deal” and before The Apprentice made “You’re fired!” a household catchphrase. The book is a treasure trove of business wisdom, cautionary tales, and, of course, Trump’s signature bravado.
 
So, why should you care?

​Well, in a world where business is often unpredictable, “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) offers a blend of tough love, practical advice, and laugh-out-loud moments. Let’s dive into what makes this book a must-read for anyone building a business—whether you’re aiming for the penthouse or just trying to survive the ground floor.

The Art of Staying on Top: What the Book Is All About

​In “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF), Donald Trump doesn’t just recount his victories, he also opens the vault on his struggles, mistakes, and what it really takes to stay successful when the lights (and creditors) are closing in. The book’s central theme is clear: it’s not about never falling—it’s about how you get back up.
 
Trump writes, “Anyone who thinks my story is anywhere near over is sadly mistaken.” This quote captures the essence of the book: resilience. Trump shares details about his real estate empire, high-profile setbacks, and the relentless optimism that kept him going even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
 
If you’re looking for a business book that sugarcoats reality, look elsewhere. “Trump: Surviving at the Top” is raw, real, and surprisingly relatable (even if you don’t own a casino).
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Trump’s Humor: Business, Blunders, and Belly Laughs

​One thing’s for sure: Trump knows how to laugh at himself—and others. Throughout the book, he peppers his tales of triumph and turmoil with a humor that’s part self-deprecating, part self-aggrandizing, and all Trump.
 
For example, when describing the perils of the press, he quips, “You always have to be on guard. The sharks are always circling.” But lest you think he’s always the tough guy, he admits, “If you’re not careful, you can lose your shirt—and your pants.”
 
It’s this blend of bravado and humility that makes the book entertaining. Trump’s stories about near-disasters (and actual disasters) in business are told with a wink and a nudge, making even the most intense moments feel like a sitcom episode—albeit one with billions on the line.
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The Business Playbook: Trump’s Rules for Winning

​If you’re hunting for actionable business advice, this book doesn’t disappoint. Trump lays out his guiding principles in a way that’s both memorable and practical.

Here are a few gems:

• Think Big, But Prepare for Small: Trump is famous for his big dreams, but he cautions readers to always be ready for setbacks. “You have to be prepared for the worst,” he writes, “but never stop reaching for the best.”
• Don’t Be Afraid to Fail: Failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. Trump’s message: Learn fast, recover faster.
• Negotiate Like Your Life Depends on It: Trump’s negotiation stories are legendary. He encourages readers to “stand firm, know your worth, and never be afraid to walk away.”

 
Each chapter is packed with anecdotes—from deals that almost collapsed to partnerships that soared—offering both inspiration and instruction.
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Surviving Setbacks: How Trump Turned Losses into Lessons

​If you thought Trump always had the Midas touch, think again. The book is refreshingly honest about his missteps, especially during the late 1980s when real estate markets crashed and his empire teetered on the brink.
 
Trump shares, “I’ve made some terrible deals, but I’ve also made some great ones. The key is to keep moving.” He recounts the harrowing days when debt piled up and the media predicted his downfall. Instead of hiding, Trump doubled down—negotiating with banks, leveraging relationships, and, perhaps most importantly, keeping his cool.
 
For business owners, these stories are gold. Trump’s willingness to own his mistakes (and learn from them) sets a powerful example: resilience is an entrepreneur's superpower.
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The Power of Branding: Trump’s Secret Weapon

​Before Instagram influencers, before TikTok stars, there was Trump—the original master of self-branding. In “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) he discusses the importance of building (and protecting) your brand.
 
He writes, “Your name is your greatest asset. Guard it as you would your fortune.” Trump’s strategy? Make your name synonymous with quality, luxury, and success. Whether it’s a hotel, a casino, or a board game (yes, there was a Trump board game), the Trump brand is front and center.
 
For entrepreneurs, this is a crucial takeaway. In today’s crowded market, your brand is more than a logo--it’s your reputation, your promise, and, sometimes, your lifeline.
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Trump’s Take on Leadership: Bold, Brash, and Unapologetic

​Leadership, according to Trump, is about vision, confidence, and a willingness to make tough decisions—even when they’re unpopular. He doesn’t mince words: “If you’re going to be a leader, you can’t be afraid to lead.”
 
He shares stories of firing employees, restructuring teams, and making calls that others shied away from. Trump’s style isn’t for everyone—it’s bold, sometimes brash, but always decisive. The book offers plenty of leadership lessons: trust your instincts, communicate clearly, and never compromise your standards.
 
Perhaps most importantly, Trump reminds readers that leadership is a lonely road. But, as he puts it, “If you want everyone to love you, sell ice cream.”
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Lessons for Today’s Entrepreneurs: Timeless Business Wisdom

​Three decades after its publication, “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) still resonates. Why? Because the fundamentals of business haven’t changed: take risks, learn fast, and never give up.
 
For today’s entrepreneurs, the book offers advice that feels tailor-made for the era of startups, side hustles, and social media:

• Adapt or Die: Markets change. Customers change. The only constant is change itself.
• Relationships Matter: Trump’s stories about partners, mentors, and even rivals highlight the power of a strong network.
• Stay Hungry: Complacency is the enemy of success. Trump’s work ethic is legendary—he’s up before the sun and rarely takes a day off.

 
No matter your industry, these lessons are as relevant as ever.
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The Controversial Side: Trump’s Critics and Contradictions

​Of course, no Trump book review would be complete without acknowledging the controversies. Trump is nothing if not polarizing, and “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) doesn’t shy away from his critics.
 
He addresses negative press, lawsuits, and public feuds with a mix of bravado and candor: “Criticism is a compliment when you’re at the top.” Some readers may find his confidence (some would say arrogance) off-putting. Others will find it empowering.
 
Love him or hate him, Trump’s willingness to own his narrative—and turn every setback into a comeback—is a lesson in itself.
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Should You Read “Trump: Surviving at the Top”?

​So, is “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) worth your time? Absolutely—if you’re looking for a business book that’s honest, entertaining, and packed with real-world wisdom. Trump’s writing is refreshingly direct, often funny, and always larger-than-life.
 
You’ll walk away with practical tips for your business, a few laughs, and maybe even a little Trumpian swagger. As he says, “Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war.” For entrepreneurs, that’s advice worth its weight in gold (or, at least, gold-plated elevators).
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Final Thoughts: Business Books Don’t Have to Be Boring

​Let’s be honest: most business books are about as exciting as a tax seminar. “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) breaks the mold. It’s fast-paced, funny, and filled with stories that make you want to take on the world—or at least your next big project.
 
So, grab a copy, pour yourself a cup of something strong, and get ready for a wild ride. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, launching your own startup, or just trying to survive Monday mornings, this book has something for everyone.
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A Coaching Moment With Trump:
​How to Apply Trump’s Lessons to Your Business

​Reading is great—but action is better!

Here are three ways you can put Trump’s lessons into practice today:

1. Audit Your Brand: What does your name stand for? Take a cue from Trump and make it shine.
2. Embrace Setbacks: Make a list of recent failures and what you learned from them. Then use those lessons to fuel your next big move.
3. Lead Boldly: Don’t wait for permission. Step up, make decisions, and be the leader your business needs.

 
Business isn’t always easy, but with a little humor, a lot of grit, and a dash of Trump-style confidence, you just might find yourself surviving—and thriving—at the top.

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William Ballard is the founder and CEO of William Ballard & Associates, LLC. He is a serial entrepreneur and has built a successful career leading and growing organizations based, in large part, on his ability to ask great questions, speak with candor, and identify talented people with whom to collaborate.

​It’s from this foundation that William helps aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and ministry leaders navigate organizational, industry, and societal changes to move their organizations closer towards their vision.