#75: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying with Dr. Kristin Stultz Pressley

If you look down the list of Pulitzer Prize-winning musicals, past more recent capital "I" important musicals like "Hamilton" and "A Strange Loop," you eventually get to "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Sure, it's a caustic take on corporate culture but prize-winning? That seems a stretch, even with the creative team behind arguably the most beloved musical ever, "Guys and Dolls," on board.

Luckily, I was able to talk to the woman who wrote the book on this subject, Kristin Stultz Pressley, to help make sense of this situation. Her book, "Pulitzer Prize-Winning Musicals: Of Thee I Sing to A Strange Loop," provides fascinating background on the 10 shows that have earned the prestigious prize and the sometimes unexpected reasons for their recognition.

Dr. Pressley and I dig in deep on "How to Succeed..." and I came away from our conversation with a new appreciation of this show and also a deeper understanding of why it was honored some 60 years ago.

As this episode is being released during Thanksgiving week, I thought it was a great time to highlight new friends I've made through this podcast, like Dr. Pressley, and also take a small aside at Black Friday which follows on the heels of the holiday. If you are feeling cynical about capitalism, "How to Succeed..." sure provides plenty of grist for that particular mill!

Be sure and check out my website, ChasingPhantom.net, for more information and links to video clips relevant to our conversation. I am thankful for all of you listeners and hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday!