Lee Iacocca
Lee Iacocca was a trailblazer in the automotive industry — his achievements approach the greatness of Henry Ford. He served in different ways as our inspiration for not only Adam but for Komourin in our first novel, ‘Adam in Taoland’.
Iacocca’s legacy extends beyond cars; it’s about determination, leadership, and making a difference — including philanthropic work. His marketing genius and innovative designs left a lasting impact on the automotive industry. His accomplishments in the automotive world and his inspirational messages continue to resonate today.
Born in 1924 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Lee was the son of Italian immigrants. He graduated with honors from Allentown High School and later attended Lehigh University, where he earned a degree in industrial engineering. He later received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Princeton University.
Iacocca began his amazing career in 1946 at the Ford Motor Company as an engineer, then transitioned into and excelled at marketing — as did our own Adam. He played crucial roles in developing cars like the Ford Mustang, the Continental Mark III, and the Ford Pinto, the first of the world’s innovative compact cars. His ability to understand both engineering and consumer needs set him apart — again as did Adam at Tezhouse.
By 1960, Iacocca had become a vice president at Ford’s marketing arm — where his leadership and strategic vision contributed to the company’s success throughout the next two decades. He stayed with Ford for 32 years.
Then in 1978 he moved to and revived the failing Chrysler Corporation, where he served until 1992. As Chrysler’s CEO, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the struggling company. He secured massive government loans (which he famously paid off early), cut costs, expanded automation (early AI), and introduced the revolutionary minivan — changing family vacation habits. Iacocca also introduced the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant, leading to affordable and fuel-efficient cars that appealed to consumers.
His relentless work ethic, hands-on approach, and ability to motivate teams were highly recognized. Lee inspired others with his belief in leading by example and fostering a culture of innovation.
His charisma, confidence, and passion for the industry made him a respected figure in business circles. His famous quote: “The most successful people are those who are good at plan B” reflects his adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity — a trait shown in our characters Adam and Komourin.
Iacocca believed in empowering others and that active listening drives positive — as did our own Roshi on his farm. “With good people, lay out the rules, communicate with your employees, motivate them, and reward them. Motivate them to work as teams. And always remember that listening can make the difference between a mediocre organization and a great one.If you do these things effectively, you can’t miss.”
In our story, Komourin several times calmly made bold decisions as necessary for progress, especially on dealing with Bogart – believing as Iacocca said: “To solve big problems, you have to do unpopular things. In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to bury your anger and plow your energy into something positive”
Throughout our writings we teach that strong interpersonal connections amongst peers, employees, suppliers, and customers lead to success — inspired by Iacocca’s famous assertion: “Business, after all, is nothing more than a bunch of human relationships — along with shared goals that unify”
Iacocca also stated unequivocally that prioritizing family and love is essential — something Adam had to learn the hard way. “No matter what you’ve done for yourself and humanity, if you can’t look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?”
Lee Iacocca’s words continue to inspire and resonate with leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals striving for excellence. He was also actively involved in philanthropic causes. He established the Iacocca Foundation, which aimed to fund diabetes research and provide support to individuals affected by the disease. He also played a vital role in fundraising efforts for various charities and organizations throughout his life. His commitment to both the automotive industry and charitable endeavors have left a lasting impact on society.
