A Radically Rational Blueprint for Investing Success

Author and investor William Thorndike recently wrote a book looking at eight CEOs who outdid the S&P 500. In this video, John Reeves looks at what distinguished these CEOs. One characteristic: decentralized operations. CEOs like Warren Buffett allow managers to do their jobs without micro-managing them. These top CEOs also are frugal and don't spend a lot on themselves. They also tend to be skeptical and avoid the limelight. Perhaps, most importantly, exceptional CEOs don't follow the crowd. They make their own decisions without influence from Wall Street. Some companies that Thorndike recommends are LeucadiaNational and Markel Corporation . Thorndike also likes Amazon as a great example of a company doing its own thing and with a healthy disregard for Wall Street experts.

Thanks to the savvy of investing legend Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway's book value per share has grown a mind-blowing 586,817% over the past 48 years. But with Buffett aging, and Berkshire rapidly evolving, is this insurance conglomerate still a buy today? In The Motley Fool's premium report on the company, Berkshire expert Joe Magyer provides investors with key reasons to buy, as well as important risks to watch out for. Click here now for instant access to Joe's take on Berkshire!

The article A Radically Rational Blueprint for Investing Success originally appeared on Fool.com.

John Reeves owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool recommends Amazon.com, Berkshire Hathaway, and Markel. The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.com, Berkshire Hathaway, and Markel. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.