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The Real Deal
- My Story from Brick Lane to Dragons' Den
- Narrated by: James Caan
- Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
- Abridged Audiobook
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Professionals & Academics
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Summary
The Real Deal is the incredible story of James Caan's remarkable life. From his childhood as a Pakistani immigrant in Brick Lane in the 1960s and his decision not to go into the family business, to the phenomenal success of his first company, this book traces James's journey to both financial and personal maturity. It deals with his disappointment upon realising his goals too early, and offers a frank account of what success at 30 really means.
The Real Deal brings us bang up to the present day, including the truth about his role on Dragons' Den, what his charity work in Lahore, Kashmir, and Kosovo means to him, and how he has come to completely re-evaluate the true value of money.
This rag-trade-to-riches story is an intimate account of an exceptional journey. It is a searingly honest exploration of James's path to success and a source of inspiration for anyone looking to emulate his extraordinary business skills.
What listeners say about The Real Deal
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
- Colin M
- 10-02-09
Fantastic book
I looked at the price and the 2 1/2 star rating and thought it can't be up to much but I like his style in the Den so I took a punt. James Caan tells a fascinating story, his fears, his joy and his unorthodox perspective on moving ahead of the pack in business. A charismatic maverick with a spellbinding story to tell and the fact that he reads his book makes it so much more real. As a small business owner this has truly inspired me to take my business to the next level. WARNING: This is a cannot stop listening audiobook so make sure you have plenty me time!
16 people found this helpful
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Overall
- charlie
- 07-12-11
Wow, not what I expected to hear
A good listen. Full of small tips and tricks as well as some interesting strategic stuff.
But I have been ASTONISHED that almost everything in his life appears to start with a lie. And even more amazed that he's rather proud of that. Whether it's his relationship, getting clients, pushing candidates or starting new divisions, he can't appear to start anything without first telling a fib.
I'm afraid this book makes it all too clear why recruitment consultants can have a bad reputation - a focus on the Porsche James has "painted a blue sky" about rather than desire to help someone find the right role. a sad state of affairs.
But that aside, he's clearly a great motivator and an astute entrepreneur. the book is worth getting.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Karim
- 04-06-09
Great book, suspect reading.
Giving his incredible success you can forgive James Caan's laboured reading style. The book is full of fascinating anecdotes. His audacity in pursing his eventual wife, deciding on a whim to change his name and his many successful charitable endeavours were actually more interesting then how he made his money. A very real story which a lot of life lessons contained within it.
2 people found this helpful
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- t aitken
- 10-04-09
"The Real Deal".
Its a really good listen, well told with good advice.
2 people found this helpful
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- T SOTHCOTT
- 10-10-21
Insightful
Fascinating and honest rendition of rags to riches. His judgement of the human being is a lesson for us all.
1 person found this helpful
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- M Molesdale
- 04-10-20
Inspiring, humble, honest
One of the best Audio books I have ever listened to. A very honest account of turning youthful ambition into global wealth. James charm and honesty comes across really well and make you believe that people can be a tycoon but still be a decent person
1 person found this helpful
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- Steve K
- 04-11-15
Interesting and entertaining
Really enjoyed listening to this book and would recommend it to anyone either as a decent business book or a good autobiography
1 person found this helpful
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Overall
- N. Matheson
- 13-09-11
Enter the Dragon....
James Cann, delivers a fascinating account of his rise to the top. This audiobook provides any budding entrepreneur with masses of tips and insight into the man behind the sharp suit. James Cann takes you from his roots in the bustling ‘Brick Lane’ to the heady heights of selling his recruitment business for millions, to ultimately becoming a Dragon on Dragon’s den. From maverick business man to respected philanthropist, James Cann has lived the life that most can only dream of. He provides you with the route-map to success and encourages you to live a remarkable life, no matter what business venture you decide to pursue. Enjoy, learn and prosper.
N. Matheson
1 person found this helpful
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- Jellypod
- 14-04-22
Great story, strange narration
A great inspiring story of a guy working his way up in life and business.
The narration is strange though! James’ reading style is odd but you get used to it by the last chapter 🤣. You can also clearly hear when sections have either been added or re-recorded. See past that and it’s a great listen.
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- Netsehet
- 26-01-22
James Caan did a great job
Being a recruiter myself, I wished I read ‘ The Real Deal’ before I started my business. Such an eye opener and very inspirational.
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- Dan
- 10-02-11
Excellent book
It's weird that a business book could be so personal and emotional. I found his life just fascinating and full of good business lessons.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 15-02-22
Thank You for a wonderful book
This book is pure gold for every inspiring entrepreneur, great sales tactics included, James has a way of thinking about things differently which is super insightful. This is by far one of the best audio books and I would gladly recommend to my friends
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- Mark Tucker
- 20-09-19
Great read. Really interesting & inspiring book.
I've listened to this book twice as I enjoyed it so much. A very interesting life story of someone who has clearly lived his life to the full. In awe of his approach to life & humility.
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- mpb
- 06-07-17
the best book of the year
I am a 8 years audible fan. The book was recommended through the algorithm of what I should like. I purchased it and i was so pleasantly surprised. James Caan career and life story as of today is so well written, the audio is fabulous. He does a fantastic job at story telling. I didn't even know of him prior to this book. the book is entertaining, educating, stimulating. Thank you for sharing and you had an amazing impact on how i will continue my career in technology and serve the world.
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- Gerardo A Dada
- 08-09-14
Essential for Entrepreneurs
James Cann is the Mark Cuban of the UK.
He is a celebrity in part because of his participation in the Dragon's Den, which is the BBC version of Shark Tank (although it started years earlier). To be honest I did not know about James until I got this book. Now I am a fan.
I found James' story to be personal, detailed and incredibly insightful. I made a ton of notes even though I have been in business for decades.
His story, and the process he followed to build Arthur Mann, his first super successful company, are enlightening and should guide any entrepreneur who is aspiring to open a business.
Aside from the business insights, I enjoyed listening to his story, his context and his personal story from Pakistan to a business celebrity.
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- Simon
- 24-11-13
Fantastic
If you could sum up The Real Deal in three words, what would they be?
A fantastic story of rags to riches and how to create something from nothing using real world examples and experiences. I highly recommend this book for any entrepreneur.
What did you like best about this story?
Its all true!
Which character – as performed by James Caan – was your favorite?
James Caan
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes
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- Daniel
- 27-10-12
Finished in one day,
Where does The Real Deal rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
This is definitaly one of the most enjoyable books i have listened to. I began in the morning and took the day off work to finish it.
Which scene was your favorite?
When James realised that recruiting was a sales pitch in chapter 7
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I Did
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Overall

- Denis
- 05-11-09
self promotion
I really liked how James Caan protrayed himself on the Dragon's Den but in this book I got really sick listening to his continual repetition of the fantastic brilliant mind of James Caan ......
He has made a lot of money ,this is great but he has not made a scientific breakthrough which saved lives or anything......Boring Self Promotion
2 people found this helpful
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Overall

- zman
- 07-11-09
Simply awesome
I really liked listening to James Caan. He engaged me from the beginning and his life story is truly amazing. I could not put the iPod down until I finished the book.