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What It Takes
- Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence
- Narrated by: Drew Birdseye, Stephen A. Schwarzman
- Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins
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What It Takes
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Summary
From Blackstone chairman, CEO and cofounder Stephen A. Schwarzman, a long-awaited book that uses impactful episodes from Schwarzman's life to show listeners how to build, transform and lead thriving organisations. Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, philanthropist, executive or simply someone looking for ways to maximise your potential, the same lessons apply.
People know who Stephen Schwarzman is - at least they think they do. He’s the man who took $400,000 and cofounded Blackstone, the investment firm that manages over $500 billion (as of January 2019). He’s the CEO whose views are sought by heads of state. He’s the billionaire philanthropist who founded Schwarzman Scholars, this century’s version of the Rhodes Scholarship, in China. But behind these achievements is a man who has spent his life learning and reflecting on what it takes to achieve excellence, make an impact and live a life of consequence.
Folding handkerchiefs in his father’s linen shop, Schwarzman dreamed of a larger life, filled with purpose and adventure. His grades and athleticism got him into Yale. After starting his career in finance with a short stint at a financial firm called DLJ, Schwarzman began working at Lehman Brothers, where he ascended to run the mergers and acquisitions practice. He eventually partnered with his mentor and friend Pete Peterson to found Blackstone, vowing to create a new and different kind of financial institution.
Building Blackstone into the leading global financial institution it is today didn’t come easily. Schwarzman focused intensely on culture, hiring great talent and establishing processes that allow the firm to systematically analyse and evaluate risk. Schwarzman’s simple mantra 'don’t lose money' has helped Blackstone become a leading private equity and real estate investor and manager of alternative assets for institutional investors globally. Both he and the firm are known for the rigour of their investment process, their innovative approach to deal making, the diversification of their business lines and a conviction to be the best at everything they do.
Schwarzman is also an active philanthropist, having given away more than a billion dollars. In philanthropy, as in business, he is drawn to situations where his capital and energy can be applied to drive transformative solutions and change paradigms, notably in education. He uses the skills learned over a lifetime in finance to design, establish and support impactful and innovative organisations and initiatives. His gifts have ranged from creating a new College of Computing at MIT for the study of artificial intelligence, to establishing a first-of-its-kind student and performing arts centre at Yale, to enabling the renovation of the iconic New York Public Library, to founding the Schwarzman Scholars fellowship programme at Tsinghua University in Beijing - the single largest philanthropic effort in China’s history from international donors.
Schwarzman’s story is an empowering, entertaining and informative guide for anyone striving for greater personal impact. From deal-making to investing, leadership to entrepreneurship, philanthropy to diplomacy, Schwarzman has lessons for how to think about ambition and scale, risk and opportunities, and how to achieve success through the relentless pursuit of excellence. Schwarzman not only offers listeners a thoughtful reflection on all his own experiences but in doing so provides a practical blueprint for success.
Critic reviews
"This story literally has what it takes: the anecdotes, the insights and, most of all, the values to guide the next generation of entrepreneurs." (Mark Carney)
"The real story of what it takes from a man who could turn dreams into realities." (Ray Dalio)
"Candid, funny and real, Steve offers wisdom and the gift of much-needed common sense chapter by chapter and experience by experience. A great read!" (John Kerry)
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What listeners say about What It Takes
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- Joshua Ogwal
- 28-11-23
A must-read for entrepreneurs
Truly Great Book! The humility and honesty with which the story is told makes it deeply inspiring for entrepreneurs and business executives
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- Robert
- 15-02-24
A WINDOW INTO ANOTHER WORLD
Fascinating journey through the life and work of Mr Schwarzman. Delivered above and beyond my expectations , a must read
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- MR D.
- 30-05-20
Highly recommended
I’ve never felt compelled to write a book review before, but Schwarzman’s is worth the time.
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- Dpminds(cyprian)
- 09-08-20
Excellently written. An Absolute gem.
This one of the best books I have read on investmenting making deals and refusing to fail under whatever circumstances. A tough act to follow by many accomplished names.
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- Amazon Customer
- 28-07-20
Absolutely exceptional!
Absolutely exceptional! My new favourite, I couldn’t recommend it more! Thank you Stephen Schwarzman you just changed my life.
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- RJM
- 11-12-22
Better Than You Think
I was prepared to dislike Schwarzman and expected arrogance and lack of self awareness. Instead I got a tightly written narrative with more real insight into a career than I expected. Clearly you don't get to be Schwarzman without being a bit weird, and he is indeed odd. But you get what he promises - his considered opinion on What It Takes to do what he has done. You might not like him at the end - who wants to befriend Chinese Communist Dictators (or Trump) for money? - but you will see what is (and is not) going on inside his head as he built the behemoth that Blackstone is today. It reads as Business as a source for power, which may not be what is business ought to be, but Schwarzman says it straight or doesn't say it all.
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- Kealan Magee
- 27-12-20
One for all
Extremely well writing story, that takes you from the bottom to the very top of a life of a successful man and company! A book for all, not just those with interests in finance but willing to battle through there own adversity to thrive in there own career and life. No doubt a return listen very soon
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- Anonymous User
- 12-12-21
another fantastic read
I can't express how magical it is reading biographies of people who've made it and who are just like you. you get to see the start, finish, the success, failures, and lessons along the way. this is invaluable, and coming from a billionaire it's an incredible guide on how to imitate and surpass others. thank you.
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- Chartopakis Vasileios
- 14-04-20
Good book
I generally liked it, I wantes it to be more focused in Finance and Investment.
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- Charlie
- 14-01-21
A principled story of huge success
I enjoyed this book.
A clear high achiever right from his student years, Schwarzman's story was well written and well narrated. Lots of business and a bit of politics, including some very tactful observations about his dealings with Donald Trump!
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