What It Takes
Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence
£16.99
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- Learn to focus on key points in negotiations and business dealings, leading to more effective decision-making.
- Schwarzman's emphasis on boldness will encourage you to take significant risks and pursue ambitious goals.
- The book teaches the importance of building relationships and being helpful to others.
- Develop better leadership capabilities, leading to more cohesive and motivated teams.
'The real story of what it takes from a man who could turn dreams into realities.'
— Ray Dalio, bestselling author of Principles
“What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence” is an inspiring and instructive book that combines personal anecdotes with practical wisdom from one of the most successful business leaders of our time. Stephen A. Schwarzman, the co-founder and CEO of Blackstone, shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing to building a global investment firm with over $500 billion in assets under management.
This book is not just a memoir, but a guide to achieving success in business and life. Schwarzman provides readers with invaluable insights into the mindset and strategies that have propelled him to the top of the financial world. He emphasizes the importance of thinking big, taking calculated risks, and constantly striving for excellence.
Readers will learn:
• How to identify and seize opportunities in any field
• Strategies for building and scaling successful organizations
• The importance of continuous learning and personal growth
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving techniques
• How to navigate complex business and political landscapes
• The value of giving back and making a positive impact on society
The book is filled with engaging stories from Schwarzman’s career, including his time at Lehman Brothers, the founding of Blackstone, and his experiences advising world leaders. These anecdotes not only entertain but also illustrate key lessons and principles that readers can apply to their own lives and careers.
“What It Takes” is more than just a business book – it’s a blueprint for personal and professional excellence. Schwarzman’s candid reflections and practical advice make this an essential read for anyone looking to achieve their full potential and make a lasting impact in their chosen field.
Year Published
Publisher
Pages
Weight
Language
ISBN 10
ISBN 13
The book: "What It Takes" Is perfect for:
• Aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders
• Finance professionals and investors
• Students and young professionals seeking career guidance
• Anyone interested in personal development and success strategies
• Readers fascinated by the inner workings of global finance and business
• Those looking for inspiration and motivation to pursue their goals
Meet the author
Stephen A. Schwarzman is the Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Blackstone, one of the world’s largest alternative investment firms with over $1 trillion in assets under management. A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, Schwarzman has been instrumental in Blackstone’s development since its founding in 1985. He is renowned for his expertise in private equity, real estate, and financial services. Schwarzman is also a prolific philanthropist, having committed to The Giving Pledge and made significant donations to educational institutions worldwide, including the University of Oxford, MIT, and Yale University. His book “What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence” became a New York Times bestseller, drawing from his experiences in business, philanthropy, and public service. Schwarzman has been recognized as one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” and has topped Forbes Magazine’s list of the most influential people in finance. He currently resides in New York City.
Book testimonials
‘Steve’s life lessons challenge me to think bigger and move even faster. His insights apply to both our work and personal lives, and his leadership has always embodied the principle of doing what is right, even when it is hard. Steve challenges us all to be better leaders, better citizens, better people.’
— Mary Barra, Chairwoman and CEO of General Motors
‘What It Takes is a must-read, inspirational account of how Stephen A. Schwarzman built Blackstone into one of the world’s top global asset management companies and leveraged his resources, know-how and vision to spearhead bold philanthropic programmes and provide trusted advice to a generation of political leaders around the globe.’
— Janet Yellen, Chair of the Federal Reserve
‘A series of thoughtful reflections derived from the author’s extraordinary life, which has already left its mark on the worlds of finance, politics and education and made each the better for it. In this brief and insightful volume, Schwarzman has identified several key qualities required for excellence in any field, including a tireless sense of curiosity, a tolerance for risk and an eye for the humble detail.’
— Henry A. Kissinger, Secretary of State 1973-77
‘What It Takes is a must-read book, filled with the experiences of one of the great business success stories of the last 30 years – Blackstone. In this book, Steve Schwarzman chronicles his and Blackstone’s journey to the top of global business. The book is filled with fresh insights and personal experiences that everyone – from students to CEOs – will relate to and learn from.’
— Jack Welch, former Chairman and CEO of GE
‘Steve Schwarzman has lived the American dream: a self-made icon in his field, turned philanthropist, who has long worked with creativity and vision to deepen relationships between individuals and countries. Steve shares the full measure of his personal journey with us in What It Takes – part memoir, part playbook for success in any field. Humble, 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, Secretary of State 2013-17
