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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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Publisher's 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
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Ella
- 14-08-2021
Lovely story and great learning lessons
I love the book, the story and the overall learning lessons. In spite of what others have commented about the author egos coming into story too often I didn't think so, it’s more part of explaining his personality not so much about the ego. I believe people who felt that way have some self-esteem issues. The author seems to be a very nice, kind and candid person that shares with us his knowledge in his own way.
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- Andrew
- 04-08-2022
Fascinating
Almost didn't buy it from the reviews saying it is just bragging but it was a fascinating story with lots to learn.
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- Mark Davis
- 02-01-2020
great book recommended it to anybody in financial
great book I recommended it to anybody in financial services industry. also very good perspectives on life.
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- Anonymous User
- 30-01-2020
WOW
What an amazing life and an amazing man. Aptly named book as Stephen did live by doing whatever it took!
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- Anonymous User
- 15-04-2023
A Great Story
A great book, one I will read and listen to again. Every young person running a business or aspiring to run a business or make big deals, should read this book first.
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- mp
- 08-05-2020
Just Blown Away!!
Great Book to know about Finance world. 🌎
Lots of things to take in life from this one Book 📖
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- Anonymous User
- 22-04-2021
Exceptional
One of the best books I’ve listened to, his philosophy, values and principals are immensely crucial to success - must listen
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- Anonymous User
- 14-01-2020
Atomic Bomb of Economic Knowledge
An incredible insite to the ways of the mega investor. An absolute brilliant listen and fabulous narrative.
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- Anonymous User
- 23-05-2021
Could be cut to 1/5 if you remove the nonsense
Some interesting nuggets here and there but mostly it contains things that don’t have any relationship to the title, “What It Takes.”
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- Anonymous User
- 08-12-2019
More Boasting than Helpful Strategy for the Reader
Pretty average story, nothing stood out specifically for me. Some stories rambled on and on which left me waiting for the next chapter.
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