What It Takes
Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence
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What It Takes
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Narrated by:
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Drew Birdseye
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Stephen A. Schwarzman
About this listen
Blackstone chairman, CEO and co-founder Stephen A. Schwarzman shows readers how to build, transform and lead thriving organisations.
Stephen Schwarzman took $400,000 and cofounded Blackstone, the investment firm that manages over $500 billion and invests in hundreds of companies globally. He’s the CEO whose views are sought by heads of state around the world and supports universities with funding for cutting edge research and technology. But behind these accomplishments 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.
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 achieve success through the relentless pursuit of excellence.
©2019 Stephen A. Schwarzman (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio
Critic Reviews
'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)
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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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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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 01-08-2024
Great story of the journey to build world’s largest firm
Life of principles lived out over many decades. A touch long but quite inspiring and encouraging to see how author has used his wealth to educate and empower others
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 30-05-2025
Unbelievable courage and self belief.
It was that incredible, I will be listening again as there was so many lessons. Anyone in business - a must listen. Do it big or small it takes the same time - do it big.
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