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What It Takes cover art

What It Takes

Written by: Stephen A. Schwarzman
Narrated by: Stephen A. Schwarzman,Drew Birdseye
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Publisher's Summary

From Blackstone chairman, CEO, and co-founder 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 organizations. Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, philanthropist, executive, or simply someone looking for ways to maximize 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 co-founded 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 easy. Schwarzman focused intensely on culture, hiring great talent, and establishing processes that allow the firm to systematically analyze 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 rigor 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 organizations 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 center at Yale, to enabling the renovation of the iconic New York Public Library, to founding the Schwarzman Scholars fellowship program at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

©2019 Stephen A. Schwarzman (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio

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A really "big" deal ...

There is an idea in economics that consumers vote with their money. Every dollar you earn is a reward, a vote and affirmation that you have added value to someone else.

If you subscribe to this idea, then Mr. Schwarzman is someone we need to listen to and pay attention to. With $500 billion under management, Mr. Schwarzman and the company he co-founded, Blackstone, sure have a lot of "votes" and they created a lot of value.

The book shares a story of privilege, educated in Yale and Harvard, a successful career from day one and the right opportunities at the right time. Combined with a brilliant intellect, talent and ambition.

The result is phenomenal BIG success.

The reader needs a basic understanding of economics and finance to follow some of the deals Mr. Schwarzman describes. With that foundation and an interest in the subject, you will find the book informative and interesting.

Beyond sharing his knowledge, Mr. Schwarzman shares his wisdom.

Enjoyed it and learned from it. Recommend read.

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Key Takeaway: aim BIG:

It takes same amount effort to do something small as it takes to something BIG.

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Great story, well written, well read.

I was really surprised, but this story kept me captivated from start to finish. As a carpenter and business person for 38 years I didn't think a finance story about a real estate giant would be my thing... but the more I listened the more I felt I couldn't turn it off.
Mr. Schwarzman's drive, fervor, confidence and faith in his own vision for success just kept me hooked like I was listening to a great mystery or thriller.
After I finished I started looking for another inspiring story that matched " What it Takes" and eventually gave up and now I'm listening to it again. ( plus I order a used hard cover copy on Amazon :) )
The other thing that blew me away was the staggering amount of money these guys give away, I had no idea that he and people like him are so philanthropic!!! (Sorry no more spoilers.)
This may be the longest review I've ever posted. Now I'm going to go out there and grow my business!

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Just buy it 😁

Blackstone not just a company name to me now. Super impressed with Mr Schwarzman's talents and generosity. Loved the 25 rules at end, and one of the best Narrators yet!

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Hard work pays

One of the best books I ever read, my best points are,always reinvent yourself, work hard, never give up, be humble and don’t be complacent.

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Inspiring and Insightful

A great perspective on a leader who has lived by moral codes and achieved fantastic success. Great points on how to harness the power of yourself.

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An Outstanding Read

The best business book I’ve read in years and one of the best of all time - invaluable insights delivered in a captivating storyline.

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Strengthen my beliefs

Thank you Stephen, I appreciate it ! I am now the best manager of music artist in Canada

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Key insights into an influential figure

I’ve studied Stephen Schwarzman at a distance but this book provided even deeper insights on the creation and operation of Blackstone as they were from his perspective. I learned and was inspired by his boldness and intelligence. His involvement in international trade negotiations was very interesting to hear as well. I recommend this for anyone interested in finance and economics.

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