What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence

Written by Stephen A. Schwarzman

Narrated by Drew Birdseye

'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

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.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio UK
• Release date: Sep 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781471189579

Stephen A. Schwarzman

Stephen A. Schwarzman is Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, one of the world’s leading investment firms. Mr. Schwarzman is an active philanthropist with a history of supporting education, culture, and the arts, among other areas. Mr. Schwarzman holds a BA from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He lives in New York City with his wife and three dogs.

Reviews for What It Takes

[Andrey Zinoviev · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book by a Blackstone founder. Too self centred personality which overshadowed most of the truths me tried to convey while being busy looking good before the reader. The narrative is too long with too many unnecessary details. What I really enjoyed though is the last 10 minutes of the 10+ hours book- the 26 rules - those are well articulated and make a lot of sense

[Dragos-Gabriel Manolescu · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book. Full of very interesting insights about Blackstone, our financial and political world. Very well narrated.

[Jonathan Chew · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good insight to his life and his philosophy that got him to where he is in life.

[Tumwine Terrence Jason · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book! This book, in very simple terms, details real-life lessons on innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, recruitment, negotiation, and giving back to society. Thank you Schwarzman for this.

[Ion · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great story of what could be achieved with work and perseverance.

[Jameel Alkhaja · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent. Valuable lessons can be learned from this book. Hands on book for entrepreneurs.

[ggaj · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amazing and inspiring story of Stephen A Schwartzman, Blackstone

[Christian Uez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a great book, finances and entrepreneurship all in one

[Nayan Patel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Speechless. Most inspiring book I’ve ever read. Every single chapter leaves you awestruck!

[RyanMeok · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Every greatness have a beginning. Thank you for the message.