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
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- Joshua Ogwal
- 28-11-23
A must-read for entrepreneurs
Truly Great Book! The humility and honesty with which the story is told makes it deeply inspiring for entrepreneurs and business executives
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- Robert
- 15-02-24
A WINDOW INTO ANOTHER WORLD
Fascinating journey through the life and work of Mr Schwarzman. Delivered above and beyond my expectations , a must read
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- Charlie
- 14-01-21
A principled story of huge success
I enjoyed this book.
A clear high achiever right from his student years, Schwarzman's story was well written and well narrated. Lots of business and a bit of politics, including some very tactful observations about his dealings with Donald Trump!
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- Fabien C
- 18-07-20
Great story
I wasn’t that exited to start this book but I ended up finding time in my day to squeeze in an extra 30 mins of listening time here and there because it’s so fascinating and he takes you deep into the story with him.
Such a great book I highly recommend it.
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- MR D.
- 30-05-20
Highly recommended
I’ve never felt compelled to write a book review before, but Schwarzman’s is worth the time.
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- Dpminds(cyprian)
- 09-08-20
Excellently written. An Absolute gem.
This one of the best books I have read on investmenting making deals and refusing to fail under whatever circumstances. A tough act to follow by many accomplished names.
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- Amazon Customer
- 28-07-20
Absolutely exceptional!
Absolutely exceptional! My new favourite, I couldn’t recommend it more! Thank you Stephen Schwarzman you just changed my life.
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- RJM
- 11-12-22
Better Than You Think
I was prepared to dislike Schwarzman and expected arrogance and lack of self awareness. Instead I got a tightly written narrative with more real insight into a career than I expected. Clearly you don't get to be Schwarzman without being a bit weird, and he is indeed odd. But you get what he promises - his considered opinion on What It Takes to do what he has done. You might not like him at the end - who wants to befriend Chinese Communist Dictators (or Trump) for money? - but you will see what is (and is not) going on inside his head as he built the behemoth that Blackstone is today. It reads as Business as a source for power, which may not be what is business ought to be, but Schwarzman says it straight or doesn't say it all.
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- Kealan Magee
- 27-12-20
One for all
Extremely well writing story, that takes you from the bottom to the very top of a life of a successful man and company! A book for all, not just those with interests in finance but willing to battle through there own adversity to thrive in there own career and life. No doubt a return listen very soon
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- Anonymous User
- 12-12-21
another fantastic read
I can't express how magical it is reading biographies of people who've made it and who are just like you. you get to see the start, finish, the success, failures, and lessons along the way. this is invaluable, and coming from a billionaire it's an incredible guide on how to imitate and surpass others. thank you.
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