What It Takes

Reviews

'The real story of what it takes from a man who could turn dreams into realities.' '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!' 'What It Takes is a must-read book, filled with the experiences of one of the great business success stories of the last 30 years - Blackstone. In this book, Steve Schwarzman chronicles his and Blackstone’s journey to the top of global business.  The book is filled with fresh insights and personal experiences that everyone - from students to CEOs - will relate to and learn from.' 'A series of thoughtful reflections derived from the author’s extraordinary life, which has already left its mark on the worlds of finance, politics and education and made each the better for it. In this brief and insightful volume, Schwarzman has identified several key qualities required for excellence in any field, including a tireless sense of curiosity, a tolerance for risk and an eye for the humble detail.' 'What It Takes is a must-read, inspirational account of how Stephen A. Schwarzman built Blackstone into one of the world’s top global asset management companies and leveraged his resources, know-how and vision to spearhead bold philanthropic programmes and provide trusted advice to a generation of political leaders around the globe.' 'Steve’s life lessons challenge me to think bigger and move even faster. His insights apply to both our work and personal lives, and his leadership has always embodied the principle of doing what is right, even when it is hard. Steve challenges us all to be better leaders, better citizens, better people.' 'From his start as an entrepreneur working in his family’s linen store in 1950s Philadelphia, Steve Schwarzman has made towering contributions to finance, relations between the US and China, and computing, including a seminal investment in AI research that will help establish the age of intelligence. Steve always takes the long view and then helps move us in the direction that will pay the greatest dividends. This book reveals how he has achieved the rarest kind of leverage in multiple fields.' Expand reviews