The Art of Visionary Leadership: Unlocking Success through What It Takes

Bookey Summary

Chapter 1:what is What It Takes book about

"What It Takes" by Stephen A. Schwarzman is a book that chronicles the author's journey from growing up in a middle-class Philadelphia neighborhood to building one of the world's largest alternative investment firms, The Blackstone Group. Schwarzman shares insights and lessons he learned throughout his career and offers practical advice for success in business and life.The book explores Schwarzman's early entrepreneurial ventures, his education at Yale and Harvard Business School, and his experiences working at Lehman Brothers. It delves into the founding and growth of Blackstone, including the challenges and triumphs along the way. Schwarzman also reflects on various deals and investments, revealing valuable strategies for navigating the world of finance.Beyond his experiences in business, Schwarzman discusses his involvement in philanthropy, including the donation of $100 million to Yale University for the creation of a scholarship program and the establishment of Schwarzman Scholars, a highly competitive international scholarship program in China. He emphasizes the importance of giving back and the impact it can have on creating positive change."What It Takes" aims to inspire readers to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and achieve their goals. It provides valuable insights into the world of finance and offers guidance on leadership, deal-making, negotiation, and maintaining a strong work ethic.

Chapter 2:Author of What It Takes book

Stephen A. Schwarzman is an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist who is best known as the co-founder of private equity firm The Blackstone Group. Born on February 14, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Schwarzman has achieved great success in the world of finance and is considered one of the most prominent figures in the financial industry.After completing his education at Yale University and Harvard Business School, Schwarzman began his career at the investment bank Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. In 1985, he co-founded The Blackstone Group along with Peter G. Peterson. Under Schwarzman's leadership, Blackstone grew to become one of the world's largest alternative investment firms, with interests in private equity, real estate, credit, and more.Aside from his business accomplishments, Schwarzman is also known for his philanthropy. In 2019, he announced a $350 million donation to establish the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, which aims to address the challenges and opportunities emerging in the field of artificial intelligence and computing. He has also made significant contributions to education, culture, and the arts, including donating $150 million to Yale University for the Schwarzman Center, a campus hub for student activities.In addition to his business and philanthropic endeavors, Schwarzman is the author of the book "What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence." Published in 2019, the book provides insights and lessons from Schwarzman's life and career, offering a glimpse into the mindset and strategies that have helped him achieve success.Stephen A. Schwarzman's contributions to the finance industry, his philanthropy, and his insights shared in his book have established him as a notable figure in both the business world and society as a whole.

Chapter 3:why is What It Takes book worth reading

1. Inspiring Success Story: The book offers an in-depth account of Schwarzman's rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the wealthiest and most influential figures on Wall Street. His story serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for readers who aspire to achieve greatness in their own lives.
2. Valuable lessons: Schwarzman shares valuable lessons he has learned throughout his career, including insights on leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making. The book serves as a practical guide for individuals looking to excel in their personal or professional lives.
3. Insider Perspective: As the founder and CEO of The Blackstone Group, one of the world's largest investment firms, Schwarzman provides a unique and insider perspective on the finance industry and the world of high-stakes dealmaking. Readers gain insights into the inner workings of the finance world and the strategies employed to succeed in it.
4. Personal and Professional Development: Schwarzman delves into the importance of personal and professional development, discussing topics such as goal setting, networking, and continuous learning. His advice and experiences can be applied to various aspects of life, regardless of one's career path.
5. Timely and Relevant: Given Schwarzman's influence and involvement in global economics and politics, his perspectives on current events and his understanding of global trends make the book particularly relevant. Readers can gain insights into the intersection of business and politics, as well as the broader implications of economic decisions.

Overall, "What It Takes" offers a combination of personal memoir, career advice, and business insights, making it a compelling read for anyone looking to gain wisdom and inspiration from a highly successful and accomplished individual.

Chapter 4: Books like What It Takes book

1. "The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life" by Alice Schroeder
2. "Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike" by Phil Knight
3. "The Outsider: My Life in Intrigue" by Frederick Forsyth
4. "The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance" by Ron Chernow
5. "Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco" by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar
6. "Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr." by Ron Chernow
7. "The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon" by Brad Stone
8. "Screw It, Let's Do It: Lessons In Life" by Richard Branson
9. "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson
10. "The Warren Buffett Way: Investment Strategies of the World's Greatest Investor" by Robert G. Hagstrom