What It Takes

Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence

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.

Critic reviews

'The real story of what it takes from a man who could turn dreams into realities.' (Ray Dalio, bestselling author of Principles)

'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!' (John Kerry, Secretary of State 2013-17)

'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.' (Jack Welch, former Chairman and CEO of GE)

'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.' (Henry A. Kissinger, Secretary of State 1973-77)

'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.' (Janet Yellen, Chair of the Federal Reserve 2014-18)

'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.' (Mary Barra, Chairwoman and CEO of General Motors)

'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.' (Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google)

An excellent book by all standards.

Steve shares it all. He thoughtfully sums up so well what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

Extraordinary and Invaluable

For any aspiring entrepreneur, this is required reading. This work properly gives you an authentic grounding for what it REALLY takes to succeed, at levels that bring conventional wisdom to its knees. Worth the investment in time. I’ve read it cover to cover, twice.

big like

i really enjoyed it 🤠. alot of tips from a big men ... .

A powerful book

a truly power book which valuable lessons that will help anyone in any career field.

I liked this book

Good positive guy with lots of energy. Someone to learn from if you wanna achieve something in life.