What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence

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From Blackstone chairman and CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman comes a compelling guide that draws on impactful episodes from his life to illustrate how to build and lead thriving organizations. This book is for students, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and executives seeking to maximize their potential. While many recognize Schwarzman as the co-founder of Blackstone, an investment firm managing over $500 billion, his journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Starting from humble beginnings in his father's linen shop, Schwarzman aspired to a life of purpose. His academic and athletic achievements led him to Yale, followed by a career in finance at Lehman Brothers before founding Blackstone with his mentor, Pete Peterson. Building the firm into a global leader required a strong focus on culture, talent acquisition, and risk evaluation, guided by his mantra, “don’t lose money.” Schwarzman is also a dedicated philanthropist, having donated over a billion dollars to transformative initiatives in education and beyond. His contributions include establishing a College of Computing at MIT, a performing arts center at Yale, and the Schwarzman Scholars program in Beijing, the largest philanthropic effort in China from international donors. This narrative serves as an empowering blueprint for achieving personal and professional success through ambition, risk management, and a commitment