Trying to be objective as possible here: It’s essentially a biography mixed in with tidbits of advice. For other financial readers, it reminds me of a mix between Michael Lewis’ Liar’s Poker (for the entertaining story) and Ray Dalio’s Principles (for the sage advice). Some complain that it’s not really a biography, that stories are non-chronological (which honestly it is, Steve just jumps from one topic to another - Maybe talking about Blackstone in one paragraph to then talking about personal events in another, but they’re all generally chronological. Sometimes he does do flashbacks); Others say that it’s not really a hand guide of “What it Takes” and, therefore, the book is mislabeled.
In my opinion, Schwarzman’s What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence, is a good mix between a traditional biography, in-depth business stories that are engaging, and valuable pieces of advice here and there. Honestly, what else is it supposed to be? I haven’t heard Schwarzman is planning on writing another book, so this was the single piece of writing to capture all of his life. Simply put, I loved it. I started it over the Thanksgiving holiday and finished it that Sunday. I honestly had a difficult time putting it down.
Some say Schwarzman is pompous throughout the writing, and I have to concur - to a certain degree. One has to remember that Steve grew up fairly humble in Philadelphia, helping his parents run their linens store as a kid before they were able to move to a better part of the city and, in-turn, send Steve to a better public high school in the district. Having done very well academically and attending States for Track, he would attend Yale since he was rejected by Harvard. That was 1965. Later on in the book, Steve references things that most people wont be able to experience in their life: Meeting heads of state, taking flights to places like Egypt for an important dinner, and quite literally creating his own University.
While I can see the point of view as this coming off as pompous, if I had Steve’s life, I would have written the book the same exact way. Not many people get to experience such unique events, so it makes sense to document them. Besides, Schwarzman quite literally worked for it all himself. Who wouldn’t want to talk about their successes when they grew up poor and is now one of the wealthiest people alive?
If you’re looking for a great business book that’s engaging, easy to read, filled with good advice, and reaffirms that the American Dream is alive, then Steve Schwarzman’s What It Takes, is it.
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Popular Highlights in this book
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Investors are always looking for great investments. The easier you make it for them, the better for everyone.Highlighted by 2,341 Kindle readers -
When people ask me how I succeed, my basic answer is always the same: I see a unique opportunity, and I go for it with everything I have. And I never give up.Highlighted by 1,822 Kindle readers
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“The best executives are made, not born. They absorb information, study their own experiences, learn from their mistakes, and evolve.”Highlighted by 1,572 Kindle readers
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Reviews with images
You will love what you will get.
1) This book is amazing quality and pleasure to read.2) Book has few color pages with photos, that was a great surprise and interesting to see photos of the life story of the author.3) The book itself was amazing, reading the book felt like meeting and listening Stephen A. Schwarzman in person. Thank you for this amazing book!
Top reviews from other countries
Thiago Guedes
Ótimas lições, grande trajetória
Reviewed in Brazil on August 31, 2023
Rogelio
If you want to know how an amazing company is built
Reviewed in Mexico on February 4, 2023
stephane boyer
The book to read when 18 … and older !
Reviewed in France on March 16, 2022
carles pastor foz
A real story of business success
Reviewed in Spain on December 6, 2021
