Chapter 1 Understand the idea behind What It Takes
"What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence" is a book written by Stephen A. Schwarzman, an American businessman and investor. Published in 2019, the book provides insights into Schwarzman's life and career, sharing the principles and strategies that contributed to his success as the co-founder and CEO of Blackstone, one of the world's largest private equity firms.
Schwarzman reflects on the lessons he learned from various experiences and challenges, including his upbringing, education, and the trials faced during his business journey. He shares valuable advice on leadership, deal-making, and managing relationships, emphasizing the importance of resilience, focus, and integrity.
The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at Schwarzman's involvement in significant business deals and economic events, including the financial crisis of 2008 and his role as an advisor to President Donald Trump. It also delves into his philanthropic efforts, notably his donation to support the Schwarzman Scholars program at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Overall, "What It Takes" provides readers with an inside perspective on the mindset and practices that guided Schwarzman's rise in business and serves as a source of inspiration for individuals aspiring to excel in their own pursuits.
Chapter 2 Is What It Takes Worth the Hype?
Opinions on whether "What It Takes" by Stephen A. Schwarzman is a good book may vary. However, it is generally well-regarded among readers. The book provides valuable insights and lessons from the author's journey, including his experience in business, finance, and philanthropy. Many readers appreciate Schwarzman's candid storytelling and his ability to share practical advice for aspiring business leaders. Ultimately, whether it is considered a good book may depend on individual preferences and interests in the subject matter.
Chapter 3 Overview of What It Takes
"What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence" is a book written by Stephen A. Schwarzman, the co-founder and CEO of Blackstone. In this book, Schwarzman shares his insights and experiences on what it takes to succeed in business and in life.
The book is divided into three sections, each focusing on a different theme. The first section, "Principles," explores the core principles that Schwarzman believes are essential for achieving excellence. These include having a clear vision, building strong relationships, and never settling for mediocrity.
The second section, "People," delves into the importance of hiring and managing the right people. Schwarzman highlights the significance of hiring individuals who are both talented and aligned with the company's values. He also emphasizes the essential role of mentorship in the development of young professionals.
The final section, "Processes," discusses the strategies and tactics Schwarzman has used to build Blackstone into one of the world's leading investment firms. He shares his thoughts on decision-making, negotiation, and creating a successful corporate culture.
Throughout the book, Schwarzman shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from his own journey. He gives insights into his successes and setbacks, providing readers with a glimpse into the mindset of a successful business leader.
Overall, "What It Takes" is a guidebook for anyone aspiring to achieve excellence in their personal and professional life. Schwarzman offers valuable lessons and advice based on his decades of experience in the business world, making it a compelling read for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone looking to reach their full potential.
Chapter 4 What It Takes Writer's Background
The book "What It Takes" was written by Richard Ben Cramer. It was first published in 1992.
Richard Ben Cramer, born on June 12, 1950, was an American journalist and author. He gained recognition for his extensive reporting work, particularly in political journalism. In addition to "What It Takes," he wrote several other books, including:
- "Joe DiMaggio: The Hero's Life" (2000): A biography of the American baseball legend Joe DiMaggio.
- "How Israel Lost: The Four Questions" (2004): A critical analysis of Israeli politics and society.
- "What Do You Think of Ted Williams Now?: A Remembrance" (2002): A collection of sports essays.
While "What It Takes" is considered Richard Ben Cramer's most renowned and influential book, "Joe DiMaggio: The Hero's Life" also garnered significant praise and attention. It won the 2001 Casey Award for Best Baseball Book of the Year.
As for editions, the best-edited version of "What It Takes" would typically be the first edition, as subsequent editions might only include minor revisions or updates. However, it's worth noting that different editions may exist in different countries or languages, and subsequent editions may sometimes contain additional content or author's notes.
Chapter 5 Subject Matter of What It Takes
What It Takes Meaning
"What It Takes" is a memoir written by Stephen A. Schwarzman, the founder and CEO of the global private equity firm Blackstone Group. In this book, Schwarzman shares his personal and professional experiences, as well as his insights and advice on achieving success.
The title "What It Takes" refers to the qualities, skills, and mindset necessary for achieving significant success in any field. Schwarzman believes that there are certain key attributes that successful individuals possess, such as ambition, determination, resilience, and the ability to think strategically.
Through his own journey, Schwarzman illustrates the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and the willingness to take calculated risks. He also emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships, both personally and professionally, and leveraging them to achieve one's goals.
The book also explores the importance of innovation, adaptability, and staying ahead of trends in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing business landscape.
Overall, "What It Takes" serves as a guide for individuals aspiring to achieve success, offering insights and lessons from one of the most successful business leaders of our time.
What It Takes Theme
The central theme of "What It Takes" by Stephen A. Schwarzman is success and achievement in business and life. Schwarzman shares his personal and professional journey, highlighting the mindset, principles, and strategies that have helped him build Blackstone, one of the world's leading investment firms.
The book emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision, setting ambitious goals, and consistently working hard to achieve them. Schwarzman emphasizes the power of taking risks and seizing opportunities, as well as learning from failures and setbacks.
Another significant theme in the book is the value of relationships and networking. Schwarzman emphasizes the importance of building and nurturing strong connections in both personal and professional life. He shares anecdotes and lessons from his interactions with influential people and highlights the impact of partnerships and collaborations in achieving success.
The theme of adaptability and resilience also emerges in the book. Schwarzman emphasizes the need to embrace change, think creatively, and constantly adapt to new circumstances and challenges. He shares stories of overcoming obstacles and bouncing back from failures, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience in achieving long-term success.
Overall, the theme of "What It Takes" revolves around the principles and strategies that Schwarzman believes are essential for achieving success in business and life, including having a clear vision, taking risks, building strong relationships, and adapting to change.
Chapter 6 Diverse Resource Alternatives
- Official book website: The official website for "What It Takes" by Stephen A. Schwarzman provides information about the book, author bio, excerpts, and updates.
- Author's social media accounts: Stephen A. Schwarzman can be followed on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook for updates related to his book and insights on the topics discussed in "What It Takes."
- Online book retailers: Websites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository offer detailed information, customer reviews, and ratings of "What It Takes" in various formats like hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook.
- News websites/magazines: Major news websites and magazines like Forbes, The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Financial Times may have articles, interviews, or reviews related to "What It Takes" by Stephen A. Schwarzman.
- Book review websites: Platforms like Goodreads, BookRags, and Kirkus Reviews provide comprehensive reviews, ratings, and user discussions related to "What It Takes."
- Podcasts: Look for podcasts that may have featured Stephen A. Schwarzman or discussed his book. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher may have episodes you can listen to.
- YouTube: Search for book-related interviews, talks, or discussions with Stephen A. Schwarzman on channels like TED Talks, Talks at Google, or CNBC.
- Online forums and discussion platforms: Join online communities or forums like Reddit or Quora, where people may share their thoughts, review excerpts, or engage in discussions about "What It Takes."
- Online book clubs: Some online book clubs have discussions, podcasts, or interviews related to popular books, including "What It Takes." Look for book clubs specializing in business or non-fiction genres.
- Academic/research databases: Explore academic databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar, which may have scholarly articles, research papers, or reviews related to "What It Takes" by Stephen A. Schwarzman.
Chapter 7 Noteworthy Sayings in What It Takes
What It Takes book quotes as follows:
- "The world belongs to the optimists, and they're the ones who change it."
- "Success is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure."
- "Great leaders don't blame the circumstances; they create possibilities."
- "In business, you need to develop a lot of resilience and grit to succeed."
- "The most successful people are those who are willing to take risks and bet on themselves."
- "To truly succeed, you have to constantly push yourself to learn and grow."
- "Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but learn from them and keep moving forward."
- "Building strong relationships is key to achieving success in any field."
- "It's important to surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you."
- "Never allow yourself to become complacent; always strive for greater heights."
Chapter 8 Comparable Titles for What It Takes
Book Recommendation: Exploring Leadership and Purpose
- "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek's insightful book explores the power of starting with "why" when it comes to leadership and purpose. By understanding our core motivations and beliefs, Sinek argues that we can inspire others and create lasting impact. This book will encourage you to reflect on your own purpose and guide you towards becoming a more effective leader.
- "Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown
Building on the theme of purpose and leadership, "Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown delves into the importance of vulnerability and embracing imperfections. Brown explains how vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but rather a catalyst for connection, courage, and growth. This book is a powerful guide for anyone looking to lead with authenticity and create meaningful relationships.
- "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek
Another thought-provoking book by Simon Sinek, "Leaders Eat Last" explores the concept of "servant leadership." Sinek emphasizes the importance of putting the needs of those we lead above our own, fostering trust, and creating a supportive environment. This book provides essential insights into building successful teams and nurturing a culture of collaboration.
- "Deep Work" by Cal Newport
In "Deep Work," Cal Newport examines the challenges of the modern workplace and the distractions that prevent us from achieving meaningful, focused work. Newport provides practical strategies for cultivating concentration, fostering productivity, and accomplishing more in less time. This book is an invaluable resource for those aiming to enhance their efficiency and make significant contributions.
- "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
"The Power of Now" is a transformative book that explores the concept of living in the present moment. Eckhart Tolle guides readers on a journey towards inner peace and enlightenment, encouraging us to release past regrets and future anxieties. With profound wisdom, Tolle shows us how embracing the present can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
By exploring these five books, you will gain insights into leadership, purpose-driven living, vulnerability, productivity, and mindfulness. Each book offers unique perspectives that complement the ideas presented in "What It Takes" while guiding you on a well-rounded intellectual and personal development journey.
