Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- Why ambition is key to success
- How to make the most of pivotal moments
- Secrets to conquering business mountains
- The art of learning from life's lows
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
The making of great business giants
Stephen Schwarzman had a job that paid him quite well after college. But his thirst for greatness made it impossible for him to settle for just an attractive paycheck. Yes, he took time to learn — at Harvard Business School and on Wall Street. But he did not permit the watering down of his drive for the possible best in all endeavors.Every notable business enterprise’s success story often has a tipping point that can cause it to have a contrary narrative. Irrespective of advantages that may have been available to successful entrepreneurs, the experiences are an indispensable price to pay. In the business world, growth leads to greatness; it’s not something that gets conferred. Every step of the way sees the calibration of a successful executive’s business insight. This understanding then propels them onto even greater heights.People are often curious about the attributes peculiar to individuals who are conveners of such successful ventures. They want to assess the possibilities of learning or imbuing such personality traits for use with their business venture. One answer involves giving everything to each opportunity that presents not backing down in the face of challenges.
Starting small is not a problem. However, conforming and remaining in the same spot is unacceptable if you’re to attain greatness.
Everyone has career goals. So, to make headway, don’t just start lackadaisically. Give it all you’ve got, confidently and boldly analyze the situation, and make your subsequent decisions strategically. Schwarzman is passing on one prime theme to his readers: purposefully set your heart upon whatever you aim to actualize, even if it seems too big.
Many are eager to know how successful business executives attained the heights they now occupy. Glean some life-changing lessons from this summary by going through them till the end.
second KEY POINT
If you do one of several things, choose the most challenging
Growing up was not a bed of roses for Schwarzman. He made it a point to start taking initiatives from a very tender age. Schwarzman wanted to make an impact and etch his name in Abington High School’s history by using several available options. Inviting a famous band, Little Anthony, was the most challenging of them, and he went for it.Schwarzman continued this trend even while seeking admission into college; it paid off well. He had options of going to Princeton or Yale, but Harvard was his preference. Placed on Harvard’s waiting list, Schwarzman went around protocols — putting a call through to the admissions department’s Head. He made his case and was turned down but came away with bold lessons that helped him later. Schwarzman eventually settled for Yale University.Due to the monotonous and bleak social life at Yale, Schwarzman went on voyages during breaks. He worked as a hand on freight ships and accustomed himself to Sigmund Freud’s works during leisure. He later attained prominence in his final year at Yale, being the brain behind the lifting of parietal rule.While growing up, Schwarzman intuitively learned of the interconnectivity of all things. The realization of this interconnectivity gave rise to his post-college decision of pursuing a career as what he calls a “telephone switchboard.” But by “switch boarding,” Schwarzman meant to become a filter of information from several sources and use the same to give accurate advice for parastatals’ smooth running. He was able to carve this niche for himself on Wall Street, but apparently, there was a lot of learning to do.
Continue reading with Headway app
Continue readingFull summary is waiting for you in the app
first KEY POINT
Learning, growing, striking deals, and managing crises
second KEY POINT
Dreaming big, objectively
third KEY POINT
Exploiting high risks and still keeping safe
fourth KEY POINT
Exploring new vistas, asking for directions, and picking up the pace
fifth KEY POINT
Accustom yourself to coping in all situations, be patriotic, and always aim for greatness
sixth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence about?
What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence by Stephen A. Schwarzman reflects on the principles that guided the author throughout his successful career. It reveals insights on leadership, perseverance, and the importance of a strong work ethic in achieving excellence.
What are the key takeaways from What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence?
Key takeaways include the significance of resilience in overcoming challenges and the value of nurturing relationships in business. Schwarzman emphasizes learning from failures and adapting strategies for ongoing success.
Is What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence worth reading?
Yes, this book is highly regarded for its practical advice and real-world examples, making it worth the read for anyone interested in personal growth or business leadership. Schwarzman's candid storytelling provides valuable lessons applicable to many areas of life.
How many pages is What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence and when was it published?
What It Takes contains 368 pages and was published on September 17, 2019. This engaging read offers ample insights in a well-structured format, making it accessible for busy readers.
Who is the author of What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence?
The author of What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence is Stephen A. Schwarzman, co-founder and CEO of the Blackstone Group. His experience in finance and investment provides a unique perspective on the pursuit of achievement.