Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman
Sep 18, 2019
Steve Schwarzman, CEO of The Blackstone Group and author of "What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence", shares his insights on leadership and investment strategies. He delves into his Schwarzman Scholars program, designed to enhance U.S.-China relations through education. Schwarzman emphasizes navigating economic trends and the role of technology, especially AI, in shaping business dynamics. He also addresses the urgent need for stakeholder inclusivity and proposes initiatives to tackle public discontent and bridge societal divides.
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Early Retail Experience
- Steve Schwarzman's father owned a store similar to Bed Bath & Beyond, where he worked from a young age.
- His early experience in retail led him to a career in finance, not retail.
Yale Writing Struggle
- At Yale, Schwarzman initially struggled with writing, receiving poor grades on his first English papers.
- A professor mentored him, teaching him how to write and think critically, which led to academic improvement.
Embrace Rejection
- Be prepared for rejection and the emotional toll of pursuing entrepreneurial activities.
- Tenacity and the ability to handle loneliness are essential.
