The Jordan Harbinger Show

447: Stephen Schwarzman | Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence

Dec 15, 2020
Stephen Schwarzman, Chairman and CEO of The Blackstone Group and author, shares lessons drawn from his diverse experiences. He recounts a transformative college encounter with a Nazi roommate, illustrating resilience. Stephen discusses the surprising equivalence of small and large goals, emphasizing risk in entrepreneurship. He highlights the importance of candor in organizations and shares insights on talent assessment during hiring, focusing on both verbal and nonverbal cues. His reflections intertwine personal stories with sharp business acumen.
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ADVICE

Entrepreneurship and Risk

  • Focus on sure successes at large scale to maximize impact.
  • Thoroughly evaluate potential downsides and control risks before pursuing any venture.
ANECDOTE

Engine Wiper to Cook

  • Schwarzman's first job involved wiping grease in a hot engine room.
  • He later got promoted to third cook, a less grueling position.
ADVICE

Candor in Organizations

  • Encourage candor at all organizational levels to foster a healthy culture.
  • Treat everyone as equals, valuing their insights and experience.
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