The David Rubenstein Show Stephen Schwarzman
Nov 14, 2019
Stephen Schwarzman, founder of the Blackstone Group, shares his remarkable journey from a middle-class upbringing in Philadelphia to becoming a titan in finance. He discusses overcoming the 2007 real estate crash and the lessons learned from his rejection from Harvard. Furthermore, he highlights his major philanthropic contribution of $350 million to MIT for AI education and the vision behind the new computing center. The conversation also explores the importance of effective marketing strategies and mental wellness in today's data-driven world.
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Trump's Unlikely Win
- Stephen Schwarzman was surprised by Donald Trump's presidential win, initially thinking it impossible.
- Despite not wanting to disrupt his life, he became an advisor, finding Trump receptive to his honest advice.
Father's Business
- Schwarzman's father owned a retail store and declined his son's expansion ideas, content with his current success.
- Schwarzman, seeing national potential, was puzzled by his father's lack of ambition, despite recognizing his intelligence.
Harvard Rejection
- Rejected from Harvard, Schwarzman audaciously called the admissions dean, arguing his case.
- Though unsuccessful, 25 years later, the dean admitted his mistake in a letter to Schwarzman.
