What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence

by Stephen A. Schwarzman

At some point in life, we have to figure out who we are, he said. The sooner we do it the better, so we can pursue the opportunities that are right for us, not some false dream created by others.

People often think theirs is the only reality, but there are as many realities as there are individuals. The more you see of them, the more likely you are to make sense of them.

There is a saying in finance that time wounds all deals. The longer you wait, the more nasty surprises can hurt you.

You are never more vulnerable than at the moment you think you have succeeded.

World leaders are no different from anyone else. If you talk about what’s on their mind and have something to offer, they will listen, Democrats, Republicans, princes, or prime ministers.