Stephen Schwarzman
Stephen Schwarzman is one of the most celebrated businessmen and authors in the world. His career spans decades, and has been largely marked by success.
Born on February 14, 1947, Stephen Schwarzman was raised in Montgomery, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. He developed an early interest in business and earned a B.S. in Economics from Yale University in 1969. In 1972, Schwarzman joined the investment banking firm, Lehman Brothers, where he served as a senior managing director and head of the global mergers and acquisitions department.
In 1985, Schwarzman co-founded Blackstone, a global alternative asset management company. Through the company, he pioneered the business of private equity and transactional finance, turning Blackstone into one of the world’s leading alternative investment firms with more than $500 billion in assets under management. His tenure at the firm proved to be very successful as he received numerous awards for his excellent work, including the 2009 Economist "Financial Awards."
Throughout his career, Stephen Schwarzman made it his mission to help shape the lives of the next generation and give back to the world. An avid philanthropist and author, Schwarzman has contributed to numerous causes and published several books. His books, including What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence (2020) and What Do You Do with a Problem? (2019), have resonated with audiences around the world, offering insight into modern-day life and tips on how to achieve success.
His latest book, What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence, details his story of personal struggle, perseverance, and ultimately, success. Throughout the book, Schwarzman encourages readers to take a risk and challenge themselves, urging them to rethink their mindset and be fearless when making decisions. The book is a culmination of Schwarzman’s business acumen and inspiring messages, serving as an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs, executives, and other business professionals.
Additionally, Schwarzman is an active member of the international business community as well as a thought leader, providing advice and expertise to numerous organizations. Schwarzman is founder, chairman and CEO of the Blackstone Group, a global investment and advisory firm. He also serves as chairman of the Partnership for New York City, an organization that makes investments and advises major companies on economic development, education, and public policy.
In recognition of his impressive career and invaluable contributions to the business world, Stephen Schwarzman has received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Stephen Schwarzman is a truly exceptional figure in the business world and beyond. He has achieved tremendous success throughout his career and has positively impacted countless lives in the process. His story of personal triumph and success makes him an inspiration to readers seeking to emulate his success, and his books serve as a testament to his business acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence.