The Story of One Successful American – Stephen A. Schwarzman
The story of Stephen A. Schwarzman is one of altruism and a willingness to work hard. In 2008 Stephen Schwarzman placed number fifty three on the list of America’s richest individuals, nevertheless it’s not money which makes this story interesting but additionally his unbelievable rise to power in the business sector and his patronage of the liberal arts. This illustrate that the keys to a successful life are devotion to working hard and determination. In the eighties Stephen founded the Blackstone Group with his partner Peter Peterson, in its early days it was an equity management and financial advisory business. At this moment the Blackstone Group is known world-wide with ventures as widely spread as Graham Packaging and Catalent Pharma Solutions.
Stephen grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia. After graduating from high school he went on to study further at the influential Yale University and obtained his degree in 1969. Harvard Business School was the next stop on his fast track to success, here he graduated in 1972. Afterwards he would become part of the team at Lehman Brothers. Steve was appointed to the boards at the age of only 31.
Stephen doesn’t just give of his time to a wide range of charitable organizations, but additionally he has also volunteered as a non-faculty professor at Yale. Moreover, he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the JFK Center for the Performing Arts in NYC. In addition, Stephen recently gifted to the New York Public Library a hundred million dollars to fund their expansion program. In fact, they named their new extension the “Stephen A. Schwarzman Building” in his honor.
Stephen is an inspiration to successful business people – Times Magazine last year listed Stephen as one of the one hundred most influential people in the world. His domination of the financial industry has been spectacular, and without a doubt his generosity has set business magnates a one of a kind new standard to live by.
With his knowledge and commitment, it would seem like there’s nothing he cannot attain. To summarize, Stephen has, in retrospect, had an important influence on the financial space and to the world at large.
