Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, known as the “King of Bankruptcy,” reveals in his upcoming book, “Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life,” that his aspirations of becoming a writer were established during his youth. Despite his lucrative career on Wall Street for over 55 years, Ross disclosed his passion for literature, reminiscing about his time as an undergrad at Yale, where he dabbled in fiction and poetry writing.
An Influential Mentor
During his time at Harvard Business School, Ross had the privilege of being mentored by the distinguished Georges Doriot. Doriot, an American citizen originally from France, emphasized the importance of dressing for success to his students. His advice to wear long socks and Hermes ties underscored the correlation between one’s appearance and their ambition for success in the business world.
Ross resided at the iconic Dakota building, where he interacted with famous personalities such as John Lennon, Leonard Bernstein, and Rudolf Nureyev. Reflecting on Lennon’s tragic assassination in 1980, Ross recalled the somber atmosphere that engulfed the building, recounting the communal efforts to cope with the loss. Despite the media frenzy surrounding Lennon’s death, Ross fondly remembered the musician and Yoko Ono as amiable neighbors who shared in the building’s communal activities.
Ross’s introduction to fellow New Yorker Donald Trump was tumultuous, as they found themselves on opposing sides during a bankruptcy proceeding involving Trump’s Taj Mahal casino. Despite their initial adversarial encounter, Ross’s eventual support for Trump’s presidential campaign underscored his ability to set aside past grievances for the greater good. Trump’s victory led to Ross’s appointment as Commerce Secretary, a role that challenged him to manage complex government operations, such as overseeing the recruitment of over 400,000 temporary workers for the census.
Ross’s tenure as Commerce Secretary was not without controversy, particularly when the Trump administration decided to reintroduce a citizenship question in the US Census. This move sparked debate and criticism, highlighting the intersection of politics and public policy in Ross’s career. Despite the challenges he faced, Ross’s commitment to public service and his diverse experiences in business, art, and politics are encapsulated in his upcoming book.
Wilbur Ross’s multifaceted journey through the realms of business, art, and politics offers a unique perspective on the intersections of success, ambition, and public service. From his humble beginnings as a literature enthusiast to his pivotal role in shaping government policy, Ross’s story serves as a testament to the diverse opportunities and challenges that define a life lived to the fullest.
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