Schwartz - Just say yes : what Ive learned about life, luck, and the pursuit of opportunity

Published by Greenleaf Book Group Press
Austin, Texas
www.gbgpress.com

Copyright 2014 Bernard Schwartz

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the copyright holder.

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Design and composition by Greenleaf Book Group LLC
Cover design by Greenleaf Book Group LLC
Cover image copyright Elenamiv, 2014. Used under license from Shutterstock.com.

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-62634-075-6

Ebook Edition

To Irene

Ive been struck over the years by how there is almost no gap between the public and the private Bernard Schwartz. My father is the same man in both placesvery much the leader, but also very down to earth. His story is the story of a man who accomplished great things in the world of business and finance, but who at heart is motivated more than anything else by what he values most: people. I have learned from my father that a trusted handshake and valued relationship count for a lot more than a contract.

KAREN SCHWARTZ

As long as Ive known him, my father has been a man who brings elegance, glamour, and creativity to all of his pursuits. On the occasion of his retirement from Loral I wanted to memorialize his success and felt the best way to do that was through a book of pictures. If anyone could look up in the sky and see a vision of opportunities, it would be my father. So, I named the book Throwing Dreams into Space: BLS and Loral. It captured my image of my father.

FRANCESCA SCHWARTZ

The first thing I think of about Grandpa is his laugh: the way his mouth sneaks into a smilehis eyes engage and twinkle, effortlessly delighted. Ive always loved when I could make him laugh.

I think of my grandpa as very gentle. He taught me how to play back-gammon when I was about seven. I got the impression that there was no place hed rather be. I suppose that speaks to his presence. I didnt understand that until recentlythe importance of being present, both mentally and physically. I think my grandpa is a perfect example of that.

All of his employees that I have ever known have told me what a wonderful grandfather I have, and how great he is to work for. Even when I was a little girl I knew my grandpa was someone respected, revered, and even feared by some people. But, like Grandma, hes a deeply moral person with a tremendous sense of ethics and integrity, and he wants his businesses and his life to operate in a certain way. Ultimately he is a gentle and joyful man, even when things dont live up to his expectations. He understands better than anyone I know how to live in the moment, to be present in the present. I know he faced many challenges, but I dont think he ever really had any real failures in his career, because he always tried his best.

JESSIE PADDOCK

August sunshine, top down, Grandpa at the wheel. Barbra Streisands rendition of Memories blasting. This, especially if coupled with an acoustic encore of Anything Goes and chocolate ice cream, is summertime heaven and among my favorite memories of my grandfather. In addition to his being my Cole Porter ambassador, he is also my partner in what has always been a very important thing for him and me. Backgammon.

Grandpa has taught every grandchild in the family to play, but I may be the most backgammon obsessed of us all. Upon finally making my move, I would often hear him say something like, You sure you want to do that? which would send my little head into a tailspin. Rarelyin fact, I cant remember a single timedid he tell me what to do. Instead, he taught me how to look. And in doing so, I learned that the answer is often not in what you find out but in how you ask.

Gradually my wins would come about without any advice from my seasoned opponent (play the position, do not let it play you, I can hear him say), and I would learn the satisfaction of winning.

A certain degree of luck is imperative, but as my grandfather has taught me again and again, good luck is useless without the ability to know how to use it. And, in a sense, what I have come to realize is this counsel is ultimately an important guide to perspective in life: choosing optimism, even if the choice defies immediate sense. Because change happens every moment. And when the wind is in your favor, it is best you are ready with kite in hand. I have my grandfather to thank for reminding me to keep that kite in my back pocket. That and, of course, for showing me The Maltese Falcon.

ALLIE PADDOCK

Whenever I think about my grandfather, the sound of dice crashing together inevitably consumes my mind. From an early age, I have played my grandfathers favorite pastime, backgammon (taught by him of course), and through this game, I have learned so much about him. During play, his stern face creates a barrier between us, rightfully so as I am his opponent. His poker face is like no other. Yet, when I was just a novice to the game, before I would pull the trigger on a thoughtless move, my grandfather would let out a high-pitched OOP noise. At first this noise startled me, as I would look up and only see his poker face blankly staring back at me. If I were to try the move again, he would utter the same sound. As I came to learn, this little yelp notified me about my carelessness and urged me to reconsider my move. Even when I was seven, my grandfather would never spoon-feed me the answers; rather, he made me search for them. But more important, this strange and hilarious noise opened the door to the world that is the playful Bernard Schwartz. Although he is a vital mentor in my life, I will always think of my grandfather as a high-spirited comic.

NICHOLAS JACOBSON

No one will ever have to justify my grandpas greatness for me. I see it in the way he effortlessly captivates people with his words and his capacity to inspire those around him to strive for their own personal significance. I have seen his influence act as a guide for various members of my family and now I see it within myself. His presence offers a new lesson every time. I am constantly observing his work ethic and sensibility, incorporating certain traits into my identity. Throughout the years, I have felt his presence and experienced his influence, paving the way for my own significance.

TESS JACOBSON

You hold in your hands the autobiography of a lucky man.

The son of an occasionally prosperous Brooklyn sign maker, I have had the privilege of dining in the private quarters of the White House with the president and his wife. I have talked for long, late hours with political leaders in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. I have sipped scotch and sake with some of the great business minds in modern Asia, Europe, and America. When you have that much good fortune, you cant help but learn a few things, and if you dont drink too much scotch and sake, you might even remember them.