Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’s journey to success is far from conventional. Despite dreaming of becoming a writer in college, Ross found himself immersed in the world of finance on Wall Street, earning the title of the “King of Bankruptcy” over his 55-year career. Reflecting on his time at Yale, Ross recalls his love for writing and literature, but ultimately credits the university for steering him away from a life of poverty through his education.
At Harvard Business School, Ross studied under the tutelage of famed instructor Georges Doriot, a stylish and provocative Frenchman who emphasized the importance of dressing for success. Doriot’s advice to his students to dress the part of success left a lasting impression on Ross, shaping his approach to the business world. Despite his background in finance, Ross also maintained connections with the arts community, living in the famous Dakota building and rubbing shoulders with iconic figures such as John Lennon.
Ross fondly recalls his time living in the Dakota building, where he developed a close friendship with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. He describes the couple as kind and unassuming, participating in building events and engaging with their neighbors. The tragic assassination of Lennon in 1980 left a lasting impact on Ross and the Dakota community, leading to a collective effort to memorialize the musician through the Central Park Strawberry Fields tribute.
Despite their initial adversarial encounter in a bankruptcy proceeding involving the Trump Taj Mahal, Ross and Donald Trump developed a working relationship that would later lead to Ross supporting Trump’s presidential campaign. Ross’s experience with Trump during the bankruptcy proceedings provided valuable insights into Trump’s character and business acumen, ultimately shaping Ross’s decision to stand behind Trump during his successful presidential bid.
Ross’s transition from the private sector to government service presented a unique set of challenges, including overseeing the hiring of over 400,000 part-time workers for the census. Ross’s experience as a census taker during his time at Harvard Business School gave him valuable insight into the task at hand, highlighting his ability to adapt to new environments and tackle complex logistical challenges. Despite controversy surrounding the reinstatement of a citizenship question on the US Census, Ross navigated his role as Commerce Secretary with determination and focus.
As Ross prepares to release his upcoming book, “Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life,” he reflects on his unconventional path to success and the influential figures who have shaped his journey. From his humble beginnings as a bookish college student to his tenure as Commerce Secretary, Ross’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. With endorsements from industry leaders and power players, Ross’s legacy as a trailblazer in the world of finance and government is set to inspire a new generation of aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers.
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