Risks and Returns

A USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestseller!

Lessons from A Wall Street Legend Turned Secretary of Commerce

Before being named President Trump’s Secretary of Commerce in 2017, Wilbur Ross had already earned a reputation as the “King of Bankruptcy” over his 55-year career on Wall Street. Often working on high-profile bankruptcies such as Pan Am and Texaco, Ross helped restructure more than $400 billion in assets, and was named among Bloomberg’s 50 most influential people in global finance. After coming to Washington, Ross faced equally tough challenges, yet survived in his post for all four years.

Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life explains how Ross got to the top and stayed there. Rising from humble beginnings in North Bergen, New Jersey, Ross applied simple principles with strict discipline—something readers can apply in their own quest for success. Ultimately, Ross’s strategies and dealmaking skills led to relationships with King Charles, Warren Buffett, Carl Icahn, the Rothschild family, Steve Wynn, Lakshmi Mittal, Mike Milken, and many other famous personalities. Ross also documents his experiences with President Trump in the Oval Office. 

Whether you’re interested in Ross’s experiences as a neighbor of John Lennon in the legendary Dakota apartment building, celebrating with Sir Richard Branson on his private island, or his tumultuous time in Washington, you will find Risks and Returns to be a candid reflection of a life lived at the pinnacle of Wall Street, New York, and Palm Beach society, and the Trump administration. Above all, anyone driven to find career success will learn from Ross’s life the strategies and mentality to achieve it. 
 

Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. served as Secretary of Commerce in the Trump administration following 55 years of experience in investment banking and private equity. In this capacity, he advised President Donald Trump on commercial and economic affairs, and helped American entrepreneurs and businesses create jobs and economic opportunity.

A native of North Bergen, New Jersey, Ross spent a significant portion of his business career at Rothschild, Inc. Ross negotiated on behalf of creditors in some of the highest-profile bankruptcy proceedings in history, including those involving Pan Am, TWA, the Texaco, and Drexel Burnham Lambert. After founding his own private equity firm in 2000, Ross purchased and restored many companies to profitability, including those in the steel, coal, textile, and banking industries. Over the course of his career, Ross restructured more than $400 billion in assets, earning him a distinguished reputation on Wall Street. In 2011, Bloomberg Markets named him one of the 50 most influential people in global finance.

Secretary Ross’s philanthropic work has included significant support for the Japan Society, the Brookings Institution, the Blenheim Foundation, and numerous entities devoted to the fine arts, including the Rene Magritte Museum in Brussels. He was also an advisory board member of Yale University School of Management.

Secretary Ross is a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School. He and his wife, Hilary Geary Ross, have four children.

“How does one go from being a college student on financial aid to a business leader commanding billions of dollars? In the case of Wilbur Ross, the answer is one word: preparation. In his retelling of his varied career, each victory first began by researching the challenge, digging up data, and finding creative solutions. The formula that took Ross from Weehawken, NJ to the White House is a good one for anyone who aspires to achieve."
—Deborah Norville, New York Times bestselling author and anchor of Inside Edition 

"In Risks and Returns, Wilbur Ross condenses a lifetime of knowledge in the worlds of business, investing, and public policy into a very compelling read. Ross is uniquely able to take the reader behind the scenes into board rooms on Wall Street and consequential meetings in the Oval Office. It is a journey worth taking."
—Bret Baier, chief political anchor, Fox News, and author of six New York Times bestselling books      

"Wilbur Ross has written a fast-paced autobiography describing his Horatio Alger rise to the heights of Wall Street and government service as Secretary of Commerce. It’s an exciting and instructive read."
 —Stephen A. Schwarzman, chairman, CEO, and cofounder, Blackstone

“Wilbur Ross’s journey to become one of America’s esteemed businessmen and Cabinet secretaries is a testament to the power of determination, positivity, and curiosity. His remarkable ascent in both business and government showcases a life brimming with success across diverse ventures. This book offers an inspiring narrative that encapsulates the essence of Wilbur’s extraordinary career and the lessons it imparts.”
—Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel 

"Wilbur Ross has led a fascinating life and career. This book takes a deep dive into his early years, business career, role as U.S. Secretary of Commerce, art collection, and so much more, illustrating that without risk, there is little reward. It’s a can’t-miss for anyone interested in achieving their goals—in all areas of life."
—Leonard A. Lauder, chairman emeritus, The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc.

"My friend Wilbur Ross is one of the finance world's most brilliant minds. Anyone looking to get ahead in life will learn from this book how a commitment to hard work, discipline, and thoughtful risk-taking pays off."
—Larry Kudlow, Fox Business Network host and former director of the National Economic Council 

"Wilbur Ross is a tenacious warrior who challenges America to take prudent risks that lead to powerful returns. Learn the secrets to success in his eloquently crafted autobiography."
—Mehmet Oz, MD, professor emeritus, Columbia University

"Risks and Returns is a thoughtful, engrossing memoir of a hyper-successful, six-decade career on Wall Street and in Washington. It is packed with financial history and valuable, hard-learned lessons. I recommend it to anyone contemplating a successful career in finance and government."
—William H. Heyman, vice chairman, The Travelers Companies, Inc

"Wilbur Ross has written a fascinating book full of insights and anecdotes from his storied career on Wall Street and as Secretary of Commerce."
—Richard LeFrak, chairman and CEO of LeFrak

“Wilbur’s career described as a collection of business stories should serve as a highly entertaining learning tool for budding entrepreneurs. This book will be a students’ favorite on the required reading list of any good business school."
—Thomas Peterffy, CEO, Interactive Brokers