Image - Wilbur Ross and book cover
Past Event

Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross: Risks and Returns

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. 

Now Ross shares the story of how he got to the top and stayed there, as he relates in his new book Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life. He rose from humble beginnings in North Bergen, New Jersey, applied simple principles with strict discipline, and 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 will also share his experiences with President Trump in the Oval Office.

So whether you’re interested in Ross’s experiences as John Lennon’s neighbor in the legendary Dakota apartment building, celebrating with Sir Richard Branson on his private island, or his tumultuous time in Washington, come hear a candid reflection of a life lived at the pinnacle of Wall Street, New York, and Palm Beach society, and the Trump administration.

Notes

This program is part of our American Values Series, underwritten by Taube Philanthropies.

Taube Philanthropies

Photo courtesy the speaker.

September 18, 2024

The Commonwealth Club of California
110 The Embarcadero
Taube Family Auditorium
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States

Speakers
Image - Wilbur Ross

Wilbur Ross

Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce; Author, Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life

Image - Dan Ashley

In Conversation with Dan Ashley

Anchor, ABC7 News; Member, Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California Board of Governors; X @DanAshleyABC7