Harvard Business Review featured an interview with major deal maker, investment banker and businessman, Bruce Wasserstein in their January 2008 issue. The interview was conducted by the business magazine’s editors, Thomas A. Stewart and Gardiner Morse.

The HBR interview, titled Giving Great Advice, reveals some of the principles Bruce Wasserstein follows in his dealings. According to the renowned deal maker, he does not rely only on his knowledge or on knowledge gained on his own; rather, he also draws know-how or wisdom from a good combination of industry experts like creative generalists and regional specialists.

Bruce Wasserstein is currently the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Lazard LLC, an independent investment bank. He explains how he helped shape Lazard through a combination of industry expertise, creative knack, and technical ability.

A favorite CEO advisor, Bruce Wasserstein also reveals that before moving to the details, he tries to fully understand the CEO first. This way, he learns to appreciate not only what he is doing but also the person he is advising.

HBR succeeds in giving great advice to both neophyte businessmen and leaders and to the more established and successful ones. It is also a reminder of how one should keep “upgrading” his capabilities and characteristics in order to constantly improve and succeed.

View the full interview with Bruce Wasserstein from HBR.

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