Anthony Scaramucci, Discusses New Book and Life Lessons With Adjunct Professor and Silver Point Capital Partner, Michael Gatto
Featured Events | Jun 17, 2024 | Gabelli School of Business
Capacity Crowd Hosted at the University Club by the Gabelli School O’Shea Center for Credit Analysis and Investing & the Center for Corporate Law, Gains Insights Into Financier’s Views on Politics, Wall Street, and Resilience in Life and Business
On June 10, 2024, Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business O’Shea Center for Credit Analysis and Investment, and Fordham Law School’s Center for Corporate Law, hosted a networking event at the University Club in NYC, during which attendees were treated to a moderated panel discussion featuring Anthony Scaramucci, J.D., founder and managing partner of SkyBridge, a global alternative investment firm, and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. Opening remarks were delivered by Professor Richard Squire, J.D., the Alpin J. Cameron chair in Law and faculty director of the Center for Corporate Law, who introduced what would be a lively, entertaining, and informative discussion moderated by Michael Gatto, partner, Silver Point Capital, and an adjunct professor at the Gabelli School.
Scaramucci shaped his discussion around the themes contained in his new book, From Wall Street to the White House and Back: The Scaramucci Guide to Unbreakable Resilience, which offers up the principles and foundations that have given his life direction as he has navigated the highs and lows of a prolific career. Through stories from his humble background growing up in an Italian family on Long Island, he demonstrated how the values he has acquired helped him to develop the work ethic and resilient mindset needed to thrive—not only during periods of career success—but also in the face of adversity amid unrelenting public and media scrutiny. In an inspirational conversation that provided insight and encouragement for those just starting out professionally, as well as those with well-established careers, he spoke candidly about the experiences that have shaped his world view and helped him to build a career spanning four decades across business, politics, and media.
One overarching principle Scaramucci focused on while recounting some of his more difficult experiences, was the importance of letting go rather than harping on failure. With the confidence and wisdom of a seasoned professional, he explained how he reframes negative experiences and setbacks as opportunities, citing how influential one’s mindset is to cultivating grit and resilience—key components to fulfilling ambition. He also emphasized that true success is about remembering what is important in life rather than striving to achieve material wealth.
In addition, Scaramucci reminded members of the audience that they should be less concerned with what others think of them and more focused on how they feel about themselves, quoting directly from his grandmother who advised “what other people think of you is none of your business.”
The event concluded with a Q & A session that delved into Scaramucci’s thoughts on everything from the economy to the state of our political system. His unflappable demeanor, ability to make light of his mistakes, and never take himself too seriously, provided illuminating points of discussion and invaluable takeaways for an audience that was clearly both enthralled and entertained.