ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Although I am solitary by nature, much of what I have been able to accomplish in each of my careers has been possible only because I always surround myself with a team of smart, hardworking, dedicated professionals. This book is no different, and although I offer up praise and appreciation sparingly, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the contributions that helped make this book a reality.

Special thanks to Swati Pandey, whose gift for prose transformed my thoughts and ideas into words better than I ever could have done alone. She is a talented young writer who I predict will have a long and prosperous future as a stunningly successful author. Quite simply, she was a joy to work with. Tim Rutten is a graceful wordsmith whose smart edits and wise counsel proved invaluable, and I appreciate his careful skill in refining the stories and lessons contained in these pages. Thank you to Karen Denne, my chief communications officer, for her exemplary coordination and invaluable qualitative oversight. Jim Newton’s generous advice and keen eye for talent contributed to this project in ways too numerous to list. Thanks to Dan Wolf for helping get this book off the ground and for his continuing encouragement.

I was fortunate to have had a supportive and adept team at John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Senior editor Richard Narramore saw the potential of this book in its very early stages and helped shape it. Thanks to Lydia Dimitriatis and Lauren Freestone for their assistance shepherding us through the publishing process. Special thanks to my agent, Lisa Queen, for her support.

I have met a lot of people during my nearly 79 years. I am drawn to personalities different from my own, people who have a unique worldview and are accomplished in their varied fields. Over the years, Jeff Koons has become a dear friend. He generously allowed us to use the image of one of my favorite works of art, Rabbit, on the cover of this book, and for that I am grateful. Photographers Jay Clendenin and Nancy Pastor always make me look good, so I appreciate their talents. I have never met anyone like Eric Lander. You will read about him in these pages, and my only fear is that printed words could never do him justice. He is simply extraordinary, with passion, energy, and focus that are unmatched.

In our philanthropic work, my wife, Edye, and I are fortunate to be guided by a wise and credentialed board of governors, each of whom contributes a diverse perspective, informed by vast accomplishments. They help shape our philanthropic approach, which you will read about in the later chapters of this book.

The experiences expressed in these pages represent my best recollection, and any mistakes are unintended and solely my own. But I was aided in my memory by colleagues and friends Jay Wintrob, Jana Greer, Bruce Karatz, and Andrea Van de Kamp, who took time out of their busy schedules to help me recall many of the details I missed because I was moving too quickly to take note. I am fortunate to know them, and I treasure the times we shared, working together to build companies and institutions. And, Dick Riordan, I thank you for working with me on some of my most memorable undertakings and for our enduring friendship over nearly 40 years.

I have long admired Mike Bloomberg for his bold leadership, business acumen, and straight-shooter approach to life. He has become a valued friend, and I am delighted that he shared his thoughts in this book’s foreword.

We have the very best team at The Broad Foundations, but there are a few people who deserve special mention. Gerun Riley is my chief of staff and right hand in virtually all of my endeavors. She is always one step ahead of me and juggles an extraordinary workload. She does it all with grace and superb skill. I am in capable and kind hands with Joane Ra and Kathleen Lungren Jobe, who keep me on track, always with the most gracious disposition. Edye and I are fortunate that Cindy Quane has overseen our family office for many years, and we are grateful for her loyalty. We have a whip-smart investment team. They advise me, challenge me, and always exhibit sharp insights. Thank you to Marc Schwartz and K.C. Krieger for their patience and persistence when I’m at my most unreasonable in matters of finance and investment. Their assistance with Chapter 12 helped me articulate what I often do instinctively.

The project that is consuming much of my attention these days is the construction of The Broad, our new museum in downtown Los Angeles. Despite the daunting amount of work that is filling their days and nights, Joanne Heyler and Deborah Kanter found time to contribute their insights to these pages. I am indebted to them for their continuing commitment to our work. There are many more members of our foundation team, too many to list individually but I have to express appreciation to Rachel Smookler, Gregory McGinity, Erica Lepping, Jeannine Guido, Molly Ryan, Hilary Rowe, and Tara McBride for their help with this book.

Three people have been a constant in much of my life, and I don’t express my profound love for them often enough. To our sons, Jeffrey and Gary, I know I wasn’t the easiest father. While I have been a demanding boss and businessman, I was also an impatient and exacting parent. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had more time to make amends. But I offer you my love as deeply as a parent can.

Until my last day, I will count my blessings that Edythe Lawson agreed to become Edythe Broad. In recent years, I have referred to Edye as my chief inspiration officer. While others have tolerated me, Edye has loved me, unconditionally. She has stuck by me, covered my shortcomings, and brought a warmth and graciousness to our family and our friends that are unmatched. While I welcomed public interest and attention throughout my careers, Edye was enormously private and always shied away from crowds and cameras. Across the years, she accompanied me to most every dinner, gala, and gathering—often tucking off in a corner of a packed room with a book. Although Edye is a voracious reader—I’ve always joked that she is the largest book buyer on the West Coast—she didn’t want me to write a book because she preferred to keep our lives private. But she proved to be my most valued editor and has always been my most treasured confidante. One of the best things about this book is the chance to tell the world how much she means to me. Edye, I love you.