The people who impress me most have unusual clarity, drive and are the best at what they do. With their unique views on the world, determination and perhaps good fortune, they’ve risen through the ranks, ascending to the top. Everyone knows finance and politics are taboo topics among guests and anyone who knows me, knows I don’t care about being taboo. Guest one and two, sitting right in the middle of the table, are dominate power players who impact the world. I also like a good story, so I’ve invited the best in the biz. Finally, I’d love my party to have panache, so I’ve called on the dead to invite the most “fabulous” person I know.
Without further ado, please meet my guests.
1. Lloyd Blankfein – CEO and Chairman of Goldman Sachs
An avid Zero Hedge reader, I’m fascinated by how money really works in the global economy. This NYC boy came from a middle class home, not elite private schools on the Upper East Side. Through ambition, hard work and unwavering perseverance, he became Valedictorian of his high school and went on to attend Harvard undergrad and Harvard Law. Since taking on the role of Head at Goldman Sachs – and not without controversy – Blankfein has since been named “2009 Person of the Year” by Financial Times, Forbes Magazine’s “Most Outrageous CEO of 2009”, and #43 on Forbes list of “The World’s Most Powerful People.”
2. Vladimir Putin – President of Russia
I’d love to listen to his story about his journey from his early years living in a communal apartment with other Leningrad families, to becoming one of the wealthiest men in the world. He restored the glory of a failing nation, steadily grew the economy during his first two terms as President, and continues to receive the love of his people after being re-elected numerous times. Under his direction and energy policy, Russia has become a clear energy leader in environmental sustainability and energy development.
3. Jenji Kohan – Creator of great shows like Weeds and Orange is the New Black
She’s such a delightful story teller who always seems to know the inner workings of the Vlad and Lloyd. With many credits under her belt, including 7 Emmy Nominations ( finally winning for Executive Producer for Tracy Takes On) her point of view and getting to the nitty-gritty is always intriguing.
4. Wes Anderson – Director, Screenwriter of The Grand Budapest Hotel, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Moonrise Kingdom
If you’ve seen his movies, you can only imagine what insanely hilarious things he could write about the guests at this dinner party. The, quirky cartoonish details of his storytelling shock and delight. Every movie is different yet distinctively “Wes Anderson” and the same lines run through my head for each one, “WHERE DID HE COME UP WITH THIS SH*T?”
Design:
5. Tony Duquette – Designer in Costume, Jewelry, Set, Furniture and Interiors
Last but not least, the most “divine” person on my list has also risen from modest roots to working for and along-side the elite in film, fashion and all things design. Elsie de Wolfe picked him up and he was off and running in the design world! Duquette is the king of recycling – transforming the ordinary into something exquisite. Also, I know he’d give me great decorating advice for the party and perhaps he would bring some of his beautiful jewelry over for me to borrow for the evening.
Am I forgetting anyone? Bon appetit!
