S
tephen B. Siegel's memoir, "From the Bronx to the Boardroom: Lessons from a Life in Commercial Real Estate," is an engaging and entertaining account of his dealmaking career as global brokerage head at CBRE. Co-written with Laura Rowley, the book takes readers on a journey through Siegel's life, from his childhood growing up in the Bronx to his rise as one of the most influential figures in commercial real estate.

    Siegel recounts his early days starting at Cushman & Wakefield at 17 and eventually becoming its CEO. He then joined ESG, where he negotiated high-profile deals for clients like Related Companies, Vornado, and Larry Silverstein. His experiences include negotiating a massive Gucci lease with Donald Trump, who was known for his unwavering confidence in his own abilities.

    The memoir also delves into Siegel's personal life, including the challenges of caring for his wife Wendy after her 2011 diagnosis with acute myeloid leukemia. Despite multiple hospitalizations and grueling treatments, Wendy remained optimistic, a testament to their enduring love and resilience.

    Throughout the book, Siegel brings to life the characters he has encountered throughout his career, from David Rockefeller to Paul McCartney. But at its core, "From the Bronx to the Boardroom" is a love letter to New York City, which Siegel sees as a place that always bounces back from adversity and where even the most severe disruptions are temporary.