UP AND DOING

A memoir recounts a man’s long and eventful professional journey—first as an investment banker and then as a public servant.

Harmon displayed a rebellious streak as a young man—as the result of persistent mischief, he was “asked not to return” for his senior year at Hotchkiss, a venerable academy. But that spirit of independence became one of the linchpins of an impressively successful career as an investment banker: “When an industry or domain becomes unpopular, opportunities abound. When everyone begins fleeing, I’ve always sought to enter, and when something seems extremely popular, I seek opportunity elsewhere.” The author was a broker of major deals in music publishing, movies, and real estate and was a principal player in the management of Starbuck’s IPO. Eventually, he made a transition to the public sector, joining the reelection campaigns of New York City Mayor David Dinkins and President Bill Clinton. Harmon was appointed the president and chair of the Export-Import Bank by Clinton. The author lucidly discusses his experiences navigating turbulent times, especially the Asian financial crisis of 1997. In addition, Harmon served as the chair of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund. He tried to infuse an ailing Egypt with investment dollars as well as some measure of economic stability, which he considers “the most daunting and important task of my career.” The author’s career, both public and private, was a remarkably eventful one that allowed him to consort with heads of state as well as captains of industry, giving readers access to an intriguing perch. He can be peculiarly idealistic—his contention that “smaller and lesser-known governmental agencies and departments are ideal places to forge change in the world” is breathtakingly quixotic. Furthermore, he can be touchily defensive about his record—his response to those more pessimistic about the present and future of Egypt is more emotionally acute than analytically thorough. Nevertheless, this is a frank and edifying peek into the intersection of commerce and foreign policy.

An enlightening career account, personally candid and politically astute.