Navigating Success and Creativity

In this chapter, the speaker reflects on the pressures of sustained success and the complex dynamics of personal and professional relationships. They emphasize the importance of mentoring younger colleagues and the enriching experience of collaborating across generations. Through engaging anecdotes, the chapter explores themes of creativity, loyalty, and the journey of self-discovery in both art and business.

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My guest today is Michael Ovitz. Michael is the legendary talent agent and Co-Founder of CAA or Creative Artists Agency and he is joining me on Invest Like the Best for a second time. Michael started CAA in 1975 and over the next 20 years, he built it into the world's most formidable talent agency, changing Hollywood forever. He shares insights into how he identifies exceptional people across diverse fields - from Hollywood directors like Steven Spielberg to tech founders like Alex Karp of Palantir and venture capitalists like Marc Andreessen. Michael is a force whose expertise extends beyond just people, as he has also become a master in creating institutional momentum, which you’ll hear in his involvement with the MoMA, Gulfstream, and more. We discuss his "pilot's checklist" for evaluating talent, the importance of time as his most valuable resource, and why he believes maintaining excellence is critical in any field. Please enjoy my conversation with Michael Ovitz.

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Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best

(00:06:56) Spotting Talent and Building Institutions

(00:08:01) The MoMA Story: Transforming an Art Institution

(00:19:35) The Importance of Relationships and Time

(00:24:32) Building Successful Boards and Teams

(00:34:02) Insights on Leadership and Momentum

(00:44:49) Building Blackstone and CAA

(00:56:32) The Power of Momentum

(00:57:25) Overcoming Fear of Failure