Ava DuVernay, an award-winning filmmaker known for her powerful narratives around social justice, shares her inspiring journey from publicist to directing blockbuster films. She reflects on the valuable lessons learned while making 'Selma,' emphasizing effective leadership and the importance of storytelling. Ava discusses her evolution as a leader, the significance of passion over mere opportunity, and how the stories we tell can influence cultural narratives. Her insights on collaboration and personal growth highlight the complexities of creative expression in her work.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Don't Force Career Choices
Avoid asking children what they want to be when they grow up.
It forces premature decisions and limits exploration by prematurely naming things.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Side Hustle First
Cultivate your dream as a side hustle before going all in.
It allows for refinement, skill development, and reduces the pressure to succeed immediately.
insights INSIGHT
Learned Leadership
Leadership is a skillset that is learned, not inherent.
By studying the behaviors of successful leaders, we can learn and improve our own leadership skills.
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In 'Save the Cat!', Blake Snyder provides a detailed analysis of the three-act structure and introduces his 15-beat sheet, a method for structuring screenplays. The book covers key elements such as the Opening Image, Catalyst, Debate, Break into Two, B Story, Fun and Games, Midpoint, Bad Guys Close In, All Is Lost, Dark Night of the Soul, Break into Three, Finale, and Final Image. Snyder also discusses the importance of making the hero likable through the 'Save the Cat' rule and breaks down successful films to illustrate his points. The book is widely regarded as a definitive resource for screenwriters, offering practical advice and a clear framework for storytelling.
Before Ava DuVernay became the first Black woman director to win Sundance and get nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, she was a publicist with a little hobby, a big dream, and a lot of patience. Adam talks to Ava about how she turned her side gig of filmmaking into a brilliant career, how her leadership style has evolved over the years, and what studying MLK while making the movie Selma can teach us about what it really takes to inspire.
This was an episode of Taken for Granted, but now the podcast is called ReThinking with Adam Grant, and it’s back with weekly episodes. You can listen to them right here in the WorkLife feed, or by following ReThinking with Adam Grant wherever you are right now.
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