Worklife with Adam Grant cover image

Worklife with Adam Grant

Ava DuVernay is Triumphant

May 31, 2022
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.
35:00

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Embracing different leadership styles and leading authentically are crucial for success in filmmaking and inspiring others.
  • Pursuing passions as side hustles allows for gradual exploration and skill development, increasing the chances of long-term success.

Deep dives

Ava DuVernay's Journey into Filmmaking

Ava DuVernay, a trailblazing filmmaker, shares her journey and insights into the world of filmmaking. She discusses her childhood aspirations of becoming a lawyer or journalist and how those paths led her to be deeply interested in fighting for others and making a social impact. DuVernay also explains her reluctance to ask children what they want to be when they grow up, believing that it limits their imagination and exploration of various possibilities. She emphasizes the importance of embracing different leadership styles and the power of leading authentically.

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