

#381 I Had Dinner With Michael Ovitz
490 snips Mar 7, 2025
Dive into an engaging dinner discussion that uncovers the invisible nature of mediocrity, revealing how passion can elevate excellence. Explore the idea that there's no ceiling to professional growth, and the importance of choosing partners who share your ambition. Discover the value of reading biographies to better understand your field, and how to spot opportunities hiding in plain sight. Follow insights on enduring challenges, seeking honest feedback, and the belief that retirement is overrated. Embrace a lifelong journey of learning and growth!
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Mediocrity vs. Passion
- Mediocrity is only noticeable when passion reveals it.
- Michael Ovitz demonstrated this by meticulously studying Hollywood history, giving him an edge.
Ovitz's Mailroom Mastery
- As a mailroom trainee, Ovitz meticulously reviewed 70 years of Hollywood history.
- Other trainees didn't; Ovitz saw opportunity in the "hard drives of the era."
Persistence and Passion
- To sign a director, Ovitz worked two hours daily for two years, providing scripts before the director's agent.
- This demonstrated Ovitz's passion and exposed the other agent's apathy.