The Rich Roll Podcast

Pixar Co-Founder Ed Catmull On The Art & Science Of Creativity, How To Do Your Best Work, Bring Out The Best In Others & Lead

Oct 23, 2023

01:44:43

Snipd AI

Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull discusses the leadership and management principles that built Pixar's unique and successful studio. He shares insights that fueled his career, workplace practices to build creative teams, and his personal philosophy of embracing failure. They also dive into Ed's fascinating life journey, including his relationships with George Lucas and Steve Jobs. The podcast explores creating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and learning, as well as the importance of feedback, the creative process at Pixar, and the impact of technology on storytelling.

AI Summary

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Creating a brain trust of diverse perspectives contributes to better decision-making and a more fulfilling life.

Cultivating a culture of open communication and feedback builds trust, enhances collaboration, and promotes creativity.

Embracing failure as an opportunity for growth fosters experimentation, innovation, and breakthroughs in work and personal lives.

Deep dives

The Power of Creating a Brain Trust

Creating a brain trust, a group of trusted individuals who contribute to the betterment of a project or community, is a valuable practice that can be applied beyond business. Just like seeking feedback from friends, therapists, or mentors, having a brain trust can provide valuable insights and aid in making better decisions. It's about surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives and utilizing their expertise to improve outcomes and live a more fulfilling life.

“Commit to something with passion, and when you’re wrong, you change.”

01:24

The Key to Pixar's Success: Developing Talent In-House

00:49

Holding onto something while embracing change

01:20

The Importance of an Outside Perspective in Film Discussions

01:24

Introduction

3min

Creating a Culture of Collaboration and Embracing Failure

3min

Parental Background and Childhood Dreams

28min

The Art of Innovation and Leadership

2min

Creating a Creative Environment: The Brain Trust and Beyond

6min

Creating a Culture of Creativity and Learning

22min

Understanding Disagreements and the Importance of Listening

6min

Building a Brain Trust and Seeking Feedback

10min

The Creative Process at Pixar

21min

10.

The Impact of Technology on Storytelling

5min

11.

Appreciation and Support

3min

Every once in a while there’s a generational thinker that emerges from the most unlikely of places.

Someone capable of straddling the complexities of new industries without losing their grasp on historical and cultural perspectives. A person willing to forge new paths in new ways toward a brighter future for all.

Ed Catmull is one such generational thinker.

As co-founder of Pixar and later as President of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Ed played a key role in shaping a unique company culture of collaboration and creativity. He’s a mastermind of innovation, a pioneer of groundbreaking technology, and a leader when it comes to using great storytelling to forge a better world.

If you’ve ever been captivated by the beloved films Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Up, and WALL-E, you have Ed to thank for that.

Today we discuss the leadership and management principles that built Pixar’s unique and successful studio. More specifically, we talk about the insights that fueled Ed’s career, the workplace practices he leverages to build creative teams, and his personal philosophy of embracing failure as a path to growth.

We also dive into his fascinating life journey, one that included both personal and professional relationships with George Lucas and Steve Jobs.

There is so much to be learned from Ed's story, including some wild industry insights during his stewardship at Pixar and Disney, where he navigated through the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, all while delivering blockbuster after blockbuster, garnering eighteen Academy Awards along the way.

This is the stuff of legend.

If you’re a creator or manager of any kind, or if you’re simply looking to glean wisdom from one of the most fascinating and accomplished people alive, then you’re in for a treat.

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

Show notes + MORE

Watch on YouTube

Newsletter Sign-Up

Today’s Sponsors:

Seed: Seed.com/RICHROLL

On: On.com

Ag1: drinkAG1.com/RICHROLL

Faherty Brand: FahertyBrand.com/RICHROLL

Athletic Brewing: AthleticBrewing.com/RICHROLL

Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL

Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com