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

Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar and former president of Walt Disney Animation Studios, is a pioneer in creativity and innovation. In this conversation, he shares the key principles that forged Pixar’s unique culture, emphasizing collaboration, the power of failure, and continuous learning. Ed reflects on his journey in animation, revealing insights from his relationships with industry legends like George Lucas and Steve Jobs. He discusses how effective leadership and a supportive environment can cultivate creativity, paving the way for timeless stories like Toy Story and Finding Nemo.

01:44:43

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Episode guests

Ed Catmull

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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.

The Importance of Foresight and Adaptability in Business and Leadership

01:29

Embrace Humility and Curiosity in Leadership

01:22

The Importance of an Outside Perspective in Film Discussions

01:24

Fostering a Culture of Continuous Discovery and Trust

01:26

Intro

3min

The Creative Journey: Insights on Collaboration and Innovation

4min

From Dreams to Animation: The Pixar Journey

28min

Navigating Commitment and Flexibility in Leadership

2min

Cultivating Creative Collaboration in Filmmaking

6min

Fostering Creative Environments

22min

Navigating Leadership and Communication

6min

Building Your Brain Trust

6min

The Creative Journey: Insights from Pixar

20min

10.

Mindful Leadership and Evolving Narratives

10min

11.

A Heartfelt Conclusion and Call to Engage

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.

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