Brian Grazer, Academy Award-winning producer and New York Times bestselling author, discusses the power of curiosity, the importance of preparation, following your vision, and building relationships in business in his conversation on leadership.
Perseverance is key in achieving your vision, never give up on pursuing your goals.
Thorough preparation and creating meaningful experiences are vital in curiosity conversations.
Deep dives
The Importance of Perseverance and Curiosity
Brian Graser shares his favorite episode of the podcast, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. He recounts how he chased a guest for over four years and finally succeeded in booking him. Graser encourages listeners to never give up, whether it's in pursuing a job, a client, or a personal goal. He also discusses his book, 'A Curious Mind,' which combines 30 years of curiosity conversations with renowned experts and explores the power of curiosity for personal growth and success.
Lessons from the Isaac Asimov Interview
Graser shares a significant moment from his career when he interviewed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. Despite being determined to meet him, Graser failed to adequately prepare for the interview. As a result, Asimov and his wife abruptly ended the conversation. Graser learned the importance of thorough preparation and creating a meaningful experience for the other person in curiosity conversations. He reflects on the lesson of entering someone's psyche and truly engaging them by doing extensive research and crafting engaging questions.
Overcoming Opposition and Trusting Instincts
Graser recounts two instances where his instincts proved right, despite opposition from others in the industry. The first was the TV series 'Empire,' an all-black network program that many were skeptical about. Graser trusted that the show's themes of power dynamics and love would resonate with audiences and it became a success. The second example is the movie 'Splash,' a romantic comedy about a man falling in love with a mermaid. Despite initial rejection from various studios, Graser persisted because he believed in the universal theme of love. 'Splash' went on to become a hit and reinforced the importance of staying true to his vision.
Episode 325 | Perseverance and determination play a powerful role in bringing your vision to life. That is one of several key insights offered up by multiple Academy Award-winning producer and New York Times bestselling author, Brian Grazer, in his conversation On Leadership. Brian discusses his book, A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life, which explores the power of curiosity and human connection. He emphasizes the importance of preparation in all things, as well as understanding what people are really saying no to, and staying true to your vision no matter what.
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