Founders #53 Who Is Michael Ovitz?
Power of Belief
- Belief is crucial for creating something from nothing.
- Incoherent possibilities can become reality with enough conviction.
Early Influences
- Michael Ovitz's grandmother, Sarah, instilled in him the drive to succeed at all costs.
- This ambition stemmed from her belief in him and his desire to prove her right.
Early Work Ethic
- Ovitz displayed a strong work ethic from a young age, taking on multiple paper routes.
- He was driven and always sought ways to maximize his time and efforts.
What I learned from reading Who Is Michael Ovitz? by Michael Ovitz.
----
Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first give a gift [0:01]
Michael's first jobs + finding his first love [7:02]
the foul-mouthed magnates [19:49]
starting at the bottom / being hungry for knowledge [24:50]
I don't want to be standard in any way [32:30]
the revolt begins and the founding of CAA [36:05]
know the history of the industry you are in [46:30]
a warning for all entrepreneurs [53:44]
what influenced CAA's culture [59:27]
becoming the thing you hate [1:02:10]
a typical day's schedule [1:07:00]
problems with co-founders [1:11:30]
the fastest animal on the field [1:15:13]
I was tired / The end of Michael Ovitz's time at CAA [1:19:15]
Ron is gone [1:25:07]
a new beginning / meeting Marc Andreessen [1:32:00]
reconciliation [1:38:00]
----
Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here.
----
“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth
Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast