Big Shot

Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment and creator of Bratz and L.O.L. Surprise!, recounts his journey from Tehran to building a toy empire. He discusses arriving in America with $753, pivoting from electronics to toys, the creation and risky launch of Bratz, and the long legal battle with a major rival. Tough beginnings, bold bets, and relentless persistence drive the conversation.

Irwin Winkler, veteran Hollywood producer behind Rocky, Raging Bull, Goodfellas and more, shares stories from a six-decade film career. He recalls moving from the William Morris mailroom to producing, discovering Sylvester Stallone, reshooting Rocky’s ending, launching collaborations with Scorsese, and navigating financing, VFX, AI, and studio relationships.

Barry Diller, longtime media executive who built Paramount, launched Fox, and led IAC, appears with a brisk mini bio. He recounts starting in a mailroom, learning from files, and the serendipity that shaped his rise. He discusses creating TV innovations, persuading Rupert Murdoch to back Fox, and strategic acquisitions like Expedia. He reflects on leadership, M&A instincts, and finding the right door when opportunity knocks.

Lew Wolff, longtime real estate developer and former owner of the A’s and Warriors, reflects on an accidental path into big projects and pro sports. He discusses reshaping downtown San Jose, partnering with studios and investors, the stories behind Moneyball and stadium fights, and his partnership-first philosophy. Short, reflective tales reveal how temperament and relationships guided his decisions.

Joseph Schaefer, a Polish-born Canadian who built Montreal’s Algo dress business and helped shape Chabanel, reflects on starting with $1,800 and growing long-term partnerships. He discusses building manufacturing, winning bank trust, giving partners equity, and how scale and overseas production transformed the industry. He also touches on philanthropy, loyalty, and values that guided his career.

Jeffrey Katzenberg, famed filmmaker who helped revive Disney animation and co-founded DreamWorks, shares tales from Hollywood. He talks about growing up with dyslexia, lessons from his father and Kirk Douglas, and the mindset of exceeding expectations. He recounts revitalizing Disney, being fired, building DreamWorks with Spielberg and Geffen, and the highs and lows of studio life.

Lloyd Blankfein, the former CEO and Chairman of Goldman Sachs, reflects on his unconventional rise from Brooklyn projects to the pinnacle of finance. He shares insights from his early days, including navigating the culture shock of Harvard at 16. Lloyd discusses pivotal moments, like his rejection from Goldman leading him to J. Aron, and the lessons learned during the 2008 financial collapse, highlighting how Warren Buffett's support shaped his leadership. His journey is a testament to resilience, decision-making, and the power of chance.

Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, co-founder of OPI and a transformative figure in the nail polish industry, shares her incredible journey from escaping communist Hungary to creating a billion-dollar brand. She discusses how her family's Holocaust legacy shaped her work ethic and values. The conversation explores the art of naming nail polishes, embracing competition, and the emotional connections formed through storytelling. Suzi reflects on the ups and downs of her business, including a major lipstick setback, and emphasizes the importance of community and resilience.

Michael Ovitz, the legendary Hollywood agent and founder of CAA, reflects on his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to reshaping the entertainment industry. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of iconic films like Jurassic Park and discusses the importance of trust over contracts in business. Ovitz reveals insights from his time in Silicon Valley and his foresight about streaming's disruption of traditional models. His drive for innovation, loyalty to friends, and strategic partnership-building are key takeaways in this fascinating conversation.

In this engaging conversation, Stephen Ross, a real estate titan and owner of the Miami Dolphins, shares his incredible journey from a two-family house in Detroit to transforming major urban landscapes like Hudson Yards. He reveals how getting fired fueled his entrepreneurial spirit and discusses his vision for building a Silicon Valley in South Florida. Ross also recounts the intriguing story behind owning the Dolphins and reflects on the importance of community and long-term thinking in both business and philanthropy.