Invest Like The Best
Episode 359 Knowledge is Power
Invest Like The Best

Episode 359: Knowledge is Power

Invest Like The Best

Episode 359

Knowledge is Power

Michael Ovitz is the co-founder of CAA. We cover the best stories and lessons from Michael's all-star cast of clients, why speed and scale were critical ingredients to CAA's success, and how he's translating his legendary work ethic and talent spotting to the investing arena.

This episode is brought to you by:

Tegus. Tegus is the modern research platform for leading investors. Stretch your research budget with flexible expert calls you can trust. As a listener, you can trial Tegus for free by visiting tegus.co/patrick.

 

(00:03:25) - (First question) - Michael Crichton's Impact

(00:04:14) - The Art of Storytelling and Creativity

(00:06:13) - The Art of Filmmaking and Directing

(00:07:20) - Michael Crichton’s Writer's Block

(00:09:53) - The Birth of Jurassic Park

(00:12:42) - The Importance of Pacing in Storytelling

(00:17:43) - Positional Power and Influence

(00:20:04) - Knowledge is Power

(00:22:10) - The Role of Agents in the Business World

(00:36:18) - The Importance of Momentum in Business

(00:42:35) - Branding and Image

(00:45:44) - The Art of Spotting Talent

(00:46:20) - The Role of Persistence

(00:51:25) - Investing in People

(01:00:30) - Building Mystique

(01:06:30) - The Importance of Relationships

(01:10:39) - The Role of Art in the Entertainment Industry

(01:17:04) - Telling the Truth to Clients

(01:25:28) - Winning the Coca-Cola account

(01:42:18) - The Kindest Thing Anyone Has Done for Michael

Knowledge is Power

Introduction

Patrick
 My guest today is Michael Ovitz. Michael is the legendary talent agent and Co-Founder of CAA or Creative Artists Agency. Michael started CAA in 1975 and over the next 20 years, he built it into the world's most formidable talent agency, changing Hollywood forever. The list of stars he's worked with is endless, from Meryl Streep to Steven Spielberg and David Letterman.

His innovations like the creation of the package, which we discussed, changed how the entertainment industry worked. Since leaving CAA, he has become an investor and adviser to many prominent investing firms, most notably Andreessen Horowitz, but also including many other household names, which we discuss in this episode. I cannot remember a conversation with more great stories.

Michael's work ethic is unmatched. And when I'm with him, I leave feeling both energized but also challenged. He has a unique way of setting and holding a standard, which I've seen firsthand. Please enjoy this great discussion with Michael Ovitz.

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