Invest Like The Best
Episode 418 Turning Potential into Prominence
Invest Like The Best

Episode 418: Turning Potential into Prominence

Invest Like The Best

Episode 418

Turning Potential into Prominence

Michael Ovitz is a legendary talent agent and the co-founder of CAA. We cover his checklist for identifying exceptional talent, the critical components for building enduring institutions, and why time is the most valuable resource in business.

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Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best

(00:06:56) Spotting Talent and Building Institutions

(00:08:01) The MoMA Story: Transforming an Art Institution

(00:19:35) The Importance of Relationships and Time

(00:24:32) Building Successful Boards and Teams

(00:34:02) Insights on Leadership and Momentum

(00:44:49) Building Blackstone and CAA

(00:56:32) The Power of Momentum

(00:57:25) Overcoming Fear of Failure

(01:01:52) Strategic Partnerships and Global Influence

(01:17:32) The Importance of Excellence

(01:18:22) Mentorship and Legacy

(01:34:00) The Future of Media and Technology

(01:41:36) Pursuit of Happiness and Lifelong Learning

Turning Potential into Prominence

Introduction

Patrick
My guest today is Michael Ovitz. Michael is the legendary talent agent and co-founder of CAA, or Creative Artists Agency, and he is joining me on Invest Like the Best for the second time. Michael started CAA in 1975 and over the next 20 years built it into the world's most formidable talent agency, changing Hollywood forever.

He shares his insights into how he identifies exceptional people across diverse fields, from Hollywood directors like Steven Spielberg, to tech founders like Alex Karp of Palantir, and venture capitalists like Marc Andreessen. Michael is a force whose expertise extends beyond just people. He's also become a master in creating institutional momentum, which you'll hear in his involvement with MoMA, Gulfstream and more.

We discuss his pilot's checklist for evaluating talent, the importance of time as his most valuable resource, and why he believes maintaining excellence is critical in any field. I'm also excited to watch Ovitz as he helps build the asset management firm Treville with multiple time guest Ali Hamed. Please enjoy my great conversation with Michael Ovitz.

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