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FoundersJanuary 1, 2019
#53 Who Is Michael Ovitz?
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About This Episode
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
Book Mentions
4 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to booksTip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
Tip: Click a cover image to open a book link.
Books Mentioned

Who is Michael Ovitz
Michael Ovitz
“The book discusses Michael Ovitz's life, his early career, and the mistakes he made, particularly in dealing with people, as mentioned in the prologue.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: mistakes with people
For: Entrepreneurs and business leaders
Key quote: “But a lot of this book is what he's discussing here in the prologue, mistakes.”
The host mentions 'Who is Michael Ovitz' to explore the personal mistakes made by Ovitz, particularly in his relationships with others. This book provides an honest reflection on how these interpersonal dynamics influenced his career and success.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

Principles
Ray Dalio
“The excerpt references Ray Dalio's book 'Principles' in the context of choosing a persona that one can inhabit without strain.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: personal branding in business
For: aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals
Key quote: “you have to be who you are, but you need to pick a persona you can inhabit without strain”
The host mentions Ray Dalio's book 'Principles' to emphasize the importance of choosing a persona that aligns with one's true self in a professional setting. This concept resonates with the ongoing discussion about the protagonist's journey in defining his unique identity as an agent.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

“The excerpt mentions 'The Republic of Tea' in relation to hints about entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.”
Sentiment: Passing Reference
Trigger: entrepreneurship and persona
For: Aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals
Key quote: “I feel that that's common for a lot. Like we talked about last week in the Republic of Tea, how they kept hinting, dropping little hints that, hey, I don't, like you can't make an entrepreneur, you can't do the entrepreneur's job for them.”
The host references 'The Republic of Tea' to illustrate the idea that one cannot do the entrepreneur's job for them, emphasizing the importance of personal choice in business. This mention serves to highlight the underlying themes of self-discovery and the development of a unique persona in the entrepreneurial journey.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

The Art of War
Sun Tzu
“He mentions having read 'The Art of War' in college and discusses its ideas on loyalty, teamwork, and decision making.”
Sentiment: Passing Reference
Trigger: loyalty and teamwork
For: Students and professionals interested in leadership
Key quote: “He mentions having read 'The Art of War' in college and discusses its ideas on loyalty, teamwork, and decision making.”
The host recalls reading 'The Art of War' during college and reflects on its teachings. He highlights its relevance to concepts like loyalty and teamwork in decision making.
ASIN: B0DVZD5HF3
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.