There was something magical about that unique combination of people coming together. How do you harness that energy and desire of your team to do something great, no matter where you are? That’s when the best work happens.
In a recent interview, Rich Roll talked with Ed Catmull, the co-founder of Pixar and former president of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Ed played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s unique culture of collaboration, which has become the gold standard for creative workplaces worldwide. If you’ve ever been captivated by a Pixar film, and I’m sure you have—WALL-E is my favourite—you have Ed to thank for that.
Ed Catmull is a mastermind of innovation, a pioneer in technology and storytelling, and the absolute OG in creative leadership. Engaging with him on the creative and management principles that fueled Pixar’s success was truly an honour. Our conversation delves into insights that have revolutionized workplace practices globally to foster creativity and continuous learning. We discovered that embracing failure creates beautiful paths to growth.
The Unique Environment of Pixar
Creating a Culture of Collaboration
During his interview, Ed shared incredible stories with Rich about his fascinating life, including his relationships with George Lucas and Steve Jobs. Now 78, Ed is a profound thinker, and this conversation is rich with lessons on innovation, leadership, and the magic and meaning of living a good life. You’re in for a treat.
Ed Catmull discusses creativity and leadership in a podcast interview with Rich Roll
The Origins of a Creative Pioneer
Ed’s journey began in the supportive environment of Salt Lake City during the 1950s. He grew up on a steady diet of physics and engineering, not the typical curriculums leading one into creative arts leadership. Reflecting on his life, Ed’s story is relatively unlikely but thoroughly inspiring.
The Influence of Icons
Ed’s childhood heroes were Walt Disney and Albert Einstein, iconic figures of their time who changed the world by creating something new. Disney’s “Snow White” was groundbreaking in storytelling, while Einstein’s theories revolutionized our understanding of the universe. For young Ed, these figures exemplified how creativity and innovation could intersect to create a lasting impact.
Ed Catmull elaborates on the importance of storytelling in animation.
The University of Utah: A Nexus of Creativity and Technology
Ed’s journey into animation and technology took a significant turn at the University of Utah, where he encountered a unique group of individuals and mentors who profoundly influenced his career.
A Confluence of Great Minds
At the University of Utah, Ed was surrounded by future computer science and animation pioneers. With mentors like Ivan Sutherland and Alan Kay, who taught that the rate of change would continue to accelerate, Ed learned to anticipate and embrace change. This mindset would later influence his approach to leadership and innovation at Pixar.
The Spark of Innovation: Creating the First Computer-Animated Films
Ed’s early works, including a short film of his hand, were among the first computer-animated films. This ambition to create a fully computer-animated feature was the principle around which Pixar was later organized.
Developing Talent and Cultivating a Culture of Feedback
A key aspect of Pixar’s success was its focus on developing talent in-house and fostering a culture where feedback was encouraged. This environment allowed ideas to be shared openly without judgment, focusing on improving them rather than personal validation.
Brain Trust: The Engine of Creativity
The concept of the Brain Trust at Pixar was born out of necessity—a way to provide objective, valuable feedback. Initially, it was meant to be an outside force providing this feedback, but it evolved into a powerful internal mechanism.
Rules of the Brain Trust
Peer-to-Peer Conversations: Only those who knew about filmmaking participated, ensuring valuable feedback.
No Overriding the Creative Team: The Brain Trust could not override the decisions of directors or creative teams.
Honesty is Key: Encouraging candid feedback, fostering an environment where egos are left at the door.
Leaders Must Listen: Ed learned that leaders, including himself and Steve Jobs, needed to allow creative discussions without dominating them.
“If a person with a powerful voice starts speaking first, that distorts the room because people will respond to that. Leaders needed to shut up for the first 15 minutes.”
Ed Catmull shares insights on leadership and innovation.
Leadership Lessons from Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs played a crucial role as an outside force, providing unique insights while recognizing his impact. This balance of influence and empathy was vital in maintaining a productive, creative environment.
Navigating Failures and Learning
Understanding the nature of failure was crucial. At Pixar, failure wasn’t about assigning blame but learning and improving. This approach encouraged experimentation and innovation without the fear of personal judgment.
Embracing Serendipity and Sustaining Innovation
One key takeaway from Ed’s leadership at Pixar is the importance of recognizing and leveraging serendipity. His approach to leadership was not about taking credit but fostering an environment where serendipitous moments could flourish.
The Collective Consciousness
Creating an environment where collaboration thrives involves appreciating the contributions of every team member. This collective consciousness elevates the group, leading to groundbreaking work and continuous innovation.
Looking to the Future: Technology and Storytelling
Ed’s perspective on the future of technology and storytelling is neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic. He acknowledges the rapid and unpredictable technological changes, emphasizing the need to adapt and harness these changes positively.
Ed Catmull’s journey and the principles he implemented at Pixar offer invaluable lessons on creativity, leadership, and innovation. Whether you’re leading a team or seeking personal growth, the insights shared by Ed illuminate a path to harnessing creativity and achieving excellence.
“How do you harness that energy, that desire of your own people to do something good wherever you are? I think that’s when the best stuff happens.”
For anyone passionate about creativity and leadership, Ed’s story is not just a management blueprint but a primer for life. Embracing failure, fostering collaboration, and continuously learning—these are the pillars that supported Pixar’s success and can support our personal and professional journeys.
View the video on Rich Roll Youtube channel on this link:
Credits. Images taken from Rich Roll video.
