Ed Catmull

This book is, hands-down, one of the best I've ever read in terms of exciting me toward more creative work and building something of a business with it.

It's a book on creativity in a workplace by Ed Catmull, one of Pixar's founders. Amazing inspiration and advice re: building a creative enterprise that never loses sight of its vision and its inspirations.

Confession: My expectations of this were low because I assumed John Lasseter to be the creative voice of Pixar and the author to be all business; I stand corrected now and in awe of Mr. Catmull's focus and drive and creativity of his own.

Highest recommendations on this one.… (mer)

Listened to an audio version of this book. What a rollicking ride this book is! Thoroughly enjoyed. This book appeals to three core aspects of me:

1. A startup enthusiast building products with awesome teams - Many of us have brilliant and innovative ideas. But to get them executed and build it with a team is a different level challenge. Pixar guys have done it again and again. It worth paying attention to their wisdom in managing the team, building a culture to foster creativity, giving feedback with candour in brain trust meetings.

2. Thriving in complex systems: We all have a few mental models of work. When things are different from our perception and many of factors (more team members/stakeholders) come into play, one can easily lose the plot. Ed Catmull's stoical suggestion of embracing uncertainty and trusting the team while failing/experimenting is really refreshing to hear.

3. Steve Jobs fan: Ed Catmull has known Steve for 20 years and has seen the transformation of Steve from a brash-bullying-brilliant man to a sensitive-observant-thoughtful man. That alone is worth the money.… (mer)