#700: Guy Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil — The Power of Belief, Street Gangs, Wild Tales from Las Vegas, The Dangers of Nurturing Fear, and Dancing on the Cliff | Science vs

Intro

In this episode of the “Science vs” podcast, host Wendy Zukerman interviews Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, about his journey as an entrepreneur and his passion for creativity and art. Laliberté shares stories about his childhood, his love for music, and his experiences as a busker. He also discusses the challenges he faced in starting and growing Cirque du Soleil, as well as his current ventures with Lune Rouge and the One Drop Foundation. Throughout the conversation, Laliberté emphasizes the power of belief, the importance of nurturing creativity, and the impact of fear on personal and professional growth.

Main Takeaways

Entrepreneurial Journey and Creative Inspiration

• Guy Laliberté started his entrepreneurial journey as a busker, traveling and playing music on the streets.
• His love for music and curiosity about the world sparked his desire to explore and create.
• Laliberté’s parents played a significant role in nurturing his creativity and encouraging him to pursue his passions.
• He learned valuable lessons about effective busking, including finding the right location and engaging with the audience.

Building Cirque du Soleil

• Cirque du Soleil was initially a small theater troupe on stilts, but it grew into a groundbreaking circus known for its theatrical approach.
• Laliberté faced numerous challenges in starting and growing the company, including financial struggles and skepticism from the entertainment industry.
• Through strategic marketing campaigns and a commitment to artistic excellence, Cirque du Soleil became a global phenomenon.
• Laliberté emphasizes the importance of trust, creative programming, and building relationships with key individuals in the industry.

The Power of Belief and Overcoming Fear

• Laliberté believes in the power of love and creativity to overcome hate and fear.
• He shares personal experiences of facing fear and adversity, including his rebellious phase as a teenager and his struggles with the Catholic Church.
• Laliberté emphasizes the importance of radical acceptance, nurturing evaluation of danger, and having honest conversations in business dealings.
• He also discusses the impact of fear on personal growth and the need to trust one’s instincts and embrace vulnerability.

Lessons in Leadership and Entrepreneurship

• Laliberté highlights the importance of developing strong relationships, both within the organization and with external stakeholders.
• He shares insights into his leadership style and the need for clear communication, trust, and a shared vision within a team.
• Laliberté also discusses the challenges of managing finances, obtaining funding, and making strategic decisions in a creative industry.
• He emphasizes the value of learning from failures, adapting to changing circumstances, and being open to new opportunities.

Summary

Entrepreneurial Journey and Creative Inspiration

Guy Laliberté’s entrepreneurial journey began as a busker, where he traveled and played music on the streets. His love for music and curiosity about the world sparked his desire to explore and create. Laliberté’s parents played a significant role in nurturing his creativity and encouraging him to pursue his passions. He learned valuable lessons about effective busking, including finding the right location, engaging with the audience, and creating a unique performance.

Building Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil started as a small theater troupe on stilts and grew into a groundbreaking circus known for its theatrical approach. Laliberté faced numerous challenges in starting and growing the company, including financial struggles and skepticism from the entertainment industry. Through strategic marketing campaigns, a commitment to artistic excellence, and building relationships with key individuals, Cirque du Soleil became a global phenomenon.

The Power of Belief and Overcoming Fear

Laliberté believes in the power of love and creativity to overcome hate and fear. He shares personal experiences of facing fear and adversity, including his rebellious phase as a teenager and his struggles with the Catholic Church. Laliberté emphasizes the importance of radical acceptance, nurturing evaluation of danger, and having honest conversations in business dealings. He also discusses the impact of fear on personal growth and the need to trust one’s instincts and embrace vulnerability.

Lessons in Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Laliberté highlights the importance of developing strong relationships within the organization and with external stakeholders. He shares insights into his leadership style and the need for clear communication, trust, and a shared vision within a team. Laliberté also discusses the challenges of managing finances, obtaining funding, and making strategic decisions in a creative industry. He emphasizes the value of learning from failures, adapting to changing circumstances, and being open to new opportunities.

Conclusion

Guy Laliberté’s journey as an entrepreneur and his passion for creativity and art are inspiring. From his humble beginnings as a busker to the creation of Cirque du Soleil, Laliberté exemplifies the power of belief, the importance of nurturing creativity, and the impact of fear on personal and professional growth. His insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and the value of relationships provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and artists alike.