#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 | TED Radio Hour

Intro

In this episode of the TED Radio Hour, host Guy Raz interviews Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, as they delve into topics such as the power of belief, street gangs, wild tales from Las Vegas, the dangers of nurturing fear, and dancing on the cliff. Laliberté shares his journey from being a street performer to creating one of the most successful entertainment companies in the world.

Main Takeaways

The Power of Belief

• Guy Laliberté is the founder of Cirque du Soleil, One Drop Foundation, and Lune Rouge.
• His international nonprofit One Drop Foundation aims to ensure sustainable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for communities everywhere.
• Guy’s desire to travel and discover the world was triggered by a National Geographic program he watched as a child.

Street Gangs and Wild Tales from Las Vegas

• Guy Laliberté shares his experiences as a street performer and the challenges of making money as a busker.
• He recounts his time in Europe, playing music in the streets and realizing the impact of making people smile.
• In Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil faced challenges with rival gangs and had to negotiate for peace in the neighborhood.

The Dangers of Nurturing Fear

• Guy Laliberté emphasizes the importance of evaluating danger, not nurturing fear, and staying true to oneself in business and personal growth.
• He discusses the thin line between wasting time doubting and trying to see the best in people while protecting the fundamentals.
• Honest conversations at the beginning of a deal can establish the spirit and foundation of the agreement.

Dancing on the Cliff

• Guy Laliberté shares his journey from being a street performer to creating Cirque du Soleil.
• He discusses the challenges of securing funding and gaining recognition for a new concept in the entertainment industry.
• The success of Cirque du Soleil was dependent on strategic communication, marketing campaigns, and building relationships with government officials and key personnel.

Summary

The Power of Belief

Guy Laliberté’s journey from a street performer to the founder of Cirque du Soleil and One Drop Foundation is fueled by his belief in the power of art and creativity. Inspired by a National Geographic program, Laliberté’s desire to travel and discover the world led him to create innovative partnerships and ensure sustainable access to safe water for communities everywhere.

Street Gangs and Wild Tales from Las Vegas

Guy Laliberté shares his experiences as a street performer, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the community and making friends for success. He recounts his time in Europe, playing music in the streets and learning from other buskers. In Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil faced challenges with rival gangs but successfully negotiated for peace, contributing to the transformation of the city’s entertainment scene.

The Dangers of Nurturing Fear

Guy Laliberté highlights the dangers of nurturing fear and the importance of evaluating danger while staying true to oneself in business and personal growth. He emphasizes the need for honest conversations at the beginning of a deal, focusing on the philosophy and spirit of the agreement. Laliberté believes in the power of trust and recognizing the difference between wasting time doubting and trying to see the best in people.

Dancing on the Cliff

Guy Laliberté shares his journey of creating Cirque du Soleil, overcoming challenges, and gaining recognition in the entertainment industry. He discusses the importance of strategic communication, marketing campaigns, and building relationships with government officials and key personnel. Laliberté’s vision and persistence led to the success of Cirque du Soleil, revolutionizing the world of entertainment.

Conclusion

Guy Laliberté’s story is a testament to the power of belief, perseverance, and creativity. From humble beginnings as a street performer, he created Cirque du Soleil, revolutionizing the entertainment industry. Laliberté’s journey inspires us to pursue our passions, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact on the world.