Master of Scale – 134. Brian Grazer: Scale your curiosity

Intro

In this episode of the “Master of Scale” podcast, Brian Grazer, a successful Hollywood producer, shares his insights on scaling curiosity and building a network based on curiosity rather than contacts. He emphasizes the importance of listening and learning from others, and how curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunities and ideas. Through his own experiences and anecdotes, Grazer demonstrates the power of cultivating a diverse network and the impact it can have on personal and professional growth.

Main Takeaways

Preservation of Bird Species

• North America’s bird population has declined by around 3 billion since 1970.
• Swenson’s Thrush is one species at risk.
• Communication across the ornithological community is key to preservation.
• Tracking the migration pattern of Swenson’s Thrush helps experts monitor and amend deadly obstacles along the route.

Networked Curiosity

• Building a network based on curiosity, not just contacts, can lead to surprising ideas, opportunities, and discoveries.
• Gene Lee of Capital One helped one of her employees find a job at another organization, showcasing the power of networking.
• Networked curiosity involves creating and maintaining a diverse network of interesting people to learn from and connect with on a human level.
• Brian Grazer systemized his networking through biweekly one-hour curiosity meetings with new contacts, regardless of their status or profession.

Importance of Active Listening

• Brian’s success in scaling his ability to create impactful stories is based on one-to-one interactions, emphasizing the importance of listening and learning from others.
• Curiosity conversations can push you out of your comfort zone and lead to new opportunities.
• The human side of networking requires active listening, perceptiveness, and emotional intelligence.

Unexpected Opportunities and Ideas

• Brian’s determination to pick Ron Howard’s brain led to a magical one-hour conversation and a partnership that enabled them to make many movies at one time.
• Building a Curiosity Network vastly increases the odds of unexpected opportunities.
• Curiosity can act as a catalyst for meaningful conversation, even between a revered Hollywood star and a lowly young office assistant.

Curiosity and Growth in Networks

• Curiosity is the most powerful way to drive growth in networks and expanding access to ideas and opportunities.
• Following unknowns can lead to extraordinary places and help discover ideas that would otherwise be missed.
• Cultivating a network of open-minded individuals is important for progression and development.

Summary

Preservation of Bird Species

The decline of North America’s bird population, including species like Swenson’s Thrush, highlights the importance of communication and tracking migration patterns to preserve these endangered species. By monitoring and addressing deadly obstacles along their routes, experts can work towards their preservation.

Networked Curiosity

Building a network based on curiosity rather than contacts can lead to unexpected ideas, opportunities, and discoveries. Brian Grazer’s biweekly curiosity meetings with new contacts, regardless of their status or profession, exemplify the power of networking. Gene Lee’s assistance in helping an employee find a job at another organization further emphasizes the benefits of a diverse and curious network.

Importance of Active Listening

Brian Grazer’s success in creating impactful stories is attributed to his emphasis on one-to-one interactions and active listening. Curiosity conversations can push individuals out of their comfort zones and open doors to new opportunities. The human side of networking requires active listening, perceptiveness, and emotional intelligence to truly connect with others.

Unexpected Opportunities and Ideas

Brian’s determination to engage with industry professionals like Ron Howard led to unexpected opportunities and partnerships. Building a Curiosity Network increases the likelihood of encountering such opportunities. Curiosity can act as a catalyst for meaningful conversations, even between individuals of different professional statuses.

Curiosity and Growth in Networks

Curiosity is a powerful driver of growth in networks, expanding access to ideas and opportunities. Following unknown paths can lead to extraordinary places and help discover ideas that would otherwise be missed. Cultivating a network of open-minded individuals is crucial for personal and professional progression.

Conclusion

Brian Grazer’s insights highlight the importance of curiosity-driven networking and active listening in personal and professional growth. By building a network based on curiosity and seeking out stimulating conversations, individuals can uncover unexpected opportunities, ideas, and connections. Curiosity is a powerful catalyst for growth, and by embracing it, individuals can expand their networks and access new realms of possibility.