To Pixar & Beyond

– The author was a lawyer by education (Harvard). He was recruited to the role of CFO. He was now an author.- He has a beautiful (Pixar) story to tell. He does it so very well.

– A CFO’s perspective of everything would be an interesting one.

• Author’s relationship with Steve was so professional, minus all the drama that is generally associated with the Genius. I am a fan of Steve Jobs. The fact he was very sensitive and temperamental, actually makes me feel more connected. Steve was just different, very different…

• It was great to hear how the author moved into Pixar (reminded me of how Steve reached out to John Scully…Pepsi to Apple)

• It touched how he went about professionally handling diverse challenges within & outside.

• Handling Disney-part was great stuff, as it was about the creative thrust.

• The decision as to how to handle the creative element at Pixar & how to retain the unique DNA of Pixar even at Disney, most inspiring.

• Author’s effort to get credit for the supporting staff showed the emotional quotient of himself, and all others who found a way of doing it.

• I always maintain, a supporting spouse is critical to professional success. Hillary was a beautiful example (It is valentine’s day today!)

•  A lot of lessons for corporate leaders. Also a lot of inspiration about building a unique brand.

While Steve was associated with brand-apple, Pixar was as much a part of his brilliant legacy. 

• The changing geography was brought out very well. We have moved away so much from the Nature.

• The experience of going through two accidents, second almost fatal!

• And somewhere it made sense to let go. No better way than to move to spirituality? Isn’t that is the ultimate goal, purpose of life? It was a beautiful journey.

Pixar is indeed a metaphor for the middle way