The Champion Leader

Chapter 6Camaraderie (Create a Team‐First Culture)

“We look each other in the eye. We tell each other the truth. And we trust each other…. Don’t take your culture for granted. There needs to be a constant renewal of values that lead to camaraderie.”

—Mike Krzyzewski

Rejected by every talent agency in Hollywood at the dawn of his professional career, few would have imagined that Richard Weitz would become one of the most powerful leaders in the entertainment business. Today, he is cochairman of William Morris Endeavor (WME), the largest talent agency in the world. Weitz reached the pinnacle of his profession by delivering for his clients and building powerful relationships at each step of his journey.

After moving to Los Angeles following his college years and meeting with initial defeat, Weitz finally got his big break. He started working in the mailroom at InterTalent, which later merged with ICM. As he looked over across the desk, he saw Ari Emanuel, current CEO of Endeavor and the man who inspired Jeremy Piven's unforgettable character Ari Gold on the HBO show, Entourage. Weitz grinded and found opportunities within each day to learn the business, build relationships, and bring out the best in prospective clients. He became an agent, rising up the ranks to ultimately start the TV department at WME. He surrounded himself with some of the smartest, most successful people in the business. Emanuel helped give him the vision and guidance he needed to continue his progression ...