From Lucasfilm to AI The Untold Leadership Lessons of Scott Ross

What does it really take to manage brilliant, creative people as technology changes faster than anyone can keep up? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Ross, visual effects pioneer and author of Upstart: The Digital Film Revolution, Managing the Unmanageable. Scott has worked on 100-plus major films and helped lead the industry through the shift from analog effects models, miniatures, matte paintings on glass, into the digital era, and now into the next revolution, AI Scott breaks down what managing the unmanageable looks like in real-life high-pressure teams, demanding directors, impossible timelines, and constant innovation. He shares lessons on leadership, how to empower people smarter than you, and why great managers don’t control creativity, they create the conditions for it Then Scott takes us back to a true unforgettable moment from his youth, an unexpected day at NYC’s Record Plant that led to a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Jimi Hendrix, including a story you have to hear to believe If you lead teams, work in creative industries, or just love behind-the-scenes stories from the worlds of film, music, and innovation, this one’s a must

📘 Grab Upstart here: https://www.amazon.com/UPSTART-DIGITAL-REVOLUTION-MANAGING-UNMANAGEABLE/dp/1836636911

🎙️ Hosted by Peter Friedman and Kyra Bernor

Enjoy bold conversations and real stories?

Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast: 👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc