Episode 3: Joe Quesada

In this episode, we welcome Joe Quesada, former Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Entertainment and legendary comic book artist, writer, editor, and TV producer. We will discuss our time at Marvel Entertainment and the challenges we faced during the company's bankruptcy. We’ll emphasize the importance of hiring world-class talent and creating a culture that values and appreciates creatives. We also discuss the unique appeal of Marvel characters, who are flawed and relatable, and how this has contributed to the success of the Marvel brand. Joe shares his personal connection to Spider-Man and how it inspired his career in the comic book industry. We also touch on the importance of proactive leadership and the need for leaders to anticipate problems and provide guidance. Overall, we will highlight the power of creativity and storytelling in driving the success of Marvel.

Here are some key takeaways:

1. Marvel's success was fueled by its creativity and the ability to tell great stories.
2. Hiring world-class talent and creating a new culture were crucial in revitalizing Marvel's publishing business.
3. Marvel characters, like Spider-Man, resonated with audiences because they were flawed and relatable.
4. Being honest with employees and creating a safe space for them to share their problems is essential for effective leadership.
5. Thought leadership involves anticipating problems and being proactive in finding solutions.