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Koppelman: Speak to powerful executives without awe, condescension, or fear

Brian Koppelman · a16z Podcast | For the Billions of Creatives Out There · Apr 1, 2019 · at 21:40

Brian Koppelman, showrunner of Billions, offers advice on how creators and founders should interact with powerful corporate figures.

0:00 / 0:21exact quote · 21.6s
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“The main thing is, is don't treat them as the, most of the time, Don't treat them with a sense of awe, and that they're, like, their station makes them better than you, but also don't try to condescend to them as though you're the smartest person in the world, and you know the biggest thing? Make them laugh once in a while. I mean, right? Walk into a room, make them laugh, make them feel like you have the answers to their problems, and that you're comfortable in your own skin.”

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