Being street smart. And building Marvel Studios.

Picture yourself sent on a mission by your mentor.

Your task?

To explain the stock market for a particular individual - none other than the iconic Warren Beatty.

Imagine!

Our protagonist is David Maisel, the strategic genius behind Marvel Studios. And he must've felt like he stepped right into an Oscar-winning drama.

He prepares, shows up at Beatty's mansion, and within five minutes, Beatty drops this bombshell:

“Hey, kid, there’s no way I’m ever going to learn this. I’ve had too much fun in my life. I’m not going to start focusing on the stock market now."

Well, hard to argue with that.

While that may seem like a closed door, Maisel actually picked up some unforgettable lessons.

He learned that street smarts aren't just about surviving. They're about thriving - whether in the movie industry or elsewhere.

He discovered that to truly succeed in Hollywood, or any business for that matter, one needs to read between the lines.

To peer beyond what people say and decipher what really drives them.

Is it money? An annual bonus? Prestige? A reserved spot at a fancy restaurant?

Everyone is unique, and that's the key.

So, how does this tie into our world outside Hollywood?

Well, whether we're dealing with a big-time movie star, a potential business partner, or a demanding client, it doesn't matter.

The secret sauce to navigating the business world that has helped me a lot is:

Finding out people's true motivations.

And finding that sweet spot where everyone walks away feeling like they've won.

Interested in the full blockbuster-worthy story from David Maisel himself? You can find it on this episode of the Tim Ferriss Show. It’s such a mind-blowing story, never fully told before.

Tune in to my Weekend Tip and let's take our street smarts to the next level.

And remember, even if you're not dealing with Warren Beatty, every conversation has its 'stock market' moment.

Have a great Friday,
Tino