Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor, recently participated in a wide-ranging conversation on the podcast “On Purpose with Jay Shetty.” The interview covered various topics such as success, fear, legacy, and embracing risks. Interestingly, Emanuel also shared his thoughts on the character Ari Gold from the hit HBO series “Entourage,” which many fans may find intriguing.
In the conversation, Emanuel acknowledged that there were aspects of Ari Gold’s character that were true to his own personality. He mentioned being aggressive in the early days of building his business and needing to be creative and competitive to succeed. However, he clarified that not everything about the character mirrored his own life.
Surprisingly, Emanuel admitted that watching the show gave him anxiety, so he did not watch it very often. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the show’s popularity during the pandemic, with people reaching out to discuss their enjoyment of it years later. One example mentioned was the episode where Ari Gold used a paintball gun around the office. Emanuel jokingly remarked that he did not do that, although he referred to it as a squirt gun during the podcast.
One valuable lesson Emanuel shared during the interview was the importance of showing up. He emphasized the need to fight against the voice that tells you not to do something and to push past discomfort. According to Emanuel, showing up consistently is a crucial part of personal growth and success. He acknowledged that as people get older, that voice becomes stronger, making it even more necessary to resist and take action.
When it comes to taking risks, Emanuel revealed that he still gets excited about structuring major deals, such as Endeavor’s acquisitions of UFC and IMG. Despite experiencing anxiety and sickness during challenging situations, he remains unfazed and attributes it to his upbringing and the resilience he developed over time. Emanuel’s approach to life is characterized by hard work, dedication, and a willingness to go the extra mile, even if it means flying to China for a lunch meeting and returning immediately afterward.
The conversation with Shetty also touched on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), with Emanuel predicting that AI will significantly impact the entertainment industry. He believes that the business will undergo a transformation with the integration of AI, ultimately leading to positive changes. Additionally, Emanuel mentioned the possibility of a four-day work week becoming more prevalent, as people will have more free time and an increased demand for entertainment.
Interestingly, Emanuel discussed the role of yoga in his life, sharing how it has helped him achieve a healthier state of mind. He described how yoga opened up new possibilities and allowed him to process his emotions in a more productive way. Understanding the importance of not letting anger and fear consume him, Emanuel recognized that practicing yoga made him more mindful and less reactive.
Shetty posed an intriguing question about the difference between success and happiness or contentment, to which Emanuel provided a thoughtful response. He revealed that for the first 20 years of his career, he was driven by the desire to prove himself and prove others wrong. However, as he matured, he found contentment and no longer felt the need to constantly prove his intelligence or worth. Emanuel expressed gratitude for his current state of comfort and happiness, emphasizing that his focus is now on accomplishing things he genuinely desires, rather than just accumulating more wealth.
Overall, the conversation between Ari Emanuel and Jay Shetty provides valuable insights into Emanuel’s journey and mindset. It illustrates the importance of pushing oneself, embracing risks, and finding contentment in life. Additionally, it sheds light on Emanuel’s thoughts on the popular character Ari Gold and his predictions for the future of the entertainment industry.