From Eminem to Bill Gates

The Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer believes that the key component of his success is the ability to establish a genuine connection with anyone. By opening up for us the fascinating behind-the-scenes of his most iconic films and TV shows, he wants to convey a simple idea to readers: we are too deeply immersed in our gadgets and are losing connection with interesting people and their experiences.

In his book, Grazer recalls how personal meetings with the most famous and influential people of our time sparked a revolution in his life. A talented storyteller, he presents to the reader intriguing and dramatic stories. About how he met two American presidents, but still couldn’t meet Putin—even while sitting in the Kremlin’s reception area. About how he made Bill Gates put his phone down. About how he found an approach to the gloomy introvert Eminem. About how he fired and then brought back the best Hollywood screenwriter. And many, many more interesting stories.

Each of them is a key to the enormous success Brian Grazer achieved through engaging with all these people. He believes that only when we face each other eye to eye—when we can look into one another’s eyes—we can form the kinds of connections that broaden our worldview, deepen self-awareness, and ultimately lead to our greatest achievements.

Look up, see the person in front of you, and open the door to endless possibilities.