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The Circus Kid: Guy Laliberté Is Born

“It was just an adventure,” says Guy Laliberté, “and I was planning to go back to school and have a regular life.”

No More Clowning Around: Cirque du Soleil is Formed

In 1984, just before the 450th anniversary of Canada’s discovery by Jacques Cartier, Laliberté went to the government of Quebec with a proposal. He wanted to stage a large-scale street show in celebration of the event. He might have had hair down to his waste but Laliberté managed to land the contract. He was ecstatic at the opportunity to take his operations to a wider audience, but it would not be without its troubles.

Lesson #1: You Are Only As Good As Where You Work

“Business is difficult,” says Laliberté. “But it could be approached two ways: Seriously, or with the same way you're doing your job, with entertainment aspect, with pleasure, with fun. And we decided to try to make it as fun that we do our creativity.”

Lesson #2: Prosper From People And Passion

When Laliberté first went on the hiring hunt for a COO, CFO, and vice-president of creation, he decided to do something risky. He was going to offer them a percentage of the company in return for ten years’ employment. How could he be willing to give up a portion of his baby to someone else? How could he be sure the people he hired would be good for the company in five, let alone ten years from then?

Lesson #3: Risk Yesterday’s Success for Tomorrow’s Promise

“We’re not afraid of risking what was our success yesterday in order to explore some new field,” says Laliberté. “We’re adventurous. We like the challenge of unknown territory, unknown artistic field, and that’s what stimulates us.” Laliberté owns 95 percent of Cirque du Soleil, which gives him great freedom to do whatever he wants with it, and that means taking risks.

Lesson #4: Keep Your Finger On The Pulse Of The Outside World

“Our approach was very simple,” says Laliberté. “It was about creating a universal language. A show that will be attractive toward every people coming from all over the world. And that was a big thing.”

Lesson #5: Think Of It As A Game Of Poker

“You know, in life you always have to give yourself some sort of challenge,” says Laliberté, “and for me the game of poker, because of the mathematics, the personality aspect of it, I feel very comfortable in it. It's a great experience.”

From Busker To Billionaire: How Guy Laliberté Achieved Success

Until 2010, Laliberté will have his hands full with the opening of three new shows and a special Christmas production. “Our biggest goal is to continue to force ourselves to always start our creative work on a white page and not take advantage of past successes and challenging ourselves,” he says. Just how did this one time street performer turn a group of young buskers into a performing troupe that has become a global phenomenon and a billion-dollar enterprise?

Guy Laliberté Quotes

Guy Laliberté Quotes

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