Lessons from the cinema for every leader

Film is a world where every frame counts. The directors of films work to tell a captivating story. They are meticulous in their lighting, composition, dialogue and pacing. In the same way, successful executives are aware that success doesn’t happen by accident. Instead, it’s carefully created with passion, accuracy, and vision. Leadership is similar to how filmmakers help a cast of actors and crew achieve a collective goal. It’s about inspiring teams, shaping culture and driving meaningful results through careful direction.

Bardya Ziaian exemplifies what it means to be an accomplished executive by seamlessly blending the art of strategic leadership with the creativity and vision of a filmmaker, directing both business outcomes and organizational culture with precision, passion, and a deep understanding of human connection.

Both filmmaking and leading are based on the art of storytelling. As visionary filmmakers, leaders who are great understand the power and importance of storytelling. It’s not just about the stories they present externally; it is also about the culture that they cultivate internally, through values, actions, and communication. Impactful leaders create compelling visions and guide their teams to understand how they fit in, fostering a common purpose.

In cinematography, we learn that perspective is key. Changing the focus or lens of an image can transform how it is viewed. Leadership is about empowering others by changing perspectives, framing challenges as possibilities, and encouraging innovation. Leaders understand that the story they tell is as important as the actual facts.

In addition, collaboration is what filmmakers love. The talents of everyone involved in a great film are symphonies, from the screenwriters to the set designers to editor. In the same way, executives who excel know how important it is to have a team of talented individuals. These executives cultivate environments in which creativity is celebrated and feedback is welcome. Everyone contributes to the product.

In both cases, patience, resilience and a dedication to quality are essential. For filmmaking, reshoots and edits are all part of the process. To be successful, leaders must embrace the iteration process, take lessons from past mistakes, and continually refine their strategy. Achieving lasting results requires much more than quick successes. It also demands reflection, endurance and commitment to their craft.

As in film, leadership is about creating memorable experiences. If leaders apply the lessons of cinema to their journey as leaders, they will become more than mere managers. Instead, these executives become storytellers with a vision who can inspire, engage, and lead purposefully.