Netflix’s Bold Move: Ted Sarandos and Leadership Lessons from Fiction
Netflix is currently embroiled in a high-stakes battle for Warner Bros., a move that promises to reshape Hollywood’s power structure. This ambitious acquisition attempt underscores the competitive landscape of the streaming industry, where giants collide. Leading Netflix through these tumultuous waters is co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who takes a unique approach to leadership—not in traditional management literature, but through a classic work of fiction: Joseph Conrad’s Typhoon.
A Lesson in Leadership from a Novella
Sarandos’s choice of Typhoon is striking. This 1902 novella narrates the story of a steamship captain and his crew as they bravely navigate treacherous seas. At first glance, it may not appear to be a manual for effective leadership, but for Sarandos, it encapsulates essential lessons. Sarandos asserts, "I think it’s the most powerful leadership story I’ve ever read." The tale’s exploration of decision-making under duress resonates with him, particularly in the fast-paced world of business.
As an executive navigating through fine lines and tough choices, Sarandos finds recurring value in Conrad’s work. Each reading of the novella reveals new insights, reaffirming how critical it is to manage uncertainty and make decisions based on incomplete information. "The real leadership test is: How do you manage through that?" he reflects, emphasizing the importance of resilience.
Evolving Perspectives on Leadership
Sarandos’s journey with Typhoon showcases how life experiences can evolve one’s perspective. When he first read the novella two decades ago, he viewed the captain as a reckless figure, endangering his crew with impulsive choices. With accumulated experiences and challenges, Sarandos’s interpretation transformed. He now sees the captain’s boldness not as recklessness, but as a necessary face of leadership—a willingness to make tough calls amid chaos.
This evolution mirrors the dynamic nature of leadership in the corporate world, where choices can have far-reaching consequences. Sarandos’s preference for fiction resonates with many leaders who find that stories can convey truths and lessons that traditional texts often miss.
Reading in a Declining Culture
Sarandos’s fondness for fiction comes in a time when reading, particularly for pleasure, is in decline. Recent statistics indicate that less than half of Americans read a single book in 2025, and leisurely reading has plummeted by 40% over the last two decades. Despite this worrisome trend, many prominent business leaders still champion reading as a cornerstone of success.
Notable Readers Among Billionaires
Many of today’s successful entrepreneurs, including Bill Gates and Elon Musk, recognize the power of literature—not just for entertainment, but as a source of wisdom and inspiration. Gates, for instance, challenges the notion that fiction cannot instruct leadership qualities. He immerses himself in a plethora of genres, believing that narratives filled with relatable characters can reshape one’s understanding of the world.
In a recent blog post, he recommended Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, another work that emphasizes finding meaning in life. It illustrates how diverse readings can sharpen one’s analytical skills and emotional intelligence—traits vital for effective leadership.
Diverse Influences on Modern Leaders
Apple CEO Tim Cook echoes a similar sentiment, attributing his personal development to a mix of memoirs and literary classics. From Phil Knight’s honest reflections in his memoir to the poignant lessons in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Cook draws inspiration from varied sources, underscoring a universal truth: literature helps mold our perspectives and decisions.
Elon Musk, who frequently credits reading with enhancing his foundational knowledge, has built a repertoire of must-reads that include science fiction classics like Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series. His fascination with literature showcases how storytelling can ignite imagination and innovative thinking.
The Power of Fiction in Leadership
Ultimately, Sarandos’s affinity for Typhoon aligns with a broader trend among influential leaders who leverage fiction to inform their strategies. As traditional reading declines, these personalities highlight the critical role of engaging narratives that cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and resilience. As Sarandos leads Netflix through the complexities of acquiring Warner Bros., one can’t help but wonder how the lessons gleaned from his favorite novella will guide him.
These thematic explorations reinforce that management isn’t merely about following prescribed methodologies; it’s about navigating the unpredictability of decisions—much like a captain steering a ship through a storm. Each reading, each interpretation offers a new compass to steer by, guiding leaders through their own tempestuous seas.
