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Balancing Acts: Unleashing the Power of Creativity in Your Life and Work
In this leadership memoir, take a step backstage at Cirque du Soleil. Vice Chairman Daniel Lamarre shares his experiences leading the awe-inspiring organization, and teaches readers what it takes for anyone, regardless of position or industry, to embrace the value of creative leadership. Without creativity, there is no business. At the core of Cirque du Soleil’s lavish, multi-million-dollar productions is Vice Chairman Daniel Lamarre, who has mastered the ability to bring business and creativity together across multiple languages and cultures in a way that has never been seen before. The secrets he shares in Balancing Acts are rooted in tremendous faith in your own creative skills, even if you are convinced you have none, and those of the sharpest minds within your organization. In this book, Daniel shares the untold stories behind Cirques biggest shows, including Beatles Love , Michael Jackson One , the aquatic marvel, O , and many more. Through these tales of triumph and trials, he will teach Whether you work for one of the most creative organizations on the planet like Cirque du Soleil, in a stuffy corporate job, or somewhere in between— Balancing Acts is filled with principles that can strengthen and accelerate any business on the planet.
- GenresBusinessNonfictionMemoir
288 pages, Hardcover
Published January 18, 2022
15 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 6, 2022
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, do it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” (Goethe)
“Balancing Acts” is part memoir of author Daniel Lamarre’s tenure at Cirque du Soleil and part enlightened business book. Lamarre shares the fun, foibles, rise, fall and recovery of the international company that was almost destroyed by the COVID pandemic.
Without repeating the book content in bullet points, my general observation is that Lamarre and his success at CdS is boiled down to an extremely high level of communication and listening: to their employers, employees, customers, peers, vendors. Quite literally everyone associated with the production is given a voice and opportunity to be heard. Once that happens, creativity flows and the supreme excellence that is the hallmark of CdS is attempted to be carried thru all aspects of the organization.
That is a terribly brief summary of this book that’s shared via specific events thru Lamarre’s 20+ years with the circus. It’s well written, very engaging and loaded with gentle, effective management tools. He also included 16 pages of pictures, some of them iconic images from the famous shows or people associated with CdS.
While the entirety of the book is interesting, I found the ending to be unusually inspirational. Cirque du Soleil, for all intents and purposes, was a deceased business, due to the pandemic. Reading about how creditors, friends & fans rallied to raise over 1 billion dollars to resurrect this company, well, it’s nothing short of a miracle.
All things considered, a business book with heart, soul and a touch of magic📚
“Balancing Acts” is part memoir of author Daniel Lamarre’s tenure at Cirque du Soleil and part enlightened business book. Lamarre shares the fun, foibles, rise, fall and recovery of the international company that was almost destroyed by the COVID pandemic.
Without repeating the book content in bullet points, my general observation is that Lamarre and his success at CdS is boiled down to an extremely high level of communication and listening: to their employers, employees, customers, peers, vendors. Quite literally everyone associated with the production is given a voice and opportunity to be heard. Once that happens, creativity flows and the supreme excellence that is the hallmark of CdS is attempted to be carried thru all aspects of the organization.
That is a terribly brief summary of this book that’s shared via specific events thru Lamarre’s 20+ years with the circus. It’s well written, very engaging and loaded with gentle, effective management tools. He also included 16 pages of pictures, some of them iconic images from the famous shows or people associated with CdS.
While the entirety of the book is interesting, I found the ending to be unusually inspirational. Cirque du Soleil, for all intents and purposes, was a deceased business, due to the pandemic. Reading about how creditors, friends & fans rallied to raise over 1 billion dollars to resurrect this company, well, it’s nothing short of a miracle.
All things considered, a business book with heart, soul and a touch of magic📚
November 10, 2023
Я большой любитель Цирк дю Солей и, увидев ее в перерыве представления, купил, не задумываясь.
Мне кажется, она не удалась: автор (c-executive Цирка в течение 20+ лет) попытался усидеть на двух стульях: это попытка написать и мемуары, и бизнес-книгу.
И как мемуар она неплоха: было интересно прочитать про внутреннее устройство Цирка (такого непохожего на близкие мне бизнесы), про его историю, разные байки про запуски шоу, кризисы и т. д.
Но как евангелистический текст это совсем для меня не работает. Основная мысль про важность креативности во всех аспектах жизни, а не только в развлекательных индустриях, постоянно поднимается, но примеры и «уроки» часто притянуты за уши или просто банальны или non-actionable.
Мне кажется, она не удалась: автор (c-executive Цирка в течение 20+ лет) попытался усидеть на двух стульях: это попытка написать и мемуары, и бизнес-книгу.
И как мемуар она неплоха: было интересно прочитать про внутреннее устройство Цирка (такого непохожего на близкие мне бизнесы), про его историю, разные байки про запуски шоу, кризисы и т. д.
Но как евангелистический текст это совсем для меня не работает. Основная мысль про важность креативности во всех аспектах жизни, а не только в развлекательных индустриях, постоянно поднимается, но примеры и «уроки» часто притянуты за уши или просто банальны или non-actionable.
March 9, 2022
*This book was received from Amazon Vine as an advanced reviewer's copy.
Ok, so I'm not sure I'd fully put this one into the business section as the title would indicate, although it did have a few pointers on running a business in it. I'd focus this more squarely in the memoir section. Lamarre gives us the highs and lows of his experience running Cirque du Soleil. Brought in before the real big boom of their takeoff, through the pandemic and inevitable crash during it, he outlines mistakes, decisions, triumphs, and everything in between.
Again, while I don't know that the business advice in here was actionable per se, or more than common sense (allow creativity, listen to your people), it did provide justification for those things. But the real value of this book was in learning the history behind cirque and what goes into producing one of their shows. I enjoyed the background and the explanation of how certain shows came to be (and now want to see the ones I haven't yet!).
An interesting book (and it even includes pictures)! If you like cirque or really anything with circus, this is one to read.
Review by M. Reynard 2022
Ok, so I'm not sure I'd fully put this one into the business section as the title would indicate, although it did have a few pointers on running a business in it. I'd focus this more squarely in the memoir section. Lamarre gives us the highs and lows of his experience running Cirque du Soleil. Brought in before the real big boom of their takeoff, through the pandemic and inevitable crash during it, he outlines mistakes, decisions, triumphs, and everything in between.
Again, while I don't know that the business advice in here was actionable per se, or more than common sense (allow creativity, listen to your people), it did provide justification for those things. But the real value of this book was in learning the history behind cirque and what goes into producing one of their shows. I enjoyed the background and the explanation of how certain shows came to be (and now want to see the ones I haven't yet!).
An interesting book (and it even includes pictures)! If you like cirque or really anything with circus, this is one to read.
Review by M. Reynard 2022
May 13, 2023
Balancing Acts is an extraordinary memoir by Cirque du Soleil's Vice Chairman Daniel Lamarre, who shares his secrets to success and provides readers with valuable insights into how to integrate creativity and business in any industry. Drawing on his extensive experience leading one of the world's most creative and successful organizations, Lamarre explains how to foster a culture of innovation, break down barriers to creative thinking, and inspire your team to achieve greatness.
Through fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of Cirque du Soleil's most iconic shows, Lamarre reveals the principles and techniques that have helped him and his team create some of the most awe-inspiring productions in the world. He shows how to leverage the strengths of your team to achieve extraordinary results, while also emphasizing the importance of taking calculated risks and learning from failure.
Balancing Acts is a must-read for anyone who wants to cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation in their organization. Whether you work in the arts, corporate world, or any other industry, Lamarre's insights will inspire you to unleash your creative potential and lead your organization to new heights.
Through fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of Cirque du Soleil's most iconic shows, Lamarre reveals the principles and techniques that have helped him and his team create some of the most awe-inspiring productions in the world. He shows how to leverage the strengths of your team to achieve extraordinary results, while also emphasizing the importance of taking calculated risks and learning from failure.
Balancing Acts is a must-read for anyone who wants to cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation in their organization. Whether you work in the arts, corporate world, or any other industry, Lamarre's insights will inspire you to unleash your creative potential and lead your organization to new heights.
March 24, 2022
Balancing Acts details Daniel Lamarre's journey of creativity and defining moments with Cirque De Soleil. As someone who has been to a couple shows, I can say I am thankful the show does go on, because it would be sorely missed. I like he speaks of sticking to your guns with your vision, convincing others, and transformation. I also like he cares about the people. Many companies do not. I do at times think he speaks from a very privileged perspective, but can't fault him for working hard for it. He has definitely had a unique life and rubbed noses with so many wonderful history defining people, not to mention the show itself, that I am in awe. I love the book is very quoteable. I summarize: the fundamental truth is there is a symbiotic relationship between money and creativity, they desperately need each other. So true. And creativity makes you vulnerable. Overall, a good read. Take it is spurts, not all at one time.
August 24, 2022
I bought this book last time I went to a Cirque du Soleil show and I’m honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It reads like a memoir by former Cirque CEO Daniel Lamarre, and while there’s some business talk in it, it’s mainly this wonderful insight into the things that happen behind the scenes.
I was truly touched by the chapter about their struggle with Covid, because I had been following Cirque for years and I remember my heart breaking when they announced all their shows were canceled and they left a single lightbulb on in the middle of the stage as a symbol of hope. I saw the news when they filed for bankruptcy and I was hoping so badly that they would survive, so I was really happy when Kurios came to Toronto after all that! Reading about everything that had to happen for us to be able to enjoy their shows in person again was very emotional.
If you love Cirque like I love Cirque, give this one a chance.
I was truly touched by the chapter about their struggle with Covid, because I had been following Cirque for years and I remember my heart breaking when they announced all their shows were canceled and they left a single lightbulb on in the middle of the stage as a symbol of hope. I saw the news when they filed for bankruptcy and I was hoping so badly that they would survive, so I was really happy when Kurios came to Toronto after all that! Reading about everything that had to happen for us to be able to enjoy their shows in person again was very emotional.
If you love Cirque like I love Cirque, give this one a chance.
September 13, 2023
If you are a fan of cirque du soleil this is a must read. Combine it with a business spin it makes for a really insightful look at a top brand. The book resonates with what cirque du soleil aims to deliver at each and every show - total captivation. My only criticism is it is too short. Take the lessons, embed them in your personal and professional lives and if you havent already go and see at least one show, once you do, you will hooked. Brilliant book.
February 11, 2023
Great business reading.
Daniel is an acrobat executive performing the much needed literary show that is Cirque in a book. Creativity is at the heart of a very human endeavour, the modern circus.
Daniel is an acrobat executive performing the much needed literary show that is Cirque in a book. Creativity is at the heart of a very human endeavour, the modern circus.
February 8, 2025
As a big fan of Cirque for 25 years I really enjoyed the inside stories of Cirque's triumphs and tragedies. There are definitely some good pieces of advice sprinkled throughout and a strong case for creativity in business and life. Overall easy and enjoyable read.
February 28, 2022
Daniel Lamarre shared value and experience with a lot of fun stories around his journey at Cirque du Soleil. Concrete examples in real life of the power of creativity. It deserves a 5 stars.
June 21, 2022
A very insightful business biography.
August 13, 2022
Powerful
Wonderful insights into Cirque and how they create their magic, plus powerful examples for business leaders. Definitely recommend this book - and Cirque shows!
Wonderful insights into Cirque and how they create their magic, plus powerful examples for business leaders. Definitely recommend this book - and Cirque shows!
November 15, 2022
Great reminder about prioritizing creativity. I was also just happy to learn more about the inner workings of cirque du soleil after seeing a couple of their shows.
May 7, 2023
.5 Really nice to have a signed copy and great presentation at LESI
May 18, 2023
Increíble! inspirador y entretenido.
March 30, 2024
Good read about leadership. I also enjoyed this book. Well written reminded me of former bosses.
November 6, 2024
An impressive retelling of Cirque du Soleil’s up and downs from the perspective of former CEO Daniel Lamarre. The books contains powerful firsthand teachings on creativity and management.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews