S1, Ep9: Sarah Edwards | Sony Pictures SVP | Creative Instincts

As both a creator of television formats and also someone who looks to find the most original formats globally, Sarah Edwards's creative instincts have to always be on. Whether it's working with her team to devise the next hit show or searching for the seed of something great in another territory, Sarah describes herself as needing to remain open to inspiration at all times. 

I met with Sarah at her office in Sony Pictures to talk about what goes into creating a hit show like The Weakest Link and Take Me Out, as well as going from someone who was 'average academically' to one of the most respected and leading figures in the television industry. 

Three of the many takeaways in this episode include:

• The troubles of trying to be innovative in a risk-averse industry and how to overcome them. 

• What Sarah would look for in a creative intern from the 700 people that would apply. 

• And an exercise to do that makes you go against your instincts in order to devise something original. 

Sarah's Recommendation:

Essentialism: The Disciplines Pursuit of Less