YouTube sensation MrBeast, known for his grandiose video projects, has disclosed that he employs a team of ‘clones’ to manage the vast scale of his productions efficiently.
Imagine having a clone to handle half of your daily tasks. That’s the reality MrBeast, one of the most followed creators on YouTube, has crafted with his extensive support team.
The notion of actual cloning aside, his strategy evidently resonates well with his massive audience.
To ensure his team aligns perfectly with his own thinking and decision-making, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has meticulously selected and trained individuals who share his vision. This process, referred to by him as ‘cloning’, involves intense shared experiences and responsibilities.
In a detailed discussion with Lex Fridman, MrBeast elaborated on his unique approach: “I have a lot of people in the company who can essentially think like me and make decisions accordingly,” he said.
“One example is Tyler [Conklin]. We worked closely on every single video for about four or five years… the same with my CEO, James, who lived with me for a couple of years.”
He emphasized the importance of dedication and obsession in his selection process: “I’m a big fan of finding people who are super obsessed and all in, who really just want to be great, and then investing everything I have in them.”
Appointing someone as CEO of your own company is a significant decision. MrBeast ensured that James was a perfect fit by engaging in a rigorous ‘cloning’ process, which sounds quite demanding.
“For two years, [James] lived with me and we probably talked, on average of those two years, seven hours a day… really training his brain to think like me,” MrBeast explained.
“Initially, he just observed and learned everything about my preferences and how I communicate. After six months, he began taking on some responsibilities. Now, he can run the company, and I rarely need to intervene.”
“His decisions are generally in line with what I would choose,” he added. “I consider this cloning, although others might not see it that way.”
MrBeast further noted, “This approach means I don’t need to micromanage everything because I have people who I trust to think like me. It’s almost like being in multiple places at once.”
Despite delegating effectively, he confirmed, “I still approve every idea before we film. All the creative aspects, I approve them, but I don’t need to get bogged down with the minor details.”