How did you choose a career in entertainment?
I have always been passionate about film, television and how we connect and empathize with each other through culture, arts and storytelling. I knew I wanted to help build that sense of connection and find a way to help champion artists’ stories to come true. After Yale, I started in the William Morris Endeavor (WME) mailroom in Beverly Hills. I spent the last five years at WME, where I worked my way up to talent agent. As an agent, I represented and defended artists in the field of television and cinema.
Why did you decide that an MBA was the next step for you?
I spent a lot of time building a real foundation and taking on new responsibilities at WME while witnessing many industry changes. After such an amazing experience with the company, I wanted to pursue an MBA to keep challenging myself. I want to be equipped for other responsibilities to create an impact in arts and entertainment as the industry evolves. An MBA gave me an incredible opportunity to take risks, grow, and explore while developing my skills to make me a better business leader. After recognizing that I wanted an intellectual and personal experience, I was particularly drawn to HBS because it’s such an immersive program that would definitely push my limits.
What have you learned in class so far?
The first semester of RC (first year) focused on building our academic fundamentals while implementing them through case discussions. I wanted to learn through the case method because it uniquely puts us in a setting to brainstorm and debate the different options a leader might make in an inflection point. What better way to learn than to put yourself in the shoes of a case protagonist! Our discussions are enlightening given the breadth of the industry and the international perspectives shared in class. This conversation manifests beyond the classroom because 80 minutes never seems long enough!
I was also thrilled to be able to dive into some of HBS’s experiential learning experiences by following the Short Intensive Program (SIP), Personal Branding and Business Storytelling, taught by Francesca Gino. I had already read his book, Rebel Talent: Why it pays to break the rules at work and in life, so it was exciting to have his teaching and a workshop with us about writing our own stories. I’m learning again from Prof. Gino this semester in the new RC class, Inclusive Leadership, which she teaches with Prof. Frances Frei. Gaining such a range of academic experiences is what made HBS such a special place for me.
How did you find the community?
Before school, I was involved with other young contemporary art lovers through the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and hoped to find the same connection here at HBS. I was thrilled to find such a community here through the Art Society. A real highlight for me was the club’s trek to Miami for Art Basel in December during which Jeffrey Deitch (HBS MBA 1978), prolific artistic entrepreneur and protagonist of the affair!, gave us a personal guided tour of the fair. Additionally, through co-chairing this year’s Entertainment & Media conference, I was able to connect with classmates from RC (first year) and EC (second year) who share a passion for cinema or who could pursue a career in the industry. Our annual conference will bring together the great Harvard community (students, faculty and alumni) with industry leaders on March 6!
What advice would you give to someone in the entertainment or media industry considering applying to HBS?
One of the things that makes HBS so amazing is that it’s a place that celebrates diversity of thought and experience both inside and outside the classroom. class. I encourage anyone with media experience (or really any experience) to apply. As I mentioned, I think the point of the HBS case method is to learn to understand a wide range of problems and to draw on different perspectives to find solutions. Although it may seem daunting to think about applying, just remember: the community is here and your journey will be celebrated. There really is room for everyone at the table.
