top of page
Colin, Director, Business Operations at Fortune 100 Entertainment Company: Advize Career Interview
A career journey beginning with a Jungle Cruise skipper role at Disneyland led to a Director, Business Operations position at a Fortune 100 entertainment company.
This professional's path highlights leveraging opportunities, managing diverse responsibilities from office supplies to large-scale strategic planning, and thriving in a dynamic environment.
Success, according to this individual, hinges on crucial skills like project management, strong writing, spreadsheet proficiency, and, most importantly, relationship management.
The role offers proximity to the creative process, a stark contrast to prior marketing roles, and the greatest reward is witnessing audience reaction to iconic brands.
Navigating industry uncertainty and managing expectations are key challenges, but a willingness to learn from feedback and embrace ambiguity are vital for success.
Aspiring professionals should prioritize paid internships as a crucial entry point into this demanding yet fulfilling field, focusing on practical skills and a realistic view of the industry's workload.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Colin Sommer
Director, Business Operations
Fortune 100 Entertainment Company
Chapman University
USC: Master of Communication Management; UCLA: Master of Business Administration
Advertising, Public Relations
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, LGBTQ
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a Director Business Operations at Fortune 100 Entertainment Company
Colin's career trajectory, beginning with a "brilliant decision" to work at Disneyland as a Jungle Cruise skipper, showcases a knack for leveraging opportunities and building upon experiences. This led to roles at Disney, managing digital media efforts for major franchises, then to Warner Brothers, where the professional progressed through marketing and ultimately to their current position as Director of Business Operations, overseeing "everything from which projects are going to be greenlit...to what kind of equipment we need to purchase".
Main Responsibilities Of A Director Business Operations At An Entertainment Company
Colin, Director of Business Operations, manages "processes, strategies, and structures" for the studio, encompassing everything from mundane tasks like office supply purchases and employee onboarding to high-level strategic planning, such as scaling production from 75 to 80 projects while considering revenue and brand recognition; this demonstrates a commitment to both operational efficiency and big-picture thinking, exemplified by the statement, "You can't be afraid to take on the small menial jobs."
A Day In The Life Of A Director Business Operations At A Fortune 100 Entertainment Studio
A Director of Business Operations at a Fortune 100 entertainment company's day varies greatly, influenced by a return-to-office mandate and COVID-19 compliance responsibilities; the professional prioritizes proactive scheduling, noting, "I take a very intentional approach to what my day looks like," while also building relationships by making a point of "say[ing] hi to as many people as possible."
Most Important Skills for a Business Operations Director at a Fortune 100 Entertainment Company
Colin, a Director of Business Operations at a Fortune 100 entertainment company, emphasizes fundamental skills like project management ("owning and accountability of a specific work stream"), strong writing ("a very specific subject line...a call to action"), and spreadsheet proficiency as crucial for business operations success. However, the most vital skill, according to Colin, is relationship management, calling it "the most important skill" in this "relationship-based industry."
Best Parts of Being a Director Business Operations at a Top Entertainment Company
Colin, a Director of Business Operations at a Fortune 100 entertainment company, most enjoys the proximity to the creative process in their current role, a stark contrast to prior marketing positions at Disney and Warner Brothers where they were "incredibly removed from that world". The legacy of the studio and access to its history, such as "a giant Bugs Bunny statue and a bunch of paints from the 40s and 50s," further enhances this fulfilling experience.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Director Business Operations At A Fortune 100 Entertainment Company
Colin's biggest challenge as Director, Business Operations isn't the role itself, but rather navigating the current uncertainty in the entertainment industry; the "massive industry changes" and resulting anxiety among artists and employees require careful communication, avoiding "false hope," while acknowledging that "nobody has the answers" to the future of streaming.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Entertainment Industry as a Director, Business Operations
Colin, a Director of Business Operations at a Fortune 100 entertainment company, finds the most rewarding aspect of the industry is "seeing people's reactions" to the work, finding joy in sharing involvement with iconic brands like Disney and Harry Potter, and currently Looney Tunes, and the positive response this elicits. This external validation helps Colin appreciate their career in a way that daily work might not otherwise allow.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Entertainment Industry According To A Director Of Business Operations At A Fortune 100 Entertainment Company
Colin, a Director of Business Operations at a Fortune 100 entertainment company, identifies success in the industry as requiring individuals who are "able to handle ambiguity and set their own path," demonstrating "nimble" adaptability to rapidly changing processes and personalities while managing stress effectively. The capacity to "go with the flow" is crucial for navigating the industry's dynamic nature.
What A Director Of Business Operations At An Entertainment Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Entertainment Industry
Colin, a Director of Business Operations at a Fortune 100 entertainment company, reveals that the reality of the industry differs greatly from its glamorous portrayal; it's "really hard work," demanding long hours and difficult business conversations, requiring a focus on "actual financial performance data" and research rather than solely creative aspects.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Business Operations Directors in Entertainment
Colin, a Director of Business Operations at a Fortune 100 entertainment company, strongly recommends internships as "a surefire way" to enter the industry, emphasizing the importance of paid opportunities to build networks and secure full-time roles. They advise against unpaid internships, calling them "the biggest scam," highlighting their own successful transition from an internship to a full-time position.
Career Lesson From A Director Business Operations At A Top Entertainment Company
Colin, a Director of Business Operations at a Fortune 100 entertainment company, emphasizes the critical career lesson of learning to take feedback, advising to "internalize it, understand where that feedback is coming from," and demonstrating understanding by mirroring it back. This approach fosters trust and showcases a willingness to learn and improve, ultimately benefiting career progression.
Advizer Personal Links
No
bottom of page