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Colleen, Chief of Staff to SVP, Touring Operations at Fortune 500 Entertainment Company: Advize Career Interview
A career in live entertainment operations offers unexpected opportunities, as demonstrated by a Chief of Staff at a Fortune 500 entertainment company.
Starting as a VIP assistant and production coordinator, this individual leveraged diverse experiences touring with major musical acts, mastering skills in accounting, artist liaison, and production management.
The role now involves extensive travel, financial management, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.
Success requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, particularly in managing budgets and unexpected crises.
A liberal arts education and proactive networking proved valuable, highlighting the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities and developing a cross-disciplinary mindset.
Entry-level positions such as runner or VIP assistant roles are key starting points, allowing aspiring professionals to build crucial experience in the exciting and demanding world of live events.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Colleen Cozart
Chief of Staff to SVP, Touring Operations
Fortune 500 Entertainment Company
Denison University
EMBA at UCLA Anderson Business School
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Communications
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Operations and Project Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of a Live Entertainment Touring Independent Contractor
Colleen's career began unexpectedly when, as a "poor art student," they proactively sought live entertainment experience, leading to a VIP assistant and production coordinator role. This base-level experience propelled their career trajectory, involving diverse tasks like "security, artist liaison, talent sponsorship coordination, production accounting, and artist tour accounting," often as an independent contractor touring with major musical acts such as Beyoncé and Maroon 5.
Main Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff, Touring Operations at a Fortune 500 Entertainment Company
Colleen's Chief of Staff role involves managing "all petty cash," handling tour expense accounting, including "settling hotels and any crew travel," and scrutinizing expenses for irregularities, such as questioning a purchase of "500 batteries." This demonstrates a focus on financial accuracy and proactive cost management within a large entertainment company's touring operations.
A Day in the Life of a Touring Operations Chief of Staff at a Major Entertainment Company
Colleen's role as Chief of Staff involves extensive travel, with a day-to-day focus on "advancing cash with locals" and managing financial crises, such as fulfilling urgent requests like "$5,000 in USD immediately". This requires meticulous organization, reconciling accounts, and anticipating potential problems to support the artist and tour needs.
Top Skills For A Chief Of Staff Entertainment Touring Operations
For a Chief of Staff in touring operations, flexibility and the ability to navigate ambiguity are crucial, alongside a curious and personable demeanor, as "everything is relationship-based." Successfully questioning expenses requires a "humanity" that transcends the numbers, fostering collaboration and trust within the industry.
Favorite Parts of Being a Chief of Staff Touring Operations at an Entertainment Company
Colleen's favorite aspects of being Chief of Staff involve "the travel" and the unique opportunity to interact with diverse people within "spontaneous communities" at live events, contributing to a shared experience that is "priceless." This highlights the dynamic and fulfilling nature of their role within the entertainment industry.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Chief Of Staff Touring Operations at a Fortune 500 Entertainment Company
Colleen's greatest challenge as Chief of Staff involves "managing egos and expectations," a constant balancing act complicated by the need to "find solutions to new and odd problems." This highlights the demanding nature of navigating interpersonal dynamics and problem-solving within a high-level position at a Fortune 500 company.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Entertainment Industry as a Chief of Staff for Touring Operations
Colleen, Chief of Staff at a Fortune 500 entertainment company, finds the "best part" of the live events industry to be the people, describing some colleagues as "phenomenal," despite acknowledging challenges. The "magic" of a single live event night is another significant source of enjoyment for Colleen.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Entertainment Industry, According To A Chief Of Staff, Touring Operations At A Major Entertainment Company
Colleen, a Chief of Staff in the entertainment industry, identifies key traits for success: being "extremely personable," "flexible," and "able to deal with a high-stakes environment and little sleep," alongside a love of travel and enthusiasm. These qualities highlight the demanding yet rewarding nature of a high-level position within a Fortune 500 entertainment company.
What A Chief Of Staff At An Entertainment Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Touring Operations Industry
Colleen, a Chief of Staff in the entertainment industry, wished they had known how to better balance "being on the road and off the road," as the demanding travel schedule creates "two extreme environments" requiring better management strategies. This highlights a key challenge for professionals in touring operations, especially early in their careers.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Live Event Workers
Colleen, a Chief of Staff at a Fortune 500 entertainment company, suggests that undergraduate students interested in touring operations should seek "Runner positions" or "VIP assistant positions" at local venues or by getting involved in "Live Events" as a student promoter, noting that this provides invaluable experience. This early involvement, according to Colleen, is the best way to gain a foothold in the field.
Significant Career Lesson From A Chief Of Staff, Touring Operations At A Fortune 500 Entertainment Company
Colleen's career journey highlights the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities; the Chief of Staff never imagined a path into finance after graduating with a studio art degree, yet "attacked" a presented opportunity, opening "a whole new world." This experience underscores the value of not limiting oneself and not fearing new challenges outside one's comfort zone.
College Experiences That Helped A Chief Of Staff At A Fortune 500 Entertainment Company Succeed
A liberal arts education provided Colleen with a "cross-discipline mentality," enabling a multifaceted approach to problem-solving. Internships, and networking—including "not being afraid to reach out"—were instrumental in securing their current position as Chief of Staff.
How Identity Has Influenced a Chief of Staff at a Fortune 500 Entertainment Company's Career
Colleen, a Chief of Staff, shares that identifying as female "impacts every facet" of career navigation, from negotiations to self-perception within the workplace. The impact is so deeply intertwined with their professional life that it's "not one without the other," always present in shaping relationships within the corporate environment.
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