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Elizabeth, Sr Manager, Org. Development at Global Entertainment Company: Advize Career Interview
A career in Organizational Development at a global entertainment company offers a dynamic and rewarding path.
This professional's journey began with leadership roles in college, followed by international business studies and consulting experience at Deloitte.
The current role, a Senior Manager of Organizational Development, is highly project-based, demanding active listening, strong communication, and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, impacting diverse business units and making a tangible difference.
While the inherent instability of consulting requires adaptability and emotional intelligence, the positive impact on audiences worldwide and the constant learning are incredibly fulfilling.
Two entry-level paths exist: starting in consulting or through entry-level HR roles.
Success requires self-motivation, confidence in one's expertise, and effective time management skills honed from early experiences juggling academics, extracurricular activities, and work.
The interview reveals a career built on continuous learning, impactful contributions, and a passion for making a positive change in a dynamic and engaging industry.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Elizabeth DeVeny
Sr Manager, Org. Development
Global Entertainment Company
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Hult Intl Business School, Master's International Business
Communications
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Human Resources (HR)
Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ
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Career Path Of A Senior Manager Organizational Development At Disney
Elizabeth's career journey began with leadership roles in Cal Poly's orientation programs, followed by internships and a master's in international business from Holt, which included studies in Shanghai and Dubai; this experience led to four years as a "road warrior" consultant at Deloitte, before a pivot to a more stable role in organizational development at the Walt Disney Company, where Elizabeth has thrived for three years, leveraging their consulting skills in a large, well-known company.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Manager Organizational Development at Global Entertainment Company
Elizabeth's role as a Senior Manager of Organizational Development is highly project-based, requiring "keeping all stakeholders informed and aligned," while simultaneously developing recommendations for initiatives such as team restructuring and change management. This involves a blend of stakeholder management, creating "recommendations and documentation," and continuous learning about industry best practices to inform their strategic contributions.
A Day In The Life Of A Senior Manager Organizational Development At Global Entertainment Company
Elizabeth's role as a Senior Manager of Organizational Development is highly variable, "completely project-based," with each day bringing different meetings to understand business needs and substantial time spent creating presentations ("PowerPoint is kind of our bread and butter") to persuasively advocate for recommendations. This dynamic nature, however, is a key aspect of what Elizabeth loves about the career.
Top Skills for a Senior Manager Organizational Development at Global Entertainment Company
Elizabeth, a Senior Manager of Organizational Development, emphasizes active listening as "number one," crucial for providing effective consulting. The ability to quickly absorb new information from diverse business units, "learn their lingo," and synthesize complex issues into clear, concise recommendations is also key to building trust and delivering successful solutions.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Senior Manager Organizational Development At A Global Entertainment Company
Elizabeth's favorite aspect of her Senior Manager, Org. Development role is the daily opportunity to learn: "I get to learn something new every single day," allowing her to explore diverse business units, understand various jobs, and subsequently, "make them a little bit better" through impactful recommendations for improvement.
Biggest Challenges for a Senior Manager Organizational Development at Global Entertainment Company
Elizabeth's greatest challenge as a Senior Manager of Organizational Development is navigating the inherent instability of consulting work; the need to "flex your own needs...to meet the needs of your client," while simultaneously managing emotional attachment to teams and the required detachment at project completion creates a dynamic and personally challenging aspect of the role. This constant flux between "really liking these people" and needing to "say goodbye" presents a unique professional hurdle requiring adaptability and emotional intelligence.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Media Entertainment Industry As A Senior Manager Organizational Development
Elizabeth, a Senior Manager of Organizational Development at a leading global entertainment company, finds immense satisfaction in the industry's widespread brand recognition and the positive impact its products have on audiences worldwide, stating that "there's so much joy that it is brought into the world". This passion extends to Elizabeth's personal enjoyment as a fan, making the work experience even more fulfilling.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Consulting, According To A Senior Manager Organizational Development At Global Entertainment Company
Elizabeth, a senior manager in organizational development with experience in both internal and external consulting, identifies a key trait for success in the industry as enjoying "ambiguity" and the "challenge of having different things happen every day." This constant need for flexibility and confidence in proposing solutions, even with incomplete information, makes the field exciting for some but stressful for others, highlighting that a comfort with the unknown is crucial.
What A Senior Manager Organizational Development At Global Entertainment Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Consulting Industry
Elizabeth, a Senior Manager in Organizational Development, advises aspiring consultants to cultivate strong self-motivation, as the role lacks consistent managerial feedback. The work offers moments of fulfillment from grateful teams, but the individual must "give yourself the gold star" and proactively seek out developmental feedback to maintain momentum and motivation across self-contained projects.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Senior Managers Organizational Development
Elizabeth, a Senior Manager in Organizational Development, describes two entry-level pathways to a similar career: starting in consulting, where "you are really thrown into it," gaining diverse experience before transitioning internally; or beginning in entry-level HR roles, such as learning and development or people analytics, then developing expertise to move into strategy.
Significant Career Lesson From A Consulting Analyst At Deloitte
Elizabeth's extensive consulting background, starting at Deloitte, taught a crucial lesson: "you're in this room for a reason," meaning confidence in one's expertise is paramount when offering advice to high-level clients, even if it feels intimidating; however, seeking help when needed is equally important to ensure recommendations are well-founded.
College Experiences That Helped a Senior Manager, Organizational Development in Global Entertainment Succeed
Elizabeth's undergraduate success stemmed not from specific coursework, but from juggling "school, clubs, a job, and friends," developing crucial life management and prioritization skills applicable to a career where continuous learning and well-roundedness are essential for navigating the complexities of "job, personal life, travel, or hobbies."
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