Biggest Challenges Faced by a Technology Sourcing Manager at Netflix
Nicole's biggest challenge as a Technology Sourcing Manager at Netflix is securing "buy-in" from internal clients, requiring strong communication and "deal negotiation" skills to navigate diverse personalities and ensure collaboration despite a lack of inherent obligation from stakeholders. Success hinges on building trust and demonstrating value to each team, making relationship management a crucial aspect of the role.
Communication, Negotiation, Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Project Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nicole Panzovski
Technology Sourcing Manager
Netflix
UCLA 2016
UCLA Anderson MBA
Economics
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Effective communication and negotiation skills are crucial for success.
2. Building trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders is essential.
3. Problem-solving and troubleshooting are vital for navigating challenges in technology sourcing.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your role?
I think the biggest challenge in my role is buying. This goes back to the biggest skills you need in this role, which are communication and organization.
You are working with people who don't have to work with you, and they don't have to like you. If they don't like you, they're not going to work with you.
A lot of the engagement I have sounds silly, but it's kind of sales. You go in, make sure your internal client likes you and trusts you, and wants to be part of the service offering you have. For me, it's deal negotiation. I say the money, and I help guide them along the project to help them solve their problem.
Being able to have buy-in is key to success, but it's also one of the biggest challenges. You're dealing with different personalities every day, people with different opinions, egos, and ways of communicating. It's a lot of troubleshooting and problem-solving.
Communicating well with these teams is essential to get the buy-in you need to succeed. One thing I'm always challenged on a day-to-day basis is making sure all the different stakeholders, who don't have to work with me, want to work with me. I need to ensure they are bought in on what I can do as a strategic sourcing manager for their team.