Career Coach. Speaker. Workshop leader. Author.

My Start

I started in Hollywood as a stand-up comic. It was a job I loved. But, even more, I loved TV and Film, and I really wanted to be part of that exciting world. I started as an assistant at a Studio and worked my way up, eventually becoming a senior-level, creative television executive.

I worked at CBS Comedy and then was Vice President of Amblin Television for Steven Spielberg.

Working at Amblin was thrilling and challenging, but my work-life balance was off. By then, I was married with a young daughter, and I missed watching her grow up! So, I changed gears, left the studio, and started consulting all over Hollywood.

Building Two Programs

It turned out to be a great decision professionally, as well as personally, because I was able to create the CBS Diversity Writers Mentoring Program (now called the Paramount Writers Mentoring Program), which I’ve run for 21 years. I’m enormously proud of the work we do in the Paramount Program, having helped launch the careers of over 140 televisions writers.

Once the CBS Program was up and running, the Writers Guild of America reached out to me. They had recently created a program for established writers who were preparing to take on their first assignments as showrunners. This project, the WGA Showrunner Training Program, was sorely needed in Hollywood, where upper-level training is extremely rare. I was so fortunate to work alongside Jeff Melvoin to develop the program’s curriculum. I’ve now been running the program for 20 years and have been honored to work with and instruct some of Hollywood’s most brilliant writers.

Coaching and Speaking

Over the years, I've had the unique opportunity to work closely with creative professionals at all stages of their careers, from people just breaking in to those running multiple hit shows. I've learned an incredible amount about what works and what doesn't when it comes to navigating the ups and downs of a unique and challenging business. Over time, I saw how valuable my skillset and point-of-view would be to people beyond the programs I run. So, I began to carve out time to teach what I know to a wider audience.

I've learned that the most effective way for me to share my knowledge with folks at any level, from early career professionals to showrunners, is through individual one-on-one career coaching. More than most industries, Hollywood requires the antithesis of a one-size-fits-all approach. Working with writers, producers, directors, executives, and other creative professionals individually allows me to come up with the specific strategy that is best suited for their situation and goals. It is immensely satisfying to work with coaching clients to guide them towards building the Hollywood career of their dreams.

In addition to one-on-one coaching, I am frequently invited to speak at studios, networks, film festivals, conferences and universities all over the world. I love speaking in these environments, because it lets me teach a slice of what I've learned to creative professionals who make work well beyond the old boundaries of Hollywood.

If you’re interested in coaching with me, fill out this inquiry form or learn more here. If you’d like me to speak at your event, get in touch.

Workshops and Online Classes

While most of my work is with pros who already working in the industry, I kept hearing that there was a need for better content for people still trying to break in. As I started thinking about what would be the most helpful, I kept hearing the same questions, time and again, from folks new to the industry, and I realized people couldn’t find a good "How To Hollywood" type book that came from an experienced POV. I decided to write something for people who are ready to dive in that lays out the fundamentals of the industry and points out some of the pitfalls best avoided, passing along the experiences I've gathered personally, as well as what I’ve seen with my clients and students. That book became Hollywood Game Plan.

The book was so well-received that I decided to expand on its concepts and blend them with some of the most requested elements from my public speaking engagements. I produced an online video-based course called Hollywood Boot Camp, designed to get Hollywood hopefuls ready to launch their careers.

But I also saw the need for courses to help writers with more advanced skills too. Teaching and Coaching, I heard over and over that what writers really wanted help with was pitching. Knowing how to write a great pilot is one thing, but understanding the fundamentals of how to sell that show through a pitch is totally different. In my career, I’ve heard over five thousand pitches, some from the best in the business. I turned that experience into a yearly, invitation-only pitching workshop that combines online learning and live work sessions.

And I’ll be adding more courses soon, so keep an eye out or sign up to be the first to know when the next course launches!