Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Executive Education
  • Apply / Log-in
  • Program Finder
  • Blog
  • Subscribe
  • Health & Safety
  • FAQs
Executive Education
Programs for IndividualsPrograms for OrganizationsHBS ExperienceFacultyAdmissionsParticipant Stories
  • Programs for Individuals
    Dropdown
    • Comprehensive Leadership Programs
    • Topic-Focused Programs
    • Regional Programs
    • Virtual Programs
    • Certificate of Management Excellence
    • Corporate Director Certificate
    • Digital Transformation Certificate
  • Programs for Organizations
  • HBS Experience
    Dropdown
    • The Value
    • The Learning Experience
    • The Virtual Experience
    • Alumni Network
    • Admitted? Plan Your Stay
    • Insights
  • Faculty
  • Admissions
    Dropdown
    • Admissions Requirements
    • Admissions Process
    • International Applicants
    • Payment, Cancellation, and Deferral
    • Already Admitted
  • Participant Stories
Executive Education
Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Participant Stories Right arrow Finding a New Approach to Success
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Participant Stories Right arrow Finding a New Approach to Success

Finding a New Approach to Success

Entertainment industry insights to validate and innovate strategies.
Finding a New Approach to Success
Entertainment industry insights to validate and innovate strategies.
Featured Program
The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports
Status

Waitlisted

Date

31 MAY–03 JUN 2023

Format

In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.

Location

HBS Campus

Develop effective strategies and compelling offerings that take full advantage of opportunities in an evolving industry.
Download Download Brochure
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Program Finder
Featured Program
The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports
Status

Waitlisted

Date

31 MAY–03 JUN 2023

Format

In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.

Location

HBS Campus

Develop effective strategies and compelling offerings that take full advantage of opportunities in an evolving industry.
Download Download Brochure
Program Finder

Sean Saylor, VP Creative Director at MTV International, had recently been elevated to a new position at MTV Latin America when he decided to attend the Harvard Business School (HBS) Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports program. Given the Latin American market's reliance on traditional media and the importance of successful content launches, he was eager to explore successful strategies from other industries. Having recently completed the program, he shared some of his key takeaways.

How would you describe your experience in The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports?

I'd been eager to participate in this program ever since someone in my office first mentioned it to me. Working with fellow participants not just from the entertainment industry, but also the sports and marketing worlds, I was able to see the commonalities across those various fields and how lessons from one industry could be applied to another.

How has the program impacted your contribution to your company?

When I took the program, I had recently been elevated to a position overseeing the marketing department for MTV Latin America. The insights gained from the program allowed me to go back to my team armed with tangible information—concrete examples that validated our approach. The lessons from BEMS helped me work with my team to plan how we would roll out content launches throughout the year.

Many of the case studies we discussed in the class led to insights I was able to take back to MTV and apply to my work. For example, looking at how the night club scene changed—from a focus on bottle service and big spenders to a business of high-profile DJ's creating unique experiences for a wider audience—showed how businesses need to evolve to survive. I was also fascinated by the case study regarding the Metropolitan Opera, showcasing how they found new audiences through technology by simulcasting operas to movie theaters around the country.

Were there any other key takeaways from the program?

The "blockbuster" approach Professor Elberse champions was eye-opening for me. We looked at a case study showing how movie studios are putting resources into fewer—but bigger—hits. That approach of thinking big rather than looking for smaller, more consistent success was very different from the way I had been used to thinking.

Additionally, in Latin American markets, there's still a strong emphasis on traditional media, i.e., print newspapers, radio, and broadcast. The idea of using social media to reach your audience where they are, and on the channels they are using, was a big revelation.

Featured Program
The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports
Status

Waitlisted

Date

31 MAY–03 JUN 2023

Format

In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.

Location

HBS Campus

Develop effective strategies and compelling offerings that take full advantage of opportunities in an evolving industry.
Download Download Brochure
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Program Finder
Featured Program
The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports
Status

Waitlisted

Date

31 MAY–03 JUN 2023

Format

In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.

Location

HBS Campus

Develop effective strategies and compelling offerings that take full advantage of opportunities in an evolving industry.
Download Download Brochure
Program Finder

View Frequently Asked Questions

Subscribe to Our Emails

Back to Top Arrow up

ǁ
Campus Map
Executive Education
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
Contact Us
→Virtual Tour
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College