Learning from Peers in a Truly Open Environment

Why did you choose to attend this program?

I work for a company called FLASH Entertainment, which is owned by the government of Abu Dhabi. Our objective is to enhance the global reputation of the city and country by investing in and bringing unique entertainment content to the Middle East from around the world. So I came to this program looking to learn from the industry's best. One of the greatest values of the program is that it exposed me to a wide range of industry leaders. Each participant brought diverse and unique perspectives, which, when shared within the classroom, created the ideal learning environment.

What was one of your top takeaways from the program?

Being a professional in the entertainment industry, I am used to seeing big egos and self-promotion. Everyone in the class was a leader in a particular field, and everyone had a really strong opinion. For me, the aha moment was discovering that the environment was very open, safe, and respectful—allowing everyone to explore their thoughts and learn from others. That was a real benefit. In some other programs that I've attended, people have tried to outshine each other. But I didn't see that in this program. It seemed that everyone came at it from a really genuine place. I really appreciated that.

What do you think of the case study method?

I loved the Harvard style of learning because I think it was very conducive to exploring and refining my ideas. From a strategic perspective, it's important that I hear what other industry leaders think and use that information to refine my view. The cases provide me with aspirations to be able to explore what else I can achieve in the industry and how to really make a difference. Rather than just looking at what I do from a company view—a micro view—I was able to see things from a macro view, have strategic conversations with industry leaders, and explore my own boundaries. The experience helped me create a roadmap for myself.

How can someone in your industry benefit from attending a program at Harvard?

People think that our industry is very emotive because we deliver content, someone likes it, and they consume it. But to actually reach a much more discerning consumer today, we have to deliver a much deeper product to capture their attention and share-of-wallet. This often means having to be a little bit smarter in terms of how we are spending our marketing dollars or selecting content. The program offered cases that focused on targeting the blockbuster strategy of betting on big bets, the significance of strategic partnerships, and innovative approaches to direct marketing. Ultimately, the course prepared us to study global best practices and innovation and to then apply them locally.

Did you have the opportunity to meet people and build your network?

Absolutely! My role is in business development, so part of what I need to do is to go out and find new opportunities. This program was invaluable because it provided an environment where I was able to connect with leaders from across the global entertainment industry who were interested in developing deep relationships that may lead to future strategic collaborations. This sort of conversation is common at BEMS, and in my case it certainly created a lot of value.

What would you say to someone who is considering this program?

The learning opportunity is immense. As society becomes more digital, we are all becoming lazy with the way we consume, literally consuming clips and moments. But this program offers the opportunity to look at things from a very different perspective. If you commit to the program and take the time to prepare for the cases, you'll get so much more from it because you'll be engaged. To advance in your career, it's essential to stay agile and learn techniques from other successful professionals from the entertainment and other industries. That's really valuable because it allows you to develop your mind and put yourself in a position to succeed when the opportunity is right.