Sharon O’Sullivan
By | November 1, 2013
EVP, Ad Sales Discovery Communications
Recently promoted from SVP to her new position, O’Sullivan’s own success reflects the stellar Upfront Discovery Networks had this year—especially for rising star Investigation Discovery. “Ensuring that we, at Discovery Communications, are partnering with each of our network teams enables us to create achievable aggressive goals to service our clients,” she says. “By managing the teams properly and understanding all aspects of the business, we can inevitably attain the goals we have set.”
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is that each day is different—it is never the same any two days in a row.
What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?
The biggest story in cable this year has been cable ratings. From drama series to live coverage, cable has been buzz worthy throughout the year and has focused on bringing viewers what is timely and relevant. All of the big hits in the industry this year have come from cable.
How do you define success in the workplace?
I believe that what defines success in the workplace is knowing that you and your team are leading the marketplace. Ensuring that we, at Discovery Communications, are partnering with each of our network teams enables us to create achievable aggressive goals to service our clients. By managing the teams properly and understanding all aspects of the business, we can inevitably attain the goals we have set.
Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?
The best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance is to surround yourself with wonderful people in both your personal life as well as your professional life. I am proud to say that I have an incredible partner in my life personal life, my husband Danny, and also in my professional life with my outstanding team, who I believe are the best in the business.
Who would you want to swap jobs with for a month and why?
If I could swap jobs with someone for a month I would want to swap with Angelina Jolie. Ms. Jolie is very talented and has the capability of identifying and directing her own projects. She uses her fame and intelligence to assist those in need, devoting much of her time to charity work. When Angelina is not attempting to save the world, she is caring for her six children, three of which are adopted, and handsome beau Brad Pitt.