Rachel Brenner
Development Manager, Investigation Discovery
Described as a ball of energy, Brenner has been indispensable in developing new projects for ID and sister network American Heroes Channel. She’s spearheaded the ID Films and Specials initiatives, whose impressive list of projects includes “Dream Killer,” a film about the wrongful conviction of Ryan Ferguson, and four-part series with the Southern Poverty Law Center, “Hate in America.” Her work at AHC includes the “Apocalypse” franchise and “Forbidden History.” “I would attribute my success to my dedication to self-reflection,” she said.
What is the one habit that makes you most successful?
I think it takes a wide array of skills and habits to be successful in this industry. It’s important to be organized, to be able to read a room, and to maintain healthy relationships with people you work with and for. All of which I attribute some of my success too. But I also believe our individual successes should not only be attributed to our individual skills. Rather, our successes must also be attributed to the opportunities that others create for us, and when we make the most of them.
That said, if I had to boil it all down to one particular habit, I would attribute my success to my dedication to self-reflection. I check in with myself a lot—what was I good at today? What could I have done better? Do I still feel challenged? Do I still feel like I am learning new things? Did I contribute to my team in a positive way? I try not to compare myself to other people around me. People may move up and down and all around in this industry, but it’s important to stay true to yourself, to put time into learning the skills you need, and to put your best foot forward in everything you do rather than worrying about where you are on the corporate ladder in comparison to others around you.
The first social platform or website you visit after waking up in the morning?
Each morning, I read Cynopsis, so I can get my head back in the game before my work day begins. It’s important to not just focus on your one individual area of the industry, but to take the time to look and understand the whole.
What sort of culture is important to you in the workplace?
It’s important to me to work in a workplace that fosters strong communication, collaboration and promotes team work. The truth of the matter is no one project ever comes to life because of one particular person. It takes a village, and so, I prefer to work in places that have a culture that allows that village to come together. A place where people bring their many talents & points of view to one particular situation in order to find the best solution.
Who has been your biggest mentor and why?
This is a tough one! I’ve been influenced be every person I ever worked for. Each one has taught me something about the industry as a whole, the craft of developing tv itself, or about myself. However, it is true that I would not be where I am today without my current boss, Winona Meringolo, VP of Development ID & AHC. Not only has she taught me the skills of developing along the way (and still does), but she also advocates for me within our organization & helps me become the best version of myself as I navigate different situations and projects.
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