Haubegger has always been an overachiever, and everything she does moves her closer to her ultimate goal: to create systemic change in the entire entertainment industry. And she has quite an impressive start. In addition to being a founding member of Time’s Up—an initiative that addresses systemic inequality and injustice in the workplace—she is responsible for implementing “Listen-Understand-Act” (which addresses the social trauma of Black colleagues), Equity Mindset for Creative Leadership Series (discussion on current issues and lack of equity), and Path to Equity (an exploration of how to apply a racial equity lens in one’s daily life). “I do think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year,” she says. “We are starting to see it in the numbers, but more importantly, we are seeing a shift in awareness and prioritization.”
Do you think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year?
I do think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year. We are starting to see it in the numbers, but more importantly, we are seeing a shift in awareness and prioritization. People are finally beginning to apply the same sort of rigor and analytics to DEI that they use in other business priorities.
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs three years ago?
The most dramatic change in my sector of the business today vs. three years ago is the explosion in streaming services and the proliferation of media options for consumers. We have to fight harder than ever to merit consumers’ investment of time and dollars. When there are more than 500 scripted shows available to watch, we can only win by showing you something you haven’t seen before. We know that diversity drives innovation and we believe that it will be key to our winning as a result.
My best advice for fostering open, honest communication…
My best advice for fostering open, honest communication is to be your authentic self at all times, even when that makes you feel scared or vulnerable. People can only trust you when they feel no difference between the “work you” and the “real you.”
