Olmstead rose to her current title in fall 2018, becoming the first solo female head of a traditional media television studio who oversees both scripted and unscripted content. She began 2019 with 11 total nominations across the major award ceremonies, earning Bravo’s first Golden Globe nomination, thanks to “Dirty John.” The studio premiered “The Umbrella Academy” as its first original series for Netflix, and the Emmy-winning series “The Act” on Hulu. Olmstead is an advocate for women in the industry and believes that companies need to put high performing women in positions where they can make hiring decisions. “Data has shown that when more women hold leadership positions they not only hire more women, but that there is more parity in compensation,” she says.
How can the industry do a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions?
Companies need to empower existing high performing female employees and put them in positions where they can make hiring decisions. Data has shown that when more women hold leadership positions they not only hire more women, but that there is more parity in compensation.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Keep on playing sports and continue to look at women as your teammates, not adversaries.
Which current shows best reflect the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
“Game of Thrones” because it was anyone’s guess who would end up on the throne and it wasn’t about gender.
