Grosz has helped Philo snag distribution on all the major players, including Apple, Amazon and Roku, while at the same time securing content deals with programmer heavyweights, including Viacom and AMC Networks. Her multi-layered role also has her overseeing the vMVPD’s relationship with NCTC. At the top of her list of inspirational women are her mother and aunt. “They have demonstrated strength and beauty, empathy and wit, independence and charisma. I use them as my ‘North Star’ and guiding light and carry that with me in my day-to-day life,” she says.
What are your thoughts on the industry’s current response to the Me Too movement, and its treatment of men who have been accused of sexual harassing and/or assaulting women and men? Are there other steps you feel should be taken?
I think the #MeToo movement is long overdue and am happy to see real actions being taken. I hope we get to a place soon where we don’t have a need for these movements because the gender gap will be closed and all professionals will be judged on their merit and capabilities. I believe it’s important to have diverse and equal representations of genders, races, and ethnicities across all levels of business because diversity and differing perspectives make businesses stronger. But ultimately, the person most qualified for the role—whatever the criteria might be—should be given the opportunity.
Do you see any potential backlash to the Me Too/Time’s Up movements?
Striving for gender equality and harassment-free working environments is an important cause and we should not steer away from #MeToo’s purpose to course-correct. If #MeToo can pave a path for future women to excel and break through the glass ceilings, then I see this movement as a positive step for the media industry.
What’s a recent example of a step forward for women in the media industry?
There are more woman now in the C Suite, which provides hope and inspiration to future female media executives that there too is a place for them at the top.
The #MeToo movement in itself is one of the most significant shifts for women in our lifetime. The profound and positive effects this movement has had and will continue to have for the media industry, and women in general, will be seen for years to come.
Who is an inspirational woman you admire, and why?
I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by and raised by inspirational women all my life. My mom and aunt are very important women in my life who have shown me what it means to be a professional and powerful female. They have demonstrated strength and beauty, empathy and wit, independence and charisma. I use them as my ‘North Star’ and guiding light and carry that with me in my day-to-day life.
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
They say it’s another golden age of TV and I think that’s true – but it’s more than just the content we’re viewing, it’s how we’re getting it. And I’m lucky to be benefitting from that. OTT and steaming have opened up so many opportunities to be innovative and think differently about how consumers watch TV. We’re having so much fun at Philo.
If there were a reality show based on your office, what would it be called?
“Lunch Confessionals.” I work in our New York office and we work in close quarters. We spend a good part of everyday debating what to order for lunch—probably more time than we should! We are all big foodies and New Yorkers with opinions, so it’s never a simple answer…but it’s always entertaining.
