Johanna Fuentes

Fuentes has successfully managed communications during an unprecedented period of growth and change in the company’s history, including major divisional realignments, key executive changes, multi-faceted talent deals and the company’s move into DTC/SVOD. Additionally, she led the Studios and Networks Group’s internal and external messaging related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Through it all, she has remained a good ear for those whom she mentors, and she always suggests “finding a willing listener” to have open conversations with. “You need someone on the other end who is willing to participate in dialogue with an open mind,” she says. “And if you find that you’re in a room with those who aren’t willing to listen, or take your comments not in the spirit in which they were genuinely intended, then perhaps it’s time to change rooms.”

What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs three years ago?
I think the pandemic accelerated changes in our industry that were already on the horizon. Whether it’s the shift to same day viewing for feature films on streaming, audience behavior for how they consume content and on what platforms, the way our audiences are measured including TV ratings, box office reporting and more… Forget three years ago, I’d say the landscape looks considerably different even 12 months in.

My best advice for fostering open, honest communication…
Finding a willing a listener. Anyone who knows me, knows I am honest to a fault, but you need someone on the other end who is willing to participate in dialogue with an open mind. And if you find that you’re in a room with those who aren’t willing to listen, or take your comments not in the spirit in which they were genuinely intended, then perhaps it’s time to change rooms.

Favorite current show that you feel embraces D&I?
Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher’s “Never Have I Ever” and two shows I will deeply miss, Issa Rae’s “Insecure” and Dan Goor and Michael Schur’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”

Which celebrity do you think is setting a strong example for the next generation?
Yara Shahidi, unbelievably talented actress, smart (OK… Harvard), a passionate activist. She always walks the walk.

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