Alma Mater: UC San Diego
A quote or motto you live by: “Listen. Reflect. Aspire.”
Hou not only leads technological innovation and strategy for Paramount Streaming, but has also built a global team of engineers and experts from communities that have previously faced barriers in the workplace. It’s a recruitment strategy that has resulted in a team that recognizes the varying needs of Paramount Streaming’s diverse consumers and audiences. Hou also employs an ongoing Streaming Tech culture code initiative that encourages team members to regularly share whether leadership is meeting their needs in terms of career development, access to resources and providing room for diverse perspectives to be heard.
Impact Factor: Hou is not only making a difference at the management and recruitment level but is also championing initiatives that support non-profit orgs and important causes. One key initiative is “Ads for Change,” in which Paramount donates portions of valuable ad inventory on the Pluto TV FAST platform. The initiative has supported orgs like Save the Children, World Central Kitchen, the UN Refugee Agency and the International Rescue Committee.
If you weren’t in this business, what career might you have pursued? A doctor. A lawyer. A fighter pilot. These careers all require mastery of knowledge, the ability to see the bigger picture and strong problem-solving skills. I try to lead in a similar way by staying hands on with the details while keeping sight of and evolving the broader vision for my team and organization.
How do you amplify the voices of others around you? I believe it’s my job as a leader and team member to bring out the best in those around me. This means I’m actively listening, actively connecting dots, encouraging curiosity and facilitating problem solving. I really enjoy supporting and helping those around me win and grow.
Where do you find energy and inspiration outside the office? I’ve rediscovered exercise and physical fitness. Working a desk job for several decades has taken a toll on my body and rediscovering my love for sport has been nothing short of reinvigorating. It was an incredibly rough start, but I now play badminton, ride, run, walk and row to build up my energy reserves, clear my mind and discover inspiration. I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been since college—and that’s really supercharged my drive to think bigger.