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Tom Bronikowski, Learning Industry Executive

“Lea-Ann has been a driving force in our successful client marketing and communication initiatives. Her unique insight and creativity have been a key to our success in marketing our Learning Programs to Fortune 500 clients. Lea-Ann has created a strategic plan for the global execution of a campaign to get employees to sign up for, attend, and evaluate a learning initiative.

Lea-Ann created a collaborative plan involving both the client and Expertus resources. Her plan exceeded their requirements. She also developed and executed the tactical pieces successfully. Another value that Lea-Ann brings is in developing and documenting the process so that is repeatable for future events.”

- Tom Bronikowski, Learning Industry Executive

Motion-picture Director shows CEO’s how to better manage a business

Posted on Jul 1, 2012
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Q&A with Joan Darling

Hollywood’s First Working Female Director, Joan Darling, shares her views on what makes a good leader.

Joan Darling is one of the pioneering women directors in America. Ms. Darling worked regularly in mainstream Hollywood in the 1970s and 1980s; having directed popular TV shows such as M*A*S*H*, MARY TYLER MOORE, TAXI, and MAGNUM P.I. When TV Guide named the 100 best television episodes, “Chuckles Bites the Dust”, a MARY TYLER MOORE episode directed by Joan Darling, was chosen as #1. Joan Darling was nominated four times for an Emmy and twice for a Directors Guild of America award; winning one Emmy and one DGA award.

Joan Darling is also an accomplished actress. She has starred on Broadway and played Viola in TWELFTH NIGHT at the American Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Connecticut. On television, she starred on OWEN MARSHALL COUNSELOR AT LAW (a 1971-1974 TV series that also starred Lee Majors, William Shatner, Farrah Fawsett, and many more well-known actors) and guest-starred in THE PSYCHIATRIST, directed by Steven Spielberg.  Joan Darling was also nominated for an Emmy for acting in DOROTHY PARKER, WOVEN IN CRAZY PLAID.

What do you consider is the job of a CEO?

I have been a motion picture director, which is like being the CEO of a gigantic, creaky, machine, filled with creative types who must function at their individual best, while servicing a single idea. That idea has to be your sole responsibility and represent your vision.  That idea has to ultimately be yours.

I had to create an atmosphere where no one is afraid to make a mistake, including myself; mistakes don’t exist, they are merely paths that lead to a better road.

What I found the job to be:
– Inspire each individual to their best use of themselves
– Get them to be happy and creative and willing to share their ideas and expertise without fear
– Train my mind to be flexible, to appreciate other’s input, reward them for it and use it wisely

It was my responsibility to:
– Create a family that worked together joyfully
– Make an atmosphere that inspired each individual to function at their best
– Appreciate other’s ideas and use them gratefully

At the same time as the ‘CEO’ I was responsible for the economics of the venture — which means I must wed my most practical and resourceful self to my most creative and kind self.

I must be the leader in this group. And not push my fears or uncertainties onto those who are there to work for me and help me. Ultimately I believe a good CEO gets the job done and provides a good experience for all those who work for them.

How have you used your experience as a Director to show CEO’s & President’s how to better manage a business?

I have taught workshops and basically taught CEO’s to direct. I also have done individual coaching, where I observe the person in their work environment. I reinforce all the skills they already have and point out areas where they might be freer, more joyful and more effective at leading while getting a job done.

What was the #1 leadership surprise realization you had after starting your new role as a Director (a CEO in the world of film) years ago?

That I was good at the job! I never dreamed that I was a director until I tried it. I began at the highest levels and to my joy found out that not only could I do the job, which I knew, but that I had a talent for it.

Who are your most influential business mentors and why?

Norman Lear, who realized I was a director before I did.  He not only gave me a job but his complete trust that I could do that job.

Steven Spielberg who told me to get a good pair of shoes and not shoot a lot of people going in and out of doors; he was really right about both! Steven also told me to notice where I was standing when I watched a rehearsal to “put the camera in that exact spot.” This actually taught me all I needed to know about directing. Simply see the story I want to tell, and make sure I capture it on the film.