As someone who's had the thrill of managing big accounts like Apple, bSkyb, Spotify, and Netflix for Sony Pictures and then Sony Music, I wanted to share some personal insights about my journey and collaborating with talented pros in the industry.
Working in the film and music industries is like being part of an adrenaline-fueled race, it can be a bit of a wild rollercoaster at times. The fast pace, high-profile accounts, talent and incredible individuals behind the scenes making it all happen, makes it all feel like you're part of something grand.
What made my time at Sony so special was the culture of collaboration and the chance to share information and ideas across teams. Unlike some businesses where knowledge is protected, at Sony, sharing knowledge was actively encouraged. That meant that teams were equipped with the latest industry trends and insights, which helped us stay ahead of the curve.
Ian Durndell was an amazing colleague at Sony Pictures who brought his passion for sharing information from his years in the music industry. Working with him was an incredible learning experience, and I know I'm not alone in saying that. Ian embodied the culture of collaboration that made working at Sony Pictures such a blast. Louise Woolsey at Sony Music is another who comes to mind. When I transitioned from Film to Music, Louise often carved out time to share her expertise with me on joint accounts. This was insanely beneficial for me as I settled into the music industry.
Sharing knowledge and ideas is not only a great way to work but is also essential for business growth and professional development. Unfortunately, some businesses don't adopt this style, which can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of innovation.
One reason why people may withhold knowledge is that they believe it gives them a competitive advantage. They may think that by keeping information to themselves, they are protecting their position within the company or industry. However, in reality, this guarded approach can lead to a lack of trust and collaboration, resulting in missed opportunities for growth and success.
Another reason could be a lack of awareness about the benefits of knowledge-sharing. Some people may not understand the value of working collaboratively and may view sharing information as a threat to their individual success. However, in a business environment, knowledge-sharing can lead to more effective decision-making, better problem-solving, and ultimately, increased success for everyone involved.
In my experience, a culture of knowledge-sharing has been incredibly beneficial for both business and professional development. By learning from others and sharing insights, we were able to make smarter, more informed decisions that propelled the accounts we worked on to new heights. Plus, it's a lot more fun to work in an environment where people share knowledge and ideas freely!
Even outside of the industry, this culture of sharing knowledge is something that I've carried with me.. It's important to remember that we all have something to learn from each other, whether it's about business or life in general, like putting warm water in a food bag to de-ice your windscreen (thanks Kim for sharing that one!)
In my experience, the excitement of working in the film and music industries is incomparable. But what makes it even more rewarding is the chance to collaborate with skilled professionals and seeing the impact of your work on a global scale.
So what's your take on the importance of knowledge-sharing in business? Have you experienced the benefits of sharing knowledge and ideas with your colleagues? We'd love to hear your thoughts!