Transcript
A (0:01)
I feel like the opportunities and the relationships that have come back tenfold in my life because I have that kind of like, let me give to you. It's. Especially since I left snl, it's really been a game changer. So, you know, trust your gut, meet as many people as you can and don't make things transactional. Like I always say, build transformational relationships, not transactional ones. So the second you go into a relationship and you're like, and you're emailing somebody or you're having a coffee with someone and you're like, hey, how. Who are you going to introduce me to? It's like bad vibes change the way you, the perspective. Like, try and help somebody else and I promise you that's going to come back to help you.
B (0:40)
Hi and welcome back to the Leadership Dance where we explore the art of leadership with trailblazers in business and the arts. If you enjoy this show, please subscribe, share and leave a five star rating. And if you're listening to this episode, also check out our YouTube channel at the Leadership Dance. I'm your host, Elisa sue lynch and I'm excited to be speaking today with Lindsay Shookus. Lindsey is a multiple Emmy winning and Peabody winning television producer, best known for her 20 years at Saturday Night Live running the talent department where she was responsible for booking hosts, musical guests and new cast members. She's produced projects including Miley Cyrus, New year's Eve party, 30 Rock, and NBC's Adele Live in New York City special. And she's the executive producer of the new HBO documentary Alex vs. A Rod. A Henry Crown fellow and co founder of Women Work Effing Hard, Lindsay has been recognized by the Hollywood Reporter and has appeared on Billboard's Women in Music list three times. She lives with her daughter in New York City. So good to have you here, Lindsey.
A (1:53)
Thank you for having me. I'm thrilled to be here.
B (1:56)
So I wanted to jump in by starting with your childhood. I knew you grew up in Buffalo, New York. How did your upbringing influence how you navigated your career?
A (2:06)
You know, I always credit Buffalo for like keeping me very grounded. It's a, my, my father always said Buffalo is like a little secret of the Northeast. Although most people think it's like an atrocious place to grow up based on the weather. I grew up in a very like, simple world. My parents worked really hard. My dad was a manufacturer's rep, my mom wasn't working. And then when, when all of a sudden my dad's business kind of wasn't doing as well, she got into pharmaceutical sales when she was, you know, when she was in her 40s. I say all that to say, like, Buffalo, like, and my parents and my family structure really just taught me to work hard. I feel like it's a town of really hardworking people. And so I remember when I got to New York and I was looking for my job, I remember just thinking to myself, like, no one. Like, I. I might not have the experience. I might not have the same resume as someone who went to nyu, but I can. Like, no one can outwork me. Like, that was the thing. And I think that comes from Buffalo.
