Meet Colleen in Licensing

Describe your educational background. Where did you study? What degrees did you receive?

I recently graduated from Babson College in Boston, MA, with a B.A. in business administration. I also studied economics and international business at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland for a semester.

Describe your career history. What were your professional experiences prior to your current position?

I graduated and entered the consulting world, working for a small management consulting firm here in New York. After eight months of financial analysis and creating spreadsheets late into the night, I departed and came to FremantleMedia, a much more creative, energetic, laid-back environment that I enjoy thoroughly.

What are your current roles and responsibilities?

I will keep it very simple by saying that I am responsible for keeping Keith organized, getting him to the places and on the phone calls that demand his attention. In addition I also work with the sponsorship team on various projects. Currently I am planning the Top 24 Party for American Idol in February '08 that will take place in L.A.

What attracted you to your company and position? What is your favorite thing about your job?

It wasn’t necessarily the position that attracted me; rather the opportunity for growth and development over time is what roped me in. I liked the atmosphere, the casual dress code, the reputation FremantleMedia has within the Bertelsmann family, the potential to get involved with the planning of major events, and the worldwide presence we have. I am pleased with where FremantleMedia has taken me in the past few months, and I look forward to what is to come, wherever it might be.

What has been your most memorable moment (so far) in your job? 

The day Keith left his suitcase in a cab in the morning and didn’t realize it until the end of the day when he was leaving for his flight. I did get it back, however he had to do some shopping at the airport before his flight! 

Interviewing with Olivier, with each of us at a different Starbucks on the same block in NYC. We did eventually find each other.

The Licensing Show 2007 party on the top of the Gansevoort was rather impressive. 

If you could meet anyone from history, living or dead, who would it be? 

J.F.K. or Princess Diana.

If you were a cartoon character, who would you be?

Peppermint Patty.

What qualities do you feel are necessary to be a successful employee at your company? 

Patience is key, in addition to the willingness to learn about things you may have never thought were interesting. In my position you need to pay attention to details about everything, and I mean everything. Being a people person also is important, as there isn’t a day that goes by that I am not interacting with people from all over the globe, from various departments and positions. Organization and time management are becoming more important as I get more involved with the sponsorship team and am handling more tasks.

Have you had the opportunity to travel as part of your job?

During a personal trip out west I added a few days to spend time at the L.A. office, simply to put faces to names and get a sense of the operations of that office. I also went to Philadelphia to catch a showing of Walking with Dinosaurs. I will return to L.A. in February for the Top 24 Party, head to Vegas in January for NATPE, and hopefully to L.A. with the entire N.Y.C. office for the holiday party in December.
Do you feel you have a good understanding of Bertelsmann and its corporate culture? 

I do, although that is strongly influenced by my roommate and fellow Babson graduate Ashley, who works for Bertelsmann here in N.Y.C.

What is your favorite book, movie and artist?

Book: The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Movie/Series: Good Will Hunting / Sex and the City
Music: Ace of Base and The Spice Girls