Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Mailloux.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sara. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I moved to LA in 2004 with a passion for entertainment and helping people. It was harder to find a job than expected as this town is very relationship driven and I didn’t know many people yet but one of my few friends worked on a reality TV show that built houses for struggling families. He helped get me my first LA job as a Transportation Production Assistant. Through building good relationships on set I was promoted to Associate Producer within months where I got to work closely with the construction teams and create great experiences for the families.
This is where I fell in love with construction and the experience a “place” provides but also where I realized the constant travel and uncertainty of production lifestyle was not for me. Upon leaving production, I transitioned to a role in Public Relations at CBS Paramount International Television where I was working on everything from Golden Globes campaigns to overseeing executive interviews. During my time in this role, I was very fortunate to meet great people throughout the entertainment industry who recognized my work ethic and drive. I realized I had identified elements I wanted in my eventual long-term career but wasn’t sure which jobs would satisfy my goals and passions.
I called a friend who owned a temp agency and asked her to place me only in roles supporting Senior Executives so I could learn first-hand what their roles entail and how they could align with my skills and desires. Through these assignments, I realized my love for the entertainment industry was about being around it. My passion was actually to help shape a workplace, from the literal ground up. I love impacting an employee’s day for the better, and especially an individual who I get to see often and build trust and a relationship.
One of the executives I worked with through the temp assignments called me 3 months later and said their company, FOX, was starting a joint venture with NBC. It had no name yet and he couldn’t tell me what they’d do, but they hired a CEO and needed someone who “could do anything.” I was just crazy enough to say that if I couldn’t, I could figure it out. That company turned out to be Hulu, and I happily became employee #2.
When they said “anything” they really meant it, from acquiring computers and desks, to hiring, to evaluating company names, to supporting executives … I was able to be involved and make an immediate impact. Two years into “doing anything” the CEO gave me the opportunity to choose my job. I didn’t just choose a job, I created one championing the culture as the first Culture Leader for Hulu developing spaces, programs, trainings, and events.
I’ve been at the forefront of shaping our company culture year after year, and Hulu has supported my growth as well from promotions, to helping to pay for my Master’s degree, to a fully paid 6-week sabbatical to celebrate my 10-year anniversary. 11 years in, Hulu has more than 2,000 employees in 9 cities and 2 countries. As the business grew, my role has evolved into leading an amazing Workplace Experience (W.E.) team. W.E. oversees worldwide real estate, construction, workplace design, facilities, workplace programs, and security. We do so as trusted advisers to our partners throughout the company, promoting a great environment that supports our company values.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I believe that if you are on a smooth road you are probably not pushing yourself or those around you. I have never been one to accept the status quo and by default, that means I am striving to find what fits a situation rather than what is easy. I have literally never stopped learning whether it be from the amazing people around me, through formal education programs, or simply googling things.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Hulu story. Tell us more about the business.
In 2007, the majority of TV viewers watched their favorites shows via a traditional linear experience. TiVo was gaining market share by allowing viewers to record their favorite shows but you still had to remember to press record and you either rented movies at your local video store or they came via subscription in the mail. Consumers were anxious for a better and more convenient way to watch TV and Hulu lead the charge. We began as a joint venture between NBC and Fox. Disney and Time Warner joined as shareholders in 2009 and 2016, respectively.
Today, we are one of the largest live and on-demand entertainment services in the US with a massive offering of more than 75,000 episodes of television. To date, we have over 20 million subscribers and growing.
At Hulu, we are very proud of our mission “To captivate and connect people with stories they love by creating amazing experiences.” Everyone throughout the company is driven by this mission and most importantly we are obsessed with super-serving each Hulu viewer’s content tastes through a personalized experience. W.E. gets to do that every day onsite in our offices. I believe the most amazing thing about Hulu is that we do everything in collaboration.
You NEVER complete a project alone. One of our core values is “We Are One Team” – like the best ensemble casts of our favorite shows – and I believe we’re successful because those talents work together to collectively create great television and technology.
And all of this is wrapped up in a heck of a lot of fun whether it be in our onsite game rooms, during a team hosted happy hour, our annual Huluween festivities, giving back to the community, or even just day-to-day work. We’ve built something pretty darn special, but lucky for me the work is never done.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I truly believe luck is a result of hard work and conscious decisions. It may not always pan out how you would like, therefore seeming unlucky, but luck wouldn’t be present as a possibility without preparation. So yes, I have been very lucky but also ready and willing to embrace it and take chances.
Pricing:
- Hulu with Limited Commercials – $7.99/month
- Hulu without Commercials – $11.99/month
- Hulu with Live TV – starting at $39.99/month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hulu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/213925329/hulu-jobs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuluJobs/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hulu_jobs?lang=en
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
