180: Lights, Camera, Leadership with Rob Sharenow

What if the secret to leading creative teams wasn’t control — but curiosity? Rob Sharenow shares the leadership philosophy behind decades of award-winning programming.

 

In this episode of The Heartbeat for Hire Podcast, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Rob Sharenow, President of Programming for A+E Networks, overseeing the creative vision behind A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, A&E Indie Films, and Home.Made.Nation.

 

Rob is one of the most respected creative executives in modern media — an award-winning writer and producer, Emmy and Peabody–recognized leader, and a guiding force behind some of the most impactful storytelling and programming in the industry.

 

But his career? Anything but linear.

Rob takes us through his unexpected path:

➡️ an unhappy academic in a PhD program

➡️ a risk-taking pivot into screenwriting

➡️ a bold 30–40% pay cut to pursue passion

➡️ and finally, rising to the top of a major media organization

 

This powerful conversation offers a rare inside look at what it really takes to lead creative teams, navigate volatility, and shape culture in one of the most competitive industries in the world.

 

This episode is a must-listen for creators, leaders, media professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to understand the DNA of great storytelling and extraordinary leadership.

 

📌 Timestamps

0:00 | The Evolution from a "Unified Culture" to a "Fragment Culture"

0:37 | Introducing the Episode's Three Key Learning Themes

1:12 | Meet Rob Sharenow, Creative Force at A&E, Lifetime, and History

1:59 | The First Rule of Leadership: Always Give Credit to Your Teams

2:30 | Rob's Circuitous Journey: From Academics to Screenwriter to TV Executive

5:53 | The Unique Culture of A&E and Leading Multiple Brands

7:41 | The "No One Wants to Read Anything Twice" Rule: Why Preparation is Everything

9:11 | Leadership Principle: Differentiating Passion from Conviction

10:48 | Killing a Good Idea: Navigating Tough Creative Feedback in "Show Business"

13:25 | The Risky Decision: Taking a Pay Cut for a Passion Project

15:13 | Decoding the Volatile Media Landscape and Targeted Content

19:15 | How to Maintain Psychological Safety for Creative Teams

21:28 | The Enduring Power of Individual Creative Acts

27:04 | Rob's Final Advice for Aspiring Creators & Final Thoughts

 

👤 About the Guest

Rob Sharenow is a leading creative media executive, award-winning writer, and producer who currently serves as President of Programming for A+E Networks. He oversees all creative development and production for A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, A&E Indie Films, and Home.Made.Nation. Throughout his career, his teams have earned numerous Primetime Emmys, News & Documentary Emmys, Peabody Awards, and even Academy Award recognition. A former screenwriter and longtime executive, Rob’s leadership is defined by curiosity, clarity, and a deep respect for creative storytelling.

 

👩‍💼 About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation.

 

As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts.

 

Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action.

 

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