Lights, Camera, Leadership: Managing Teams Like a Movie Set

What do a classical pianist, a filmmaker, and a CEO have in common? In this week's episode of Hiring Matters, Ken Schmitt dives into the fascinating mind of Jieho Lee—CEO, Chief People Officer, and movie director. From ivory keys to boardrooms, Jieho takes us on a wild ride, showing us how the skills he developed on the movie set translate directly to leading a diverse and dynamic workforce.

Cue the drama! Ken and Jieho hash out the great debate: Should company culture be more "work hard, play hard" à la Netflix, or should we strive for something a little more, dare we say, fun? Jieho argues that a workplace should spark joy, not dread, while Ken questions if the tough-love, performance-driven environment is a necessary evil. Expect a few verbal eye rolls and some serious food for thought.

Together, they dig into managing a multi-generational workforce. Spoiler alert: Boomers, Gen Z, and everyone in between don't all want the same things from their jobs (shocking, we know). So, how do you balance these diverse expectations without losing your sanity? Jieho and Ken tackle it head-on, offering insights, laughs, and even a few leadership facepalms along the way. Whether you're managing egos on a movie set or in a boardroom, creating a safe, collaborative space is essential. And Jieho's secret sauce? Humility, reflection, and realizing that even CEOs (and directors) are only as good as the teams they lead.

Tune in for a conversation packed with humor, hard truths, and a fresh perspective on how to lead, hire, and retain top talent—whether you're running a company or filming the next blockbuster.

Key Takeaways:

• Artsy types make great CEOs (who knew?). Classical music taught Jieho the importance of harmony—literally and figuratively.
• Is fun the new productivity?
• Multi-generational management: It's like herding cats but with more Slack messages.
• Cultural fit or diversity of thought? Hint: You need both.

A good leader knows how to adapt and evolve. The best leader? Knows how to laugh through it.

Have questions or personal experiences? Drop us a message or Join the conversation on LinkedIn.—share your own hiring and retention horror stories, tips, and even your craziest leadership moments. We'd love to hear what’s happening on your workplace “movie set”!

About Our Guest:

Jieho Lee is a visionary filmmaker and entrepreneur best known for writing and directing The Air I Breathe (2007), featuring a star-studded cast that includes Forest Whitaker, Andy Garcia, Brendan Fraser, Kevin Bacon, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Lee's cinematic portfolio also includes A Nursery Tale (1999) and the highly anticipated Kane & Lynch. Before making his mark in the film industry, Lee directed high-profile commercials for brands such as Ralph Lauren, Victoria’s Secret, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Beyond filmmaking, Jieho co-founded Knighted Ventures, a specialized company serving the casino industries in California and Florida. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to Blue Horizon Capital, where he co-led an investment strategy team focusing on business acquisitions. Prior to that, Lee oversaw business development and marketing in Asia for POM Wonderful. His career began in the entertainment field as a classical music producer, collaborating with legends like Yo-Yo Ma and Isaac Stern, and producing a best-selling album for soprano Sumi Jo, earning him the South Korean Presidential Award for Excellence.

A graduate of Wesleyan University with degrees in Letters and Cinema Studies, Lee also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast.
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