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PROUDLY PRESENTS
Julie Guinan
Resident of The United States and 3-DNET® VIP member
Email contact : julie@exec.org
VIDEO INTRODUCTION®
INTERVIEW WITH 3-DNET®
Listen to sample sound "bites" from the interview:
Question 1 : Tell me about yourself
I am a high-energy, driven and dynamic achiever with a strong work ethic, who places a great deal of importance on integrity, people skills and personal responsibility. I have a Master’s degree in International Relations and I’ve spent the past 16 years working in the communication’s industry, mainly as a broadcast news writer and producer. This has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me in terms of character development. Broadcast news is a fast-paced and exciting industry. It is also demanding, deadline-oriented, and requires strict accountability and efficiency. In this environment, I’ve mastered the skill of “grace under pressure.” I am a strong leader, but I also realize how crucial teamwork is and the necessity of developing a relationship with colleagues based on mutual trust and respect. Television news is predicated on geographic size. In order to be successful, journalists must continually transition to bigger and better television markets. Because of this, I have moved around the country a great deal. This has been an adventure for me because I thrive on challenge and I easily adapt to new surroundings and situations, plus, I make friends very quickly. But I am at the point in my life where I am ready to make Atlanta my long-term home. Of all the places I’ve lived, I love Atlanta the most. I consider my sense of humor and positive attitude two of my greatest gifts. If I were to describe myself in a few words they would be: creative, dedicated, passionate and well-balanced. I place a high value on career, but I also believe it’s impossible to be truly successful and one-dimensional. I am very athletic, I love to read, and I’m extremely interested in international politics .
Question 2 : What can you offer to your next employer ?
I offer solid leadership skills, creativity and enthusiasm. I think and problem-solve “outside the box” and I have an extensive background when it comes to building and maintaining key workplace relationships. I have excellent research and strategy skills, I’m extremely organized and I work well as part of a team. But perhaps my greatest asset lies in my communication and media relations skills. I am an experienced and effective writer, I listen attentively and I’m results-driven. As a producer, it is my job to conceptualize, create, format, write and then carry the newscast through to a successful on-air completion. This requires the ability to multi-task under heavy deadline pressure. As a result, I am a confident decision-maker, but one who also values the opinions and ideas of others.
Question 3 : What are your strengths ?
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to analyze a situation, formulate a plan, and then do what is necessary to achieve the objective, whether it’s creating a public relations campaign, targeting a specific audience or motivating my team. I am not afraid to put myself out there and try new approaches. Sometimes success involves taking risks. I’m also not afraid to ask questions and learn from others. Another big strength of mine is that I’m a very hard worker. I have a strong desire not just to get a job done, but to do it well. The final product is a direct reflection of me. As I mentioned earlier, I place a high value on integrity. Finally, I am very much a people person. I have the ability to create and maintain strategic working relationships and I know how to read my audience. As a result, I’m very successful when it comes to selling concepts or ideas.
Question 4 : What are your accomplishments ?
I’ve reached the network level, which is considered the very top of my field. I work at ABC News in New York in a very competitive environment.
I was one of four candidates chosen out of more than 120 to work as a Press Officer at the United Nations during the General Assembly. After two weeks, my supervisor promoted me to the First Committee on Disarmament and International Security. I have a standing invitation to return next year.
I was responsible for the placement of an article on FacilityPro.com in Forbes Magazine and I secured national television coverage for the Chief Operating Officer of the company. I also increased traffic on the Community Marketplace by more than 20-percent.
I was nominated for an Emmy award for a newscast I produced while at WCBS-TV.
I have approached each and every job with dedication and perseverance, and I’ve made the most of each opportunity.
Question 5 : What are your limitations ?
I view limitations and weakness as two different things. In my opinion, limitations are something that would literally prohibit me from trying to accomplish something. So in all sincerity, I don’t have professional limitations. If something can be done, I will give it my all. I do however have weaknesses, just as I have strengths, and to respond otherwise would be insincere. That said, my greatest weakness is my lack of patience. I truly hate waiting, whether it’s in line at the grocery store, in traffic, or for something that is past deadline. I can also get very frustrated with those who waste my time. Once again, this can range from the person who is blocking the stairs to the subway because they’re checking their cell phone messages, to co-workers who would rather focus on problems and excuses instead of solutions.
Question 6 : How much are you worth ?
I’ve always believed earnings should be directly proportional to an employee’s level of responsibility and their skill set. In my experience, most employers are prepared to pay for results.
Question 7 : What are your ambitions for the future ?
My ambitions for the immediate future are to successfully transition into a rewarding and exciting new career in metropolitan Atlanta and dive in headfirst. I thrive on new challenges. My longer-term goals involve possibly going back to school and teaching either history or politics part-time at the college or university level. On a more personal note, I would like to travel to the Middle East, an areas with cultures and regions I find fascinating.
Question 8 : How long would it take you start contributing to the firm?
Immediately. There will always be a learning curve in a new job and it’s important to listen to what’s expected, what’s being taught and observe the company culture. But I consider myself a very quick study. Once I know what needs to be done, I hit the ground running.
Question 9: What is your management style?
I am an extremely proactive and involved manager, I don’t just delegate and then wait for a report back. I also give my team members the leverage and space they need to do a job well without interfering in their creative process. I have been told many times that I’m a good motivator and I encourage an open communication policy, where opinions and ideas can be discussed. But there is no one way to manage. Sometimes different situations call for different styles. In news for example, it’s vital to continually stay in contact with team members and keep them updated. There’s no such thing as overkill. Otherwise, if there’s a break in communication, it could result in an on-air disaster because everyone’s job is so inter-linked. But longer-term projects are different. When I worked as a manager at FacilityPro.com, there were times when my team members knew more about the specifics of a particular situation than I did (the technical crew for instance). So in some cases, I defer to the expert. Other times, I have a very specific idea of what I think needs to be done. Of course, I always listen to input. It’s important to have a leader, someone to go to with questions or problems. It’s equally important to value every person’s contribution and recognize there are different styles and different ways of doing things. The bottom line is, what is going to produce the best results? A good manager will always make that question their top priority, and also will possess the skills to bring out the best in others to achieve that end.
Question 10: Why do you think you have a good potential to be a manager?
I make a good manager for several reasons. First, as I’ve mentioned, I work very well with people, I know how to read them and how to get them engaged. Secondly, I’m a problem-solver who is driven by results. Thirdly, I’m good at conceptualization, devising a plan or strategy and them implementing it. I’ve been doing that for years as a broadcast news producer. Finally, I’m extremely organized and I love the challenge of not only doing my best, but of motivating others to do their best.
Question 11: What would you look for in hiring people?
Obviously skill and experience are going to be major factors. But just as important to me is “How is this person going to fit into this environment?” Assuming the candidates I speak with all have an impressive set of qualifications, I’m going to look at their compatibility with the company culture and how they interact with others. People skills are crucial because so many jobs involve teamwork. I’m also going to focus on attitude, enthusiasm and the ability to bring a fresh focus to the table. Finally, I’m a firm believer in hiring others who are extremely smart. You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.
Question 12: As a manager, have you ever had to fire someone?
No, but I’ve had to write critical reviews.
Question 13: What do you see as the most difficult task of being a manager?
If you’re dealing with a lot of different departments and personalities, there can be internal conflict and disagreement. As a manager, taking sides can be as harmful as apparent indifference. A good manager addresses concerns and presents alternative solutions or changes expectations. But the manager’s role is much more than just a mediator or decision-maker. He or she can step back, take a look at the bigger picture and see what needs to be done. Also, staying within budget can at times be challenging.
Question 14: Describe what you feel is the best work environment?
My ideal work environment would be job that involves interaction within a medium to large sized company. I also look forward to working on longer-term projects rather than day-to-day deadlines. I want to be able to use my creative skills. I like goal oriented environments where there is clear communication of the overall objectives. It’s important to me to work in a positive atmosphere under sharp leadership.
Question 15: Looking back how do you describe your past employer?
ABC News is my current employer. It’s a high-pressure environment where deadlines are prevalent. But it’s also exciting and interesting. I enjoy the national and international stories and issues I write about. I also like the sense of being a part of it all, especially during a breaking story. The newsroom is a highly structured atmosphere where teamwork is critical, speed is valued and there isn’t very much room for mistakes. .
Question 16: What have you done to increase productivity, performance, efficiency, etc..?
I am used to working on deadline. Each day when I arrive at work, there are a half-dozen deadlines I need to meet, especially when producing. I need to decide which stories I want to use, what importance I will give them, how long they will be, which reporters will cover them, which angle to focus on, what the graphics will look like and say. By mid-afternoon I need to start writing the headlines and teases, explain the stories to the writers, write stories myself, check in with reporters to see how they’re doing and talk to the director. All the while I’m doing this, I need to constantly update the newscast with new stories and have a back-up plan for breaking news. So to answer the question on productivity, I believe organization and foresight are vital. This includes always having a plan “B” and anticipating possible problems. That way, they don’t become crises. Even though I am looking forward to working in a less rigid environment, I think deadlines are a great way to stay focused and on track. Plus, a time frame, even if it’s self-imposed, keeps me productive and efficient. Also, I’m a big believer in trouble-shooting. I will always speak to my supervisor or teammates about new ideas or tactics if a project isn’t developing as it should.. Nipping problems in the bud is much easier than trying to fix them later on. As far as managing, I believe using positive reinforcement always motivates people a lot more than punishment. When ideas are respected, it can lead to increased creativity. Finally, I increase my own productivity and performance by keeping an open mind, setting new challenges and goals for myself, and watching and observing those who are successful.
Question 17: Whether you are a "computer wizard", how do you respond to the financial side of your responsibilities?
Attention to detail is crucial, along with keeping strict records. The only time I managed a large budget was at FacilityPro.com. I was very conscious of what I was spending and I did research on alternatives and pricing. I knew what my budget was and I stuck to it. If anything, I may have erred on the side of being too cautious.
Question 18: How many people have you supervised in your recent job?
I have no managerial responsibilities in my current job as a writer. But as a producer, I have traditionally supervised teams of 10-15 people. .
Question 19: What do you like more, working with figures or words?
Definitely words and ideas.
Question 20: How do you think that your subordinates receive you?
I think I have always managed to win their respect and confidence. If someone has an idea, I don’t shut it down because I’m the one in charge. I’m more interested in fostering teamwork and producing positive results. I delegate when I can, and I assume responsibility when needed. I don’t shy away from taking on the less glamorous projects if the work needs to be done.
Question 21: What do you think of your previous boss?
I really like my current boss and I think he’s very talented. He has been at the network level for years and whenever he makes changes, they’re always for the better. He is tough but he doesn’t micro-manage.
Question 22: Describe a situation in which your work was criticized?
Recently I was writing scripts for “Good Morning America.” It was on a Friday, the final day of Senate Judiciary Hearings on the confirmation of Supreme Court Nominee Samuel Alito. I had been writing the story all night and one of the challenges in news, is to always make it sound different and fresh and advance the story, even if you’ve had to write it ten times before. All night, my leads had been along the lines of “Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito appears to be coasting towards confirmation”, or something of that variety. So in my GMA lead, I tried to make it different and advance it a little further. I wrote “Despite an attempt by Democrats to slow it down, Justice Samuel Alito appears poised to tip the balance of the Supreme Court this morning.” My producer was furious and he openly criticized me in the newsroom. Many people see network news as biased and liberal. It’s important not to reflect any hint of that in the scripts. My producer (justifiably) argued that even though Alito’s record did skew Republican and he did present himself as a conservative on several big issues, I really had no idea how he would vote if nominated to the Supreme Court. So to write a lead suggesting I had the inside facts on Alito and that he would unquestionably vote conservative and tip the balance of the High Court, was taking a big leap. Ironically, that same lead had been approved by the senior producer. But writing can be subjective.
Question 23: If I spoke with your boss what he would say about your greatest strength and weaknesses?
I’m confident my boss would tell you I have a solid work ethic, I am very responsible and I give more than is expected. I believe he would also say I’m a team player, I’m a strong writer and I’m someone to turn to when something needs to get done not only fast, but right. As far as my weaknesses, he would probably say I put too much pressure on myself which can create unnecessary stress, and I tend to focus too much on the details
Question 24: How can you handle life under pressure and with tough deadlines?
As I have indicated, my entire career has been spent working under pressure with deadlines. It’s the nature of news. Deadlines are most challenging when tough problems arise and need immediate resolution. This is where my skill and experience come to play. I don’t just meet deadlines and get the work done, but I get it done well. Pressure and multi-tasking also tends to increase my productivity.
Question 25: What do you think you do better: staff work or line work?
I am happiest working with an energetic, hard working team. The work itself is important but it's the people who are the best part of the job.
Question 26: In your current position, what problem have you identified that was previously overlooked?
It wasn’t really a problem that was overlooked, but one which was never solved. When I was at the United Nations, it was my job to sit through First Committee meetings, take detailed notes on what each speaker said and then write up a lengthy summarization of what was said, along with a much shorter press release. It was challenging to sit through three hours of hearings and get all the details regarding matters of international disarmament and security, especially when the speakers had heavy accents or the interpreters were talking too fast. Along with the UN English Press, there was also the French Press and we worked side by side with them. We even shared the same newsroom. But for some reason, the two groups didn’t really associate, or for that matter, help each other out in the hearings. My English press partner dismissed it and said that was the way it had always been. But it seemed to me if we missed something, or if something wasn’t clear, it would have been very helpful to turn to our French colleagues. We weren’t competing, we were just writing for two different audiences. So I spoke to my superior and suggested we set up a newsroom meeting with the entire French team and discuss how we could work together, and then have a happy hour afterwards to just get to know each other. We did and it really cleared away some tensions and misconceptions. It also extended far beyond First Committee hearings, to the five other committees, as well as the General Assembly team. It seemed obvious, yet it had never been done.
Question 27: If you had a choice of job and a company what would you choose?
My ideal situation would be to work in the press department of an international relief organization or one focused on international political issues. However, I know those opportunities are few and far between. That said, I would love to work for an established company where I am allowed to create something from the very beginning, build strong relationships with my colleagues or outside contacts and be part of an organization that rewards hard work and offers career progression. I also really enjoy doing research.
Question 28:Do you have any objection to take a psychological test?
No
Question 29: Do you consider yourself as a creative person?
Absolutely. I enjoy coming up with new ideas, thoughts and ways of doing things. I consistently look for different angles, approaches and ways to tell a story. I feel very at home strategizing and generating interesting concepts and ideas. I also use my creativity to problem-solve.
Question 30: How do you describe your personality?
I am outgoing, vivacious, passionate and fun-loving. I’m a go-getter who loves adventure and someone who is honest and loyal. I am also very grounded, intelligent and I have a strong sense of self. I believe character and integrity should never be compromised.
Question 31: What is your outside reading you do?
I read several different newspapers, including The New York Times. I also read Time and Newsweek. When it comes to pleasure reading, I alternate between fiction and non-fiction. For non-fiction, I enjoy reading the latest books on politics or the latest autobiographies. I am currently ready Jeffrey Sach’s The End of Poverty, Economic Possibilities for Our Time. But constantly reading non-fiction can get heavy, so I mix it up. I love thrillers and mystery novels. I think John Case (a pseudonym) writes great mysteries and I recently finished a great thriller by Alan Goodman.
Question 32: What are some of your outside activities?
I love to play tennis, go bike riding, hiking and running. I grew up in Denver and I also love to ski, but I don’t make it to the slopes that often. Much of my free time is spent with friends and I enjoy taking advantage of all that New York City has to offer, particularly the restaurants and theatre. "What are some of.... ?"
Question 33: Are you continuing your education?
Not at the moment. But I’m keeping the door open to returning someday and getting my Ph.D, in case I decide to teach at the University level.
Curriculum Vitae Confidential
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