Always go above and beyond what you promise. This comes down to clearly defining expectations from the onset and ensuring they are exceeded.
As a consultant specializing in the technology and entertainment industries, Andrea Doven has been able to assist entrepreneurs in need of expert insight in matters relating to organizational management and enhanced efficiency, along with the recruitment and training of the top available talent. Drawing on her diverse experience in a variety of executive roles, Doven is known for her streamlined approach to consulting and her ability to assist entrepreneurs in a manner that consistently generates results greatly exceeding expectations.
A graduate of the highly competitive performing arts program at SUNY Purchase, Doven was one of just 30 individuals to gain acceptance to the program out of the 3,500 that applied. Armed with an undergraduate degree in performing arts from the prestigious program, the native of New York City went on to found and produce theater in the Upstate New York area before landing a role with Odin Productions that would last for almost two decades.
As executive director of Odin Productions, a company owned by Tom Cruise, Doven managed the operations, logistics, hiring and strategic planning in support of artists and producers working on film projects across a variety of worldwide locations. Doven’s day-to-day responsibilities included managing multiple projects, establishing locations, managing personnel and coordinating between the diverse groups of professionals involved in each project.
After nearly 20 years with Odin Productions, Doven accepted a role as the vice president of human resources with SCS, Inc. Through the recruitment and hiring of some of the most talented tech professionals, Doven oversaw a technical team largely responsible for the rapid ascent of SCS.
A proven leader specializing in entrepreneurial consulting, Doven is a creative and talented professional whose lengthy career has been consistently marked by the achievement of exceptionally lofty goals.
Where did the idea for your recruiting consulting services come from?
From years and years of having to get time critical projects done and having to fully rely on people to help me get multiple jobs done. I started to drill down into the science of finding and hiring the right person for a job, or supplying a company with a person with all the right qualifications. This coupled with the fact that I really love to help people who are creating great effects on the world stage and having the right people around you will greatly effect your ability to expand. It was a natural transition.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I start with coffee! I always take the time to write down a good plan for the day, items you want to get done. If you don’t do this you will be effect of all the emails incoming and never move your own chess piece on the board.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I decide that they will happen. I validate all the good ideas.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
All the task rabbits, post mates, door dash type apps that keep your own fast-paced momentum going. It is like having 100’s of personal assistants out there waiting for your task!
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I wake up very early so I am ready.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I actually don’t classify any of my jobs as a bad experience. I guess I always chose my work carefully and was never unhappy with my choice.
If you were to start again what would you do differently?
Take typing lessons. I went to a private school in NYC in the 70’s and believe it or not it was not in the curriculum!
As an entrepreneur what is one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Get up early before everyone else and make your list of goals for the day on what you want to accomplish. This is so the day doesn’t run you.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Always go above and beyond what you promise. This comes down to clearly defining expectations from the onset and ensuring they are exceeded.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur and how did you overcome it?
I reduced my fee which only lessened me in the eyes of the client and I never did it again. Do not be afraid to charge what you are worth.
What is the best $100 you spent? What and Why?
For dinner at Giorgio Baldi restaurant in Santa Monica. Best Italian restaurant in Los Angeles.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
Outlook for Mac, GoDaddy. I normally prefer PC’s in a corporate work environment and outlook especially… but I love Macs. Outlook for Mac has the PC functionality in a Mac environment which is truly the best of both worlds. GoDaddy has just been a great tool for so many years and helped me track my domains with a good alert system and functionality and great customer service!
What is the one book you recommend our community should read and why?
“Seeker” by Arwen Elys Dayton. It’s a Fantasy novel, the first of a series and I couldn’t put it down. I became a huge fan after reading “Resurrection” many years ago. Her story and characters are smart, original and very suspenseful. I am a fan.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
Tom Cruise. I worked for/ with him for 20 years. There is nothing he could not learn and then completely excel at. I watched this with everything he did. His hunger for knowledge was infectious. He has a work ethic like no other.
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.