Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cathy Campo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cathy, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for The Hollywood Assistant emerged from a deep-seated frustration with the entertainment industry’s lack of accessibility. Having navigated this challenging landscape, I witnessed firsthand the countless individuals struggling to break in. Hundreds of aspiring professionals reached out for guidance, and I tried my best to speak with each one—but ultimately, I was working a demanding, full-time role at Netflix, and I only had so much time to give. I realized a significant gap in the market for a comprehensive, actionable resource, and with a background in journalism, perhaps I could do something about it.

By combining my industry experience with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by aspiring professionals, I created “The Hollywood Assistant” e-newsletter. The newsletter’s focus on mentorship, career advice, and insider knowledge has resonated with a growing audience of thousands. Our new co-Editor-in-Chiefs, Natalie Lifson (Buchwald) and Lucy Stover (More / Medavoy Management), have elevated the newsletter to new heights, providing even more valuable insights and opportunities for our subscribers. The overwhelming response has validated our belief that there is a genuine demand for a free, accesible platform that demystifies the entertainment industry and empowers aspiring professionals to achieve their goals.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The Hollywood Assistant is the first and only free newsletter by Hollywood assistants catered to Hollywood assistants. With multi-thousand subscribers and profiled in the likes of Business Insider, The Hollywood Assistant is committed to enhancing accessibility and advocating for equity in the entry-level entertainment industry.

As for my own background, I’m currently an MBA candidate at the Kellogg Northwestern School of Management. Previously, I worked at Netflix in unscripted development and current programming. A former NBCUniversal Page and a Brown University graduate, I’m passionate about uplifting others. I actively mentor undergraduates through Brown University’s career lab and have previously mentored high school students through the nonprofit Good City Mentors. My writing has appeared in CNBC.com and E! Online.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Credibility and reliability have been foundational to building my reputation in the entertainment industry.

Consistency is key. Subscribers know they can count on The Hollywood Assistant e-newsletter to deliver fresh, actionable insights precisely at 9 AM PT on the first Monday of each month. This dependability fostered trust and loyalty.

Beyond consistency, my industry experience and extensive network have been instrumental. Years of working at top entertainment companies equipped me with a deep understanding of the industry’s inner workings. Simultaneously, I cultivated strong relationships through regular networking events I hosted in Los Angeles. This combination of knowledge and connections established me as a trusted authority, making it natural for industry hopefuls to seek out and engage with The Hollywood Assistant.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I used to believe that the easy road was the most rewarding. The reality is, the sweetest victories often come from overcoming the toughest challenges, and that’s a lesson that applies to both business and life.

Breaking into Hollywood without industry connections was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but my incredible years in the industry were well worth it. That same tenacity fueled the creation of The Hollywood Assistant. Building a newsletter from scratch while juggling a demanding full-time job was no walk in the park. Yet, witnessing the positive impact on countless aspiring professionals has made every sacrifice worthwhile.

Challenges are not obstacles, but rather opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hollywood-assistant.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hollywoodassistant/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-campo-8b1820143/
• Other: “The Hollywood Assistant” Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nVj0lUUPAc5U4GxvOzyIQ?si=lEUtvjIPRqG1NOrHeUWPOA

Image Credits

The Hollywood Assistant logo: RoVan Media