What happens when a Hollywood producer steps into the nonprofit world during a global shutdown—with no prior nonprofit experience—and is handed an organization on the brink? Meet Sherry Stilson, Executive Director of Student Television Network, who went from feeling like a fish out of water to leading STN through a remarkable 490% revenue growth. In this powerful episode, Sherry shares the real, messy journey of turning around a struggling nonprofit, building the right team, transforming board culture, and staying focused when the pressure was on. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in your leadership role, this episode will inspire you to keep going.

Episode Highlights

• 01:40 Sherry's Early Career and Transition to STN

• 03:22 Challenges Faced as New Executive Director

• 07:24 STN's Growth and Achievements

• 12:18 Lessons Learned and Leadership Insights

• 19:17 Building and Managing the Right Team

• 23:21 Navigating Board Dynamics and Power Struggles

• 28:45 The Shift to an Oversight Board

• 33:10 Revenue Strategies and Financial Growth

• 40:14 Building Strong Relationships with Sponsors

 

My guest for this episode is Sheri Stilson, the Executive Director of the Student Television Network.

Sheri is a San Diego native who has 20 years of experience in the entertainment and event industry.

After graduating from San Diego State University with two student Emmys, Sheri began her career stage managing for the San Diego Padres and working as a technician at SeaWorld. She went on to be a TV producer for reality, competition, and game shows in Hollywood for 10 years and has a vast industry network to draw from. Some of the networks she has teamed with are HGTV, FOX, CBS, BRAVO, MTV, Warner Brothers, and Animal Planet.

 

Sheri also held a position as the Event Supervisor at the LEGOLAND California Resort and led teams through large scale seasonal and education events, daily operations, and press junkets for 10 years in a variety of roles. She volunteers as a wish granter with Make a Wish, teaches her own online courses about how to break into Hollywood, and looks for ways to give back.

 

Connect with Sheri:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheri-stilson-bb7792b

Social: @stnnow

Website: www.studenttelevison.com

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