For its 27th annual Women in Entertainment Power 100, The Hollywood Reporter asked the industry’s top female executives who’s most likely to succeed in Hollywood: introverts or extroverts? From navigating the all-studio meetings to negotiating a deal on the next Marvel movie, it takes all kinds of personalities to keep Hollywood running — and while the outgoing may seem to have an edge in a relationship-driven town, the skill of listening (when almost everyone else is talking) also goes a long way.
Here’s how everyone from Insecure star Issa Rae to Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke to showrunner Jenji Kohan see it:
“From a civics perspective, I think it’s better to be an extrovert. I happen to be an extrovert and this moment seems to require people having a bigger voice than traditionally we might have had. Planting a flag and saying, ‘We are here and we demand to be heard. We insist on a safe, fair and dignified environment for women,’ is really critical at this point. The house is on fire, not just in the U.S. but across the globe. In Hollywood the same thing is true because of this moment in which we find ourselves. We could be reflective in times gone by but now we really have to be vocal and visible and indicate that we believe women are not valued as they should be.” — Lisa Borders, CEO of Time’s Up
“‘Better’ is the wrong framing. I think it is ‘easier’ to be an extrovert, but we need both for creative and business success in our industry (says the introvert).” — Cindy Holland, vp original content at Netflix
“I think extroverts have an easier time making their voices heard but we need more confident, thoughtful introverts to speak up.” — Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios
“Sometimes you’ve got to mount an aggressive charm offensive and sometimes you’ve got to hold back and button up. It’s all about reading the room.” — Bonnie Hammer, chairman of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment
“I think it’s about leaning into what works for you. The loudest person in the room does not always come out on top. In fact, I think sometimes the quietest person — the one who is spending time listening — is the best leader. Introvert or extrovert, I think it’s really about owning your space and being mindful of who you are communicating with.” — Nancy Dubuc, CEO of Vice
“I’d say extrovert since I am one! But introverts often make better listeners and tend be more thoughtful.” — Courteney Monroe, CEO of National Geographic Global Networks
“As a card-carrying introvert, I would say it would definitely be better to be an extrovert because it is a people-oriented business and much socializing is required.” — Nancy Utley, co-chairman of Fox Searchlight
“As an introvert I’m thoroughly convinced being an extrovert is the only way to go.” — Stephanie Gibbons, president of multiplatform marketing at FX Networks
“Extrovert. But obviously, plenty of introverts succeed. I’ve always wondered if they need to be a little more talented than us loudmouths in order to succeed.” — Kristine Belson, president of Sony Pictures Animation
“I think extroverts have an easier time in this industry, and that’s not necessarily always a good thing (said the extrovert).” — Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment
“An extrovert Monday through Friday and introvert Saturday and Sunday.” — Nicole Clemens, president of Paramount TV
This is not a business for introverts, at least not on the creative side. You need a thick skin and some moxie in order to pitch ideas, especially when you’re beginning your career. I started out as an introvert but quickly learned to change after shyness kept me from speaking up in pitch meetings.” — Kathleen Finch, chief lifestyle brands officer at Discovery Communications
“Sometimes introverts are hard to read and that can be an advantage. I unfortunately wear my emotions on my sleeve!” — Pearlena Igbokwe, president of Universal TV
“Many of the most talented people I know are introverts, and many of the people who help them get their movies made are extroverts. It’s a symbiotic relationship.” — Hannah Minghella, president of TriStar Pictures
“I’m naturally an introspective person which is good for thoughtful consideration of things but part of the joy of filmmaking and the job is creative collaboration. So I’ve enjoyed evolving into more of an extrovert.” — Vanessa Morrison, president of Fox Family
“I vote for extrovert. Be loud, and make sure your voice is heard.” — Elizabeth Raposo, president of production at Paramount Pictures
“Extrovert, hopefully!” — Blair Rich, president worldwide marketing at Warner Bros. Pictures
“Without a doubt, the answer is extrovert. It has never been more important to have an opinion and not be afraid to express it.” — Susan Rovner, evp development at Warner Bros. TV
“This is a business that typically attracts extroverts, but we need both or there would be no one to listen, just a lot of talking.” — Beatrice Springborn, vp content development at Hulu
“Both are great as long as you are brilliant at what you do.” — Sharon Tal Yguado, head of genre, TV, at Amazon Studios
“There’s no ‘better.’ You work with what you are.” — Jenji Kohan, showrunner if Orange Is the New Black
“I’ve never been anything close to an introvert, so I wouldn’t know.” — Amy Pascal, producer
“Introverts get more done. But extroverts have more fun doing it.” — Lena Dunham, actor and producer
“There is no ‘better.’ I’ve never seen ‘better,’ it’s just what you are and how you navigate through life with grace and dignity.” — Nicole Kidman, actor and producer
“I think it’s best to be your honest authentic self and to be kind whether you are an introvert or an extrovert.” — Elisabeth Moss, actor and producer
“If you’re an actor or actress, I think it’s way better to be an introvert. The less you say, the less you go out, the less people know about you, the more inclined they will be to believe a character you play. You also have less of a chance of getting some sort of backlash, if you care about that sort of thing. I also love mystery — one of my favorite artists, Frank Ocean, is such an introvert that whenever he actually goes out or posts something, I’m genuinely excited to see what he has to say or what he’s up to. The more I hear from an artist, the less special it feels to me.” — Issa Rae, actor and producer
“Both. You’ve got to be an introvert because you have to refill your cup, but obviously you’ve got to be an extrovert out here because you’re a politician.” — Lena Waithe, actor and producer
(Excerpt) Read more in: The Hollywood Reporter