Connect
http://www.youtube.com/partnersproject
Education
Emerson College - Communications with TV/Video Production concentration
At "I Want Her Job," we love when women find their dream jobs — even more so, when a woman has the courage to go out there and actually create her dream gig. Shira Lazar is the host and executive producer of the weekly live interactive show and 24/7 news hub, "What's Trending." She's also the host and creator of the YouTube talk show, "Partners Project," where she interviews the biggest stars to go viral on YouTube.
But it doesn't stop there.
This year Fast Company named Shira one of the Most Influential Women in Technology and The Huffington Post named her as one of the "Women in Tech to Follow on Twitter." This social media maven also appears regularly on Bloomberg TV, CNN and Fox News Channel discussing what's new and emerging in all things digital. She also contributes weekly to her blog on entrepreneur.com.
But even before she was the go-to girl for all things influencer-based, Shira was a broadcast journalist who knew how to turn a setback into an opportunity. After losing her Nokia n95 camera, a broke Shira decided would call up Nokia and pitch them on the fact that more journalists should be shooting video on the go. And Shira? Well, she wanted to help out with the outreach. Nokia asked her to become the first official vlogger for the Webby Awards summit, and her professional career as a vlogger, brand ambassador and influencer was born.
"We need to know not only how to tell stories, but how to listen, share and respond. Traffic, comments and social media conversation around a story are the new Nielsen ratings," Shira told Fast Company earlier this year. "That's something that some traditional folk might fear, the loss of that control over its audience. For me that's empowering and is why I do what I do."
When Shira is off camera she enjoys eating out with friends, working out, walking on the beach and celebrating any sort of holiday. You can follow her on Twitter here, and don't miss the season finale of "What's Trending," which airs live today at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST. [You'll quickly see why we're so hooked!]
Spend less time being interesting and more time being interested in people and the world.
How did you discover your current job?
I didn't discover it; I created it. After hosting and producing online video content for years, I decided to take everything I knew to create my own business and show. "What's Trending" is a live, interactive show of around-the-water-cooler comprised online stories and that blends everything I love in one place -- social media, news, tech and interviews with influencers and celebs.
What is your typical day like? What types of things do you do in your job?
Mondays are pretty much a full 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. day in pre-production on Tuesday's show, which includes building out the stories and graphics, and writing out the script with my head writer. We also make sure all the notes are sent to the guests and that our blog and social streams are kept up. Tuesday morning is show day. I'm in makeup/hair by 6 a.m., rehearsal at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. ready for the live show! Then we cut up each segment and post separately throughout the day online. Wednesday through Friday we have 8 a.m. conference calls to discuss what we're covering that day. I typically do a bit of blogging, a ton of calls and meetings and some other field shoots.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part of my job is getting to meet amazing new people every day and be a platform to share their stories with the world. Building a show and business from scratch can be both rewarding and empowering, but also very challenging. At the end of the day, you're responsible for everything and the livelihoods of your employees. You never really shut off from thinking and working. That's why you need to really love and believe in what you're doing.
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?
I don't think I've made that many huge sacrifices. These days I might stay in more often than usual. Instead of going to events or out to meet friends, by the end of the day or week, I'm sometimes fried. Recharging is so important. You need to know yourself well enough and be aware of when to take a break and have some alone time. It goes a long way!
What is one lesson you've learned in your job that sticks with you?
Work hard, be a student of your craft and find answers instead of excuses.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge for women today, particularly females in your industry?
If you're powerful and straightforward you can be looked at as a b*tch, and if you're too laid back people might think you're not serious. In the end, if you do and create then that overrides any sort of perception people might have about you.
Who are your role models?
Media magnates like Arianna Huffington, Ryan Seacrest and Oprah.
What are some of the rules you live by?
Treat others how you would want to be treated. Spend less time being interesting and more time being interested in people and the world.
What advice do you have for girls who want to be in your industry?
Be fearless and stand by what you believe. Maintain your integrity and values, and never give up!
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Everything is changing so quickly these days. I just want to continue doing what I'm doing in a bigger way while innovating, creating a positive impact and leaving my mark on the world.