Have you ever walked out of an interview thinking, “I nailed it,” only to never hear back? Or seen someone with less experience land that role at a big network or OTT while you were left wondering what went wrong?
You’re not alone.
After over two decades in this industry—across television, digital content, films and OTT—I’ve seen this story unfold repeatedly. And I’ll be honest: it’s rarely about talent alone.
Behind-the-scenes, hiring decisions are influenced by many unseen factors:
✔️ Existing internal recommendations
✔️ Perceived “fit” within current teams
✔️ Salary expectations
✔️ Someone returning a favour
✔️ A newer face feeling like a “safer bet”
✔️ Even assumptions like, “She’s already too senior” or “He won’t stick around long”
✔️ They already have their own trusted team and won’t look beyond that comfort circle
✔️ Your name or past experience might intimidate them—it’s an insecurity they won’t voice
✔️ They’ve already made a judgment: “Maybe she’s difficult” or “Maybe he’s too rigid”—and they don’t even test that assumption
It’s a complex game—and sometimes it’s not fair. But here’s the truth no one tells you:
Not getting that role doesn’t diminish your worth.
It’s tough.
Because staying positive after a rejection isn’t easy.
Believing that “the right opportunity will come” sounds great — but in reality, it’s frustrating, lonely, and sometimes, just plain demotivating.
But truthfully? What’s the other option?
You either stop, or you show up again.
I’ve had to choose the latter. More than once.
And every time I did, something unexpected found me.
Not always what I’d imagined — but sometimes, even better.
So if you’re in that space right now, I promise, you’re not alone.
