Meet Cathy Campo

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.

Hi Cathy, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity is deeply rooted in my own experiences. Growing up in a New Jersey suburb without any industry connections, a career in entertainment felt like a pipe dream. It was only through the kindness and generosity of alumni from my university—who took the time to answer all of my questions, no matter how silly—that I found the confidence and direction to pursue a career in Hollywood. Their willingness to share their time, knowledge, and connections altered the course of my life.

Feeling a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility, I’ve made it a priority to give back in similar ways. This commitment began with the creation of The Hollywood Assistant e-newsletter, an initiative designed to make the entertainment industry more accessible to aspiring professionals. Over the years, I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring students at my alma mater, guiding high schoolers through the Los Angeles nonprofit Good City Mentors, and volunteering in various other capacities, both within and outside the entertainment industry. For me, generosity isn’t just about giving back; it’s about paying forward the support that once made my own dreams possible.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

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, accessible platform that demystifies the entertainment industry and empowers aspiring professionals to achieve their goals.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: be proactive, invest in relationships, and never underestimate the power of clear and effective communication. These skills will serve as the foundation of your success.

In entertainment, especially at the entry-level, there’s nothing more crucial than being a go-getter. If you spot a gap—a missing opportunity like a networking event, or a resource that others could benefit from—take the initiative and make it happen. The decision to create The Hollywood Assistant was daunting but worth it.

Equally important is the ability to build and nurture a strong network. The entertainment industry thrives on connections, and The Hollywood Assistant wouldn’t exist without the support of a wonderful network of former colleagues, friends, and professional contacts who have graciously contributed their time and expertise.

Finally, communication is a skill that can’t be overstated. In an age dominated by texting and AI, it might seem like an old-fashioned recommendation, but your ability to articulate thoughts—whether in writing or in conversation—remains your most powerful tool. Whether you’re asking for a favor, fine-tuning your resume, or persuading someone to collaborate, how you express yourself can make all the difference.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

I’ve spent my entire media career immersed in the creative and production sides of the industry: from production internships on The Tonight Show, The Late Show, and Mad Money with Jim Cramer, to writing for CNBC.com and E! Online, and working in development at Netflix. Now, I’m facing a new challenge: mastering the business side of the industry which has always been the most intimidating to me.

As an MBA candidate at the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, I’m diving into courses like Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting, Strategy, and Marketing—all areas that I’ve never fully understood before. Coming from an undergraduate degree in Playwriting, shifting to a business-focused mindset isn’t second nature for me, but I firmly believe that the best leaders possess a diverse, well-rounded skillset. There aren’t many people who can genuinely claim to grasp both the intricacies of the creative process and the complexities of business strategy. While it’s a challenging transition, I’m confident that it will make me a more effective leader.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hollywood-assistant.com/
• 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