241. Why Your Workplace Attitude Matters with Trish Scanlon

Update: 2025-07-22

Description

"Your attitude matters; control what you can control."

"Surfing the wave means being flexible."

"The truth is always best."

Episode summary |

In this episode of ROG Return on Generosity, host Shannon Cassidy interviews Trish Scanlon, a seasoned branded entertainment executive. Trish shares her journey from Pittsburgh to leading creative teams for major media brands. The conversation delves into the importance of political savvy, leading with grace and kindness, and embracing creativity in every role. Trish emphasizes the power of attitude in leadership, the need to work smarter, and the value of honesty. She also discusses the significance of curiosity and teamwork in achieving creative success, all while fostering a generous and collaborative culture.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Trish Scanlon emphasizes that everyone is creative, regardless of their role.

Political savvy is about awareness and navigating relationships effectively.

Leading with grace and kindness is essential in uncomfortable situations.

Creativity should be embraced by all team members, not just those in creative roles.

Your attitude at work can significantly influence the team's morale and productivity.

Working smarter, not harder, is a key philosophy for effective leadership.

Being flexible and adaptable is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

Honesty is the best policy, even when it's uncomfortable.

Curiosity fosters collaboration and helps leaders learn from their teams.

Teamwork is essential for producing high-quality creative work.

Chapters |

00:00 Introduction to Trish Scanlon's Journey

04:21 Theater Background and Its Impact

08:01 Embracing Grace and Kindness in Leadership

10:43 Creativity in Every Role

14:29 Working Smarter, Not Harder

17:04 Surfing the Wave: Flexibility in Leadership

19:07 Building Trust and Confidentiality

19:14 The Importance of Honesty in Leadership

22:07 Effective Feedback Techniques

24:07 Addressing Team Dynamics

25:05 The Power of Kindness in Leadership

25:55 Curiosity as a Leadership Tool

27:11 The Role of Teamwork in Creativity

28:15 Behind the Scenes of Television Production

28:19 Leadership Lessons Learned

29:16 Balancing Creativity and Strategy

29:22 Fostering a Collaborative Culture

30:15 Mentoring the Next Generation

31:19 Fun and Personal Insights

Guest Bio |

Trish Johns Scanlon is a seasoned media executive and former Vice President of Branded Entertainment for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Lifestyle Brands. She led the creative direction and production of integrated marketing campaigns across platforms for iconic brands including HGTV, Travel Channel, ID, TBS, and TNT—with a special focus on HGTV’s Dream Home and Smart Home franchises, which she describes as running mini networks of their own.

With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Trish has a proven track record of delivering innovative, results-driven campaigns that have contributed to over $1 billion in annual revenue. She has collaborated with blue-chip clients such as Wayfair, Home Depot, Disney, and Lowe’s, and has led award-winning creative and production teams with excellence, managing everything from pitches and shoots to talent and budgets.

Known for her ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and lead with clarity and vision, Trish is also deeply committed to mentorship and leadership development. She is a proud WICT leader and a graduate of the prestigious Betsy Magness Leadership Program, where she continues to inspire and support the next generation of creative leaders.

Originally from Pittsburgh- and a lifelong Steelers fan- Trish now lives in Babylon, Long Island with her husband Mike, daughter Teagan, and their dog Fletcher. Outside of work, she enjoys running, playing pickleball, and escaping to Fire Island whenever possible.

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