Katie Jo Sheek
5.0
(10)
Tech & Entertainment Coach | Former Disney, Amazon, Google | UCLA Grad
Studied at UCLA Anderson School of Management
Worked at Country Music Association
Successful clients at
Not currently taking new clients
Katie Jo’s Career Coaching Qualifications
Coaches professionally
Experience level: Manager
100+ people coached for Career Coaching
Katie Jo has helped clients get into these companies:
Welcome to my profile! With over a decade of experience in recruitment and career development, I have successfully guided 100+ individuals in navigating their career paths, particularly within the entertainment and tech industries (FAANG). My extensive background includes roles at top companies like The Walt Disney Company, WB, Google, and Amazon, where I specialized in talent acquisition and diversity recruitment. As a career coach, I offer expertise in resume building, job search tips, interview preparation, mock interviews and strategic career planning, helping clients stand out in competitive job markets. Whether you're an early career professional or looking to transition into a new field, I'm here to provide personalized guidance and support. Let's connect and chart your path to success!
Katie Jo can help with:
AI Automation
AI Fundamentals
AI Outreach
AI-Powered Job Search
Career Planning
Cover Letters
Freelancing
General Exploration
Interview Prep
Job Search Strategies
Leadership
Networking Strategy
Personal Branding
Professional Networking
Resume Review
Salary Negotiation
Skill Building
Work Experience
Assistant to Talent Manager
Country Music Association
June 2023 - June 2024
CMA Fest 2024 (June 6-9) at Music City Center (MCC) Fan Fair X & CMA Fest 2023 (June 8-11) at Music City Center (MCC) Fan Fair X and Nissan Stadium nightly concerts. Assignments: Press/Interview Room Check In, Media Check In and Artist Photography/Videographer Check In Live Events and Media Relations
Recruiter
The Walt Disney Company
May 2022 - Present
Hiring Manager
Full Cycle Lead Recruiter focused on Sales, L&D, Operations and more for Disney Experiences - DX (formerly DPEP). Currently lead recruiting for Disney Institute, Adventures and Expeditions (A&E) and backup for Disney Cruise Line (DCL), Disney Vacation Club (DVC) & Disneyland (DLR). Thought partner with org development and internal talent movement with HR & business leadership team (President, SVP, VP and Director levels). Revamped and streamlined early career recruitment programs, focusing on improving processes, ensuring consistency, and driving efficiency across key initiatives, including the Disney Signature Experiences Rotational Associate Program and Disneyland Resort Leadership Program. Led efforts in sourcing, recruiting, and closing candidates while prioritizing diversity and enhancing candidate conversion rates. Pay transparency advocate and passionate for pay equity and compensation practices overall. Led transition to Workday for DI/Nat Geo Live and audits job req creation including working with org management on company codes, remote vs hybrid, etc to ensure employees are hired correctly. Consultative approach to Recruiting and HR. Mentor junior recruiters on the team. Disney boomerang employee - previous experience at ABC Entertainment (TV), Radio Disney, Walt Disney Studios (Film), Marvel and Corporate. Client Relations, Program Management and +5 skills
Recruiting Manager
Warner Bros. Discovery
June 2021 - May 2022
Hiring Manager
Led and people managed a high-performing team of recruiters, supporting talent acquisition efforts across key business units including Ad Sales, Marketing/Partnerships, Distribution, and Revenue. Partnered with major brands such as HBOMax, CNN+, Turner Sports, Bleacher Report, Warner Bros., DC Entertainment, and HBO, among others. Extensive experience recruiting across a wide range of industries, including non-tech, tech, entertainment, streaming, SVOD, AVOD, OTT, and Connected TV. My team successfully sourced and placed candidates for roles across the US, Canada, Mexico, and EMEA. Collaborated with an executive sponsor to drive diversity initiatives across the Sports organization, ensuring a more inclusive recruitment process. Partnered closely with HRBPs and senior leadership (VP and above) to develop recruitment plans and strategies that align with organizational goals. Leveraged data-driven insights and metrics to track team performance, identify trends, and communicate results through compelling storytelling, driving informed decision-making and continuous improvement within the team.
HR Business Partner
Amazon
April 2021 - June 2021
Additionally, rotated into an HR Partner (Human Resources Business Partner) role within WW Prime-XCM HR, supporting Prime and Marketing teams for US populations. Acted as a frontline consultant to L4-L7 people managers and employees, providing expert HR guidance on people-related matters. Led critical initiatives, including managing India Covid travel restrictions and overseeing terminations and exits, ensuring a positive employee experience throughout.
Recruiter
Amazon
April 2020 - April 2021
Hiring Manager
Recruiter at Amazon Digital Entertainment (Media), specializing in non-tech talent acquisition for Business Development, Advertising, and Entertainment (BDAE). Supported key teams across Amazon Music (mobile), Podcasts, Audio/Creators, Display/ Programmatic Advertising, Amazon Live, Video Shopping Experience (VSE), and IMDb TV (OTT/ AVOD/streaming). Led non-tech recruiting efforts for the live audio start-up Amp (currently in Beta). Extensive experience recruiting for roles in partnerships, functional and product marketing, business development/ sales, creator/partner and artist relations, product management, content acquisition, production, and more. Managed direct relationships with business leaders and coached hiring managers on recruitment strategies, external marketplace insights, and scalable hiring processes. Consistently exceeded hiring goals, achieving 200%+ of quarterly targets, while integrating diversity best practices into sourcing efforts.
Adjunct Professor
Columbia College
May 2019 - Present
-Current Adjunct Faculty, Cinema and Television Arts for Columbia College Chicago (LA Program) -Professor for Internship Seminar Course at Raleigh Studios (Hollywood) - class size has ranged from 9 students to 25 students (undergraduate and graduate level students). Act as career coach for Students that are in their last semester and ready for entry level entertainment positions. University Teaching, Entertainment Industry and +3 skills
Talent Acquisition Manager / Global Diversity & Inclusion Recruiting Leader
December 2018 - June 2019
Hiring Manager
Diversity Recruiter/Partner focused on: • Tech roles across all offices in the United States for Youtube, Google, Google Cloud and more. • Worked with candidates from entry level through executive level / ensuring diverse talent was being highlighted across the organization • Led and participated in diversity focused events (on site and across the US) as well as presented best practices and recruitment tips/ process to better prepare candidates that were not familiar with how to interview at a Tech company. • sourced, prepped candidates, compensation and complex offers, closed candidates, hiring manager consultations and onboarding • Actively involved at Google LAX/PLV SoCal office for various on-campus programs and clubs (Women@Google Leadership Board, Talks@Google panelist & volunteer, 1/0 extended volunteer, Women Techmakers International Women's Day, etc)
Sr Technical Recruiter
January 2018 - December 2018
Hiring Manager
Noogler - supporting Google Cloud (Technical Solutions) & YouTube • Full cycle recruiter working on searches from sourcing all the way to closing a candidate • Supporting searches all across the United States including LA, New York, Chicago, DC, Atlanta, Austin, Kirkland/Seattle and SF • Understands technical skillsets, technical requirements, and using direct sourcing strategies to identify top technical talent in the areas of Data Engineering, Cloud, GCP, AWS, Azure, Unix/Linux, Full-Stack Web Development, NoSQL and SQL type databases, Client facings skills, Software Engineering (Java, Python, NodeJS, Angular), etc. • Partners with sourcers, application/channels reviewers and other internal partners to build strong pipelines (sourcing jams, brainstorming ideas, diversity outreach) • Consultative approach with Hiring Managers to build out recruitment strategies, partner for candidate assessment and overall business needs (worked with leadership at all levels including directly with Directors, Leads and above) • Direct communication with compensation and benefits team to work through tough searches • Recruits in a complex competitive technology environment/landscape • Actively involved at Google Austin for various on-campus programs and clubs (Women@Google, Holiday Party Planning, 1/0 extended volunteer, Women Techmakers International Women's Day, etc) Full Cycle Recruiter that focused on: • Strategic Cloud Engineers (SCEs) - Sunnyvale (SF), Atlanta (big data), Seattle/Kirkland, Irvine, Chicago, Austin, Reston, VA & New York • Cloud Application Engineers - Sunnyvale (SF), Kirkland/Seattle, Chicago & New York • Software Solutions Engineers (Application/ full-stack focused) for Google Cloud • Web Solutions Engineers, Content Tools (full-stack) for YouTube & WSE, Professional Services (full-stack) for Google Cloud • Various roles in Marketing, Video/Content, Sales and more - asked to help YouTube team during peak hiring
Career Coach
freelance
2016 - Present
• Entertainment Industry Career Coach • New Grad/Early Career Specialist • FAANG interview prep and mock interviews • Resume & Interviewing Expert I have 10+ years of Entertainment and Recruitment experience. I started my career in NYC (on the business side - marketing, pr & production) interning for such people as Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, ABC, NBC, Sony Pictures and more and finally made the move to Hollywood in 2008! In LA I worked in Public Relations and Talent for 4 years and have since moved on to recruit for entry to exec level talent on the Digital/TV/film studio/talent agency side. I love giving career advice and guidance on resumes, how to break in to the industry and how to make yourself stand out. I also have experience prepping candidates for interviews at FAANG and Tech companies. Look forward to connecting! *available for mock interviews, interview prep, resume reviews and basic career conversations*
Creative Recruiter
Walt Disney Studios
May 2014 - January 2018
Hiring Manager
• Full-cycle Recruiter for Walt Disney Studios, Disney Music Group (Burbank & Nashville), Walt Disney Animation Studios, DisneyToon Studios, Disney Theatrical Group (NY) and Marvel Studios (Atlanta & Burbank) - Hired 59 candidates for FY16 & 95 for FY17 with a blend of self-sourced, direct applicants & transters. • Recruiting areas: Media Partnerships, Franchise, Global Promotions, Special Events, Digital/Social Media, Finishing, Creative Print, Creative Advertising, Marketing, Publicity, Brand Marketing, International, Integrated Planning, Distribution (TV and Film), Home Entertainment, Music, Broadway/Theater, Touring, Retail Management/Customer Service, Asset Management, Casting, Production/ Development and Admin (career and growth assistants) • Full-cycle recruitment for non-exempt and exempt level positions which includes managing regs and searches - sourcing, candidate slates, compensation, negotiation, offers • One of the lead recruiters for Marketing & Production/Dev roles at Manager and below level, lead recruiter for creative roles at Marvel Studios (Film) • Partner with Hiring Mangers, HR Business Partner team and Compensation to gain industry and team knowledge and support/ background • Subject-matter expert (SME) in Creative, Marketing, Production/Development and Admin groups including working directly with SVP, EVP and President level executives for searches • Continuing to engage EA candidates for Marketing, Production/Dev roles and building a new Talent Community (pipeline) with this Admin population - also spearheaded the creation of a quarterly newsletter for this Talent Community • Assist with the referral network, temp placements and diversity/EA pipeline • Process and On-board Marvel Studios FT, Intern, Tech and Union Hires • Conducted competitive landscape research and talent mapping within the Studios/ Networks/Production Companies space for executive planning and creative roles/positions ***promoted from Talent Acquisition Specialist/coordinator
Human Resources Manager
Paradigm Talent Agency
May 2013 - May 2014
Hiring Manager
• Regionally sourced and placed qualified candidates for full time and internship opportunities for Beverly Hills, Nashville, TN, Austin, TX and Monterey, CA offices as well as for AM ONLY (EDM -Electronic Dance Music). Hired 90+ employees from 2013-2014 across all offices. • Acted as the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) for the Monterey, CA Music office and the AM ONLY music office in Hollywood, CA. Responded to employee issues and complaints in a timely fashion. Conducted New Hire Orientation and Exit Interviews for corporate non-exempt & exempt employees. • Assisted in developing a pilot summer internship program consisting of program management including creating a Mentor Series, Speaker Lunch Series and rotation program. • HR duties also included Payroll through ADP (ATS), Bonus Planning, Benefit Administration/ vendor management and event planning.
Recruiting Lead/Coordinator
Vanderbilt University
May 2012 - January 2013
Managed on-campus recruiting (this involves info sessions, interviews, job postings, catering, parking and more) Lead for the Law School Fair including logistics, recruitment, payment processing, etc - 39 out of the top 50 Law School attended. Wrote the 2012 Career Center Annual Report (http://www.vanderbilt.edu/career/media/pdf/ VCC2011-2012_AnnualReport.pdf) Vanderbilt Rep for UCAN (University Career Action Network), On-line Internship Job Board Knowledge of Symplicity - Managed DoreWays Job Postings website and troubleshoots with students, Alumni and employers Vanderbilt Rep for College to Career Fair with the Nashville Area Career Fairs Consortium that is a cooperative effort of colleges, universities, employers, and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Assisted with a Social Media plan including Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Publicist
Academy of Country Music
September 2008 - January 2011
• Wrote and edited press releases for Academy and Award Show and services them through MyEmma and PRnewswire • Member of the Radio, Marketing & Publicity Task Forces and helpd facilitate the Radio Off Camera Awards submissions and voting process; spearheads all radio promotions, works with vendors to approval materials • Logistics for the 2009 ACM Show press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and promo shoot & 2010 press announcement • Coordinated press line and press rooms for the 2009 & 2010 ACM Shows and TV Specials & non-televised event, ACM Honors • Primary contact for Price Is Right ACM Edition in 2009 & 2010, worked with CBS Daytime Programming, prize department, and Fremantle production to execute, booked Reba McEntire, Heidi Newfield, Blake Shelton, & Bomshel, wrote script
Talent Coordinator
E! Entertainment
January 2008 - May 2016
• Served as Assistant to the Talent booking department of ten people (TV, Film, Music, Specials, Live Events) • Talent wrangled and helped with prebooking for E! Live at the Red Carpet events including 2008 Award Season • Managed the RSVP screening list and the award screeners for executives, Daily 10 and E! News • Prepared expense reports, travel itineraries and assisted in the reforecast of the 2008 Talent department budget ($1 Million+) Then moved on the E! Live Events: • Served as Assistant to the Talent: Ryan Seacrest, Giuliana Rancic, celebrity guests and more during 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 • Serves as the lead for talent food orders and delivery of any special request on show days for 2014, 2015 & 2016 Award Seasons • Events include Emmys, Academy Awards/ Oscars, Grammys, BET Awards, SAG Awards & Golden Globes Awards
Katie Jo was also given offers to work at
NBCUniversal
CBS
Scripps News
Food Network
Martha Stewart
Sony
Sony Pictures Entertainment
TikTok
Meta (Facebook)
Meta (Facebook)
Education
UCLA Anderson School of Management
Human Resources Management Certificate
2013 - 2017
Grade: Graduated with distinction Activities and societies: Completed - March 2017 Courses: Elements of Human Resources Management Talent Acquisition HR Development Human Capital Management Benefits Compensation Programs Employee Relations and Legal Aspects of Human Resources Management Financial Aspects of HR Ethics for HR professionals HR Development - Learning & Development
Fordham University
BA, Communications/Media Studies and Business
2004 - 2007
Activities and societies: Campus Activities Board (CAB), Cultural Chair, 2004-2007, NACA Conference 2005 - Minneapolis, MN - FCLC Student Rep & Career Planning and Placement, Career Services Student Worker, 2005-2007, Res Life Student Worker, 2004-2005, FCLC Yearbook Editor, 2004-2005
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Katie Jo has helped Leland clients get into University of Central Florida
Katie Jo has helped clients get into these companies: