My Journey To Sky Production Services – #15: Megan Johnston (Senior Partnerships Manager)

How It Started

What was your first ever job?

My first job ever was working in a hairdresser’s when I was about 13. I would wash hair, sweep up hair, wash brushes, and discretely alert the manager to any child I was washing that had nits. My first ever job in TV was for Applause Store, an audience management company, and I travelled around the UK with them filling seats on shows like BGT and X-Factor, which was infinitely more fun than rinsing out perms! It wasn’t without its challenges, the days were long and often outside in wintery weather, but I was young and full of beans, and I absolutely loved it.

What brought you to SPS and how long have you worked here?

Most of my “proper” career has been in telly, and I’d had my eye on Sky for ages as somewhere brilliant to work – the best man from my wedding works here, my Dad works here (hi Dad), and I’m Isleworth born and bred so Sky has always seemed like the holy grail of workplaces. I applied for all sorts of things before finding my current role through a chance conversation, which seemed like the perfect fit for my skillset and what I enjoy. I’ve now worked at SPS for 15 months.

Is your role the same now as the day you joined?

The day I joined we were just entering the COVID pandemic (I started in March ’20), so those first few days in the office were exciting and then we moved to work from home, where I have been ever since. I am looking forward to the day that I can come back to site and properly meet the teams from all over the business that I have been working with for over a year, but in most cases never met in real life.

What was your biggest professional challenge and what was your greatest achievement?

I think my biggest professional challenge was pre-Sky when I took on a Facilities Director role that involved traveling to New York to work at a post house there, and bringing that facility in line with the UK partner post house in terms of workflows, practise, training, and consistency of offering. It was much harder than I thought, and I’d never done anything like it before, but I was so proud of myself for boarding the plane and getting on with it! My greatest achievement was putting some things in place that helped both facilities, and I came away feeling like things were in great shape.

How It’s Going

What does your day to day work life look like?

I’m really enjoying my job because every day is different. Some days might be drafting up quotes to win work for Studios and Post Production, some days might be writing entries to awards to recognise our amazing people and technology, some days are more meeting heavy and I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to showcase SPS both internally within the business, and externally to partners in the industry.

What’s been your SPS career highlight and why?

The highlight for me so far has been winning recognition for our amazing SPS and Sky Sports people. One of our team in SPS Post won the 'Young Talent of the Year' category at the Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards in 2020, and every time something I enter ends up on a shortlist or as a winner, I get such a buzz. We’re always working so hard, innovating, creating, delivering, and moving swiftly on to the next thing – and I think getting recognition for these amazing projects and top people is valuable and a great way to stop and realise what we’re doing daily is special.

What can you see yourself doing next?

Oh, loads of sleepless nights, grey hairs, and exhaustion, probably some stress… But that’s because I’m having a baby in a couple of months! Jobwise, I love my role and have no plans to move on anytime soon – I finally feel like I’ve found the right place for me. There is dizzying opportunity within Sky and loads of freedom in my role to work where I am needed, so I really think I’m just going to enjoy the ride.

How It Can Be Done

What are your top 3 tips for becoming a Senior Partnerships Manager?

• Keep an open mind because every conversation is an opportunity in waiting.
• Ask questions always.
• Network, network, network.

What would you tell your 16-year-old self?

You’re having a tough time right now, but grit your teeth, hold your head up high and push on because great things are coming your way. Nurture that little spark that makes you who you are. And for God’s sake start applying SPF.