'What unique insights can I bring?' Former HBO executive Susan Ennis on how she approaches GLG consultations.

Susan Ennis is a leading media strategist. During her 36 years at HBO, she helped the company transform from a premium cable channel, with shows like The Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Game of Thrones, to a digital streaming powerhouse. She became a GLG Network Member in 2019 soon after leaving HBO, where she held the title of EVP of Programming Strategy and Planning. Her expertise has been especially sought after as media players navigate today's streaming wars.

We recently spoke with Susan to learn more about her experience as a GLG Network Member.  

What do you find rewarding about being a part of the GLG Network? 

I have been impressed from the beginning with GLG clients. They come to consultations prepared with challenging questions and are well informed about HBO and other media companies. They look to me for my unique perspective from having been in the industry for many years and to help them interpret their research. 

The streaming world is a natural outgrowth of what I did at HBO, and since then, streaming has become the dominant media platform. My consulting and strategy work keeps me current with trends in the digital landscape, and working with GLG and their clients demands that I remain informed of the most up-to-date developments.

What value do you provide GLG clients that they can’t find anywhere else? 

GLG clients have access to most of everything I see and read. They’ve done their homework. They look to me for my interpretation from having spent many years in the industry and how I see things in the context of historical trends. I approach consultations from this angle: what unique insights can I bring given my background as a media executive and my tenure at HBO? This broader perspective is necessary to winnow out what merely looks new from what actually is new in the industry.

It’s that interpretation and the ability to understand the deeper meaning of new developments that I bring GLG’s clients. In addition, I'm able to add color – like the nuances that distinguish one producer from another and one network from another – which can have major implications down the line.

How do you prepare for GLG Project calls? 

In a sense, I am always prepared for GLG project calls. If there are specific questions that are shared in advance, I will do some specific, related research. My work demands that I’m up to date on everything in the media sector: the players, who’s going where, quarterly reports, ratings of key shows, the trends of the big awards, and opinion pieces.  

GLG’s Network Members are at the heart of our work. Their insights help GLG clients act with confidence and clarity – driving key decisions that accelerate the global economy. Our Network Member profiles help you learn more about the experience working with GLG clients.

Apply today to become a GLG Network Member.