Jennifer Polyzotis is an amazing 32-year-old woman with the drive and tenacity of a twentysomething. As a producer of live action television shows for kids, the Burning Man Regional Contact for Toronto, and a part of the programming team for TEDXToronto, Jennifer is able to take her passions to new heights in roles that compliment her varied skills. Find out more about this awesome Young Professional in today’s YPDaily.
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I produce live action kids television shows with networks like National Geographic Kids, Discovery Kids, TVO Kids and Treehouse TV. I’ve traveled around the world for a global travel series called Are We There Yet: World Adventure, worked with talented artists like The Barenaked Ladies, Sam Roberts, Bedouin Sound Clash, 54-40, and Randy Bachman on a preschool exercise series called Roll Play, and am currently working on a playground building series called Giver.
I also work as the Burning Man Regional Contact for Toronto, helping to plan and execute events throughout the year and educate people about the principles that guide Burning Man. I am also on the programming team for the TEDxToronto conference helping to source amazing people doing incredible things in the GTA.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started working in reality television and got an opportunity to switch to children’s programming through a friend and haven’t looked back. I love it because it allows me to be incredibly creative and to work on shows that really inspire kids.
Do you plan on starting your own company in the same industry one day?
This is always a possibility as I have some great ideas for shows but we’ll see; I’m having too much fun right now.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is having our creative meetings where I can share my ideas for episodes and then make them a reality. When I’m given a difficult product, service or person to source and have a day or less to secure it is where the challenges come into play.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Healthy, happy and maybe in Europe…
What does success look like to you?
Doing what engages you the most and laughing on a daily basis. If you can achieve that, then nothing else matters.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Being promoted to full creative producer and traveling the world filming an amazing travel show for kids.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Go to networking events often and talk to people about things that interest you. If you are passionate about something it will come out in conversation and people notice.
Be tenacious, it pays off.
Contact companies or people you are interested in working with and request an information interview and prepare a list of questions to ask in the meeting. I have found people are generally open to sharing knowledge about the companies and industries they work in.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support Kiva, Oxfam, Kickstarter (Burning Man art projects), and Because I Am A Girl. It’s important to give back by donating funds or time to projects or causes you believe in. Lewis Hyde said that, “In a Market Economy the highest status belongs to those who have acquired the most. In a Gift Economy, the highest status belongs to those who have given the most.”
I believe that one of the most valuable treasures in life is giving without the expectation of something in return.
What is Notable to you?
A place to network and meet interesting people with something to say.