In this week’s installment of “Our People” we chat with one of our long standing Managers, Peter Papulkas about some of his highlights working here at MLSE over the past 10 years and what really keeps him coming back for more!
Peter celebrates 10 years with MLSE and still going strong!
To give us a better understanding of your world, take us through a day in the life of the Manager, Networks Production & Programming. “I start the morning discussions with my Director, Frank and we go through: planning, coverage of events, programming, outstanding and/or new challenges. Priority #1 is making sure that everyone has the information that they need to execute, ongoing communication is the key. I then discuss items with my teams who execute the day to day functions of editing, programming and production. There are many other departments we work with on a day to day basis so there are also discussions with Engineering, Master Control, Traffic, Sales, Marketing, Graphics and Digital (to name a few). ”
You are celebrating your 10th anniversary with MLSE this year, something that is not common in most companies these days (although not uncommon at MLSE). What is it about MLSE that has kept you so engaged in your work over these past years? “Opportunity, learning and challenges. I had mostly production and a little traffic experience when I came here to launch Leafs TV and what is now NBA TV Canada. I started as a Traffic Coordinator and found a passion for programming. Over the years I’ve been presented with a number of opportunities and when the opportunity came to add editing and production management, I seized it. Each day brings new challenges and although some can be more stressful than others I always enjoy coming to work each day. I’ve had great support from my Managers along the way and I’ve taken advantage of opportunities such as Training Camp, the MLSE golf tournament, and the teachings of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).”
You are an active member in MLSE’s Training Camp each season. Briefly tell us what Training Camp is all about. How do you feel you benefit from this program as a Manager and an employee at MLSE? “To move forward,
you must constantly be learning. It doesn’t end at school. The courses offered in Training Camp for our employees benefit everyone and are taught by our own internal leaders and experts. The opportunity to speak with the CEO or COO in a small group setting is open to everyone and that does not happen in many companies! Here at MLSE, the ELT is accessible and very supportive. In addition to Training Camp, the Manager Training program has been a great experience in that you work with your peers and are encouraged to discuss your successes & failures. You really start to learn that different departments often have similar problems and being able to bounce ideas off of peers and utilize best practices helps everyone. “
Just recently you took part in an “MLSE workout group” with a number of people from around the company. How did you get involved in this experience and what was it like? “I volunteered by responding to an email sent to the entire company, a simple question. I jumped at the opportunity because it gave me a chance to work with a diverse group of people from around our company to research a particular idea that may be included in our Strategic Business Plan. Together, in nine weeks, our group of six managed to research, meet with industry & business professionals and present our
recommendations to the ELT. The experience was great. Each member of the team contributed to the research in their own areas of experience and expertise, presented the deck and answered questions from the ELT.”
