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Thank you to the 1,400 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 questions!
I hope reading
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Jonno White
7 Questions with Michael Dutcher
7 Questions with Michael Dutcher
Name: Michael Dutcher
Current title: CEO/co-founder
Current organisation: bspoketv
Prior to bspoketv, Mr. Dutcher was the Executive VP in charge of content acquisitions. Under his leadership WhereverTV negotiated distribution agreements with NBC/Universal, Scripps, A&E, and many more.
Prior to WhereverTV, Mr. Dutcher was founder/managing partner of Strategic Revolution a leading full-service digital marketing consultancy focused on leveraging social platforms to further client’s overall sales and marketing initiatives. Strategic Revolutions clients range from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.
Mr. Dutcher was the COO/GM of Dim Mak while at Dim Mak Mr. Dutcher was responsible for forming a joint venture with Downtown Music/Universal Music, creating Dim Mak Music Publishing, Dim Mak Collection, Dim Mak Concert Promotions, Dim Mak Branding and Dim Mak Radio underwritten by Microsoft. While at Dim Mak Mr. Dutcher assisted major brands such as Diesel, BMP/Over America, 55DSL, KREW, Plantronics, Zune, ScanDisk, Microsoft and others on how to market successfully into the 18-34 year old demographic. Dim Mak Records is recognized as the worldwide leader in dance music with artists such as MSTRKRFT, Armand Van Helden, The Bloody Beetroots, Steve Aoki, Motor, Bloc Party, The Kills and more. Under Mr. Dutcher’s tenure Dim Mak grew from an independent record label into a fully integrated media/branding company.
Mr. Dutcher was a co-founder of MeTV Networks, Inc., an Over The Top (OTT) IPTV network, he worked with all of the major film companies, cable networks, and television networks. During his tenure Mr. Dutcher was involved with the creation of the IP distribution window for full length feature films that had a wide theatrical release and home television agreements. Further Mr. Dutcher created a methodology that allowed MeTV to be first to market with standard television channels such as E!, style, Ovation and the like to be delivered over OTT; exactly like cable or satellite providers. He has substantial experience in the acquisition and implementation of content into established and new entertainment distribution systems.
1. What have you found most challenging as a leader of a small or medium enterprise?
Finding people that can do the job and, just as importantly, fit in with our culture. We are an open and inclusive company.
2. How did you become a leader of an SME? Can you please briefly tell the story?
I have spent the last 20 years in the place where media, entertainment, and technology come together. During this time, I have been involved with a few different companies in leadership positions.
When co-founding bspoketv my skills and understanding of the current and vision for the television landscape fit my experience and understanding of the industry.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
I start my day at 5 AM with meditation and exercise, then I read and return emails, check Slack to see if our team has any issues I need to address immediately.
I then spend the rest of the day working on the issues of the day.
I have dinner around 7 pm and in bed by 9 or 10 PM, unless I have a call then it's anyone's guess.
4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?
Give your people the autonomy they need to excel.
5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?
Getting Things Done - it allows me to put things in a trusted system so I am not worried about open loops all day.
6. How do you build leadership capacity in an SME?
experience and a good group of advisors.
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader of an SME so far?
Building the team we have at bspoketv is the most meaningful accomplishment as a leader.
