My Journey To Sky Sports Operations – #8: Jena Mihalovic (Operational Delivery Lead)

How It Started

What was your first ever job?

My first job in television was as a videographer/editor at a local news station in NYC – commonly called ‘photog’.  My job was to capture all the action then edit a package for our live shot. My friend and I were the first female ‘photogs’ at that station, and the numbers didn’t increase in the profession. I was moved into mostly sports coverage, so there I was – a female in the locker rooms and on the field with camera on my shoulder.  There were some fantastic women that paved the way for me in New York, and I was very fortunate to work with some of them on various events.

What brought you to Sky?

I was working for NFL Networks in Los Angeles and felt it was time for a change. I had applied to Sky in the past, so I thought, “Oh why not try again?  I was surprised when I got the call and was very nervous doing video interviews.  I landed in the UK on 18^th January 2016 and started the next day at Sky.

How has your role evolved over the years?

One thing I have learned at Sky – it is always changing.  I started as Technical Manager in the SPS Studio team of Technical Management. I was seconded to Sport to launch Sky Sports Racing, after that I was given a role in SPS as SPS Project Lead under Technical Innovation and Facilities. That has changed to Operational Delivery Lead as we became part of Sky Sports Operations.  So just a few changes in my 5 years at Sky – I am pretty sure I have had as many line managers as years here, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

What were your biggest professional challenges and how did you overcome them?

I would have to say that working the aftermath of 9/11 was my biggest professional challenge.  I was a freelance photographer in NYC at the time for local news crew – shooting and editing – for NBC, ABC and CNN. It was incredibly challenging, and yet wonderful memories of the city coming together.

Leading up to working at Sky, my greatest achievement was working with the team that launched SportsNet NY in 2006, a 24-hour sports channel that focused on Major League Baseball.  When I left that role, I started managing and organizing the crews, working as a field producer in remote operations. At the time, the New York Yankees were seen as “the big bad evil empire,” and we were championing the New York Mets, the loveable underdogs. It was a fantastic experience that taught me how much I thrive on change and enjoy the challenge of creating order from chaos. I have been extremely fortunate in my career to have worked with very talented people and been part of some incredible productions, but that first launch taught me so much about myself. 

How It's Going

What does your day to day work life look like?

Right now, lots of Microsoft Teams meetings. I can’t do my job without others and aside from spamming everyone with emails, Teams meetings are the way to keep moving things forward. I feel so grateful to be part of SPS/Sky Sports during this challenging time. I am very lucky that I work on fantastic projects like the English Football League’s remote production with insanely talented people. It’s so much fun.

What’s been your Sky Sports career highlight and why?

I would have to say the launch of the Sky Sports Racing channel. We had six months to bring a third party into Sky, working out of a brand-new automated gallery, with a deadline to go live to air on 1^st January – what could go wrong? I felt overwhelmed and like I was in over my head, but I had incredible support. (I have mentioned the insanely talented people, haven’t I?) It was stressful and exciting at the same time. I am so incredibly proud to be a part of that team.

What can you see yourself doing next?

Sitting on a warm beach in the sunshine with an umbrella drink in my hand – oh you mean at Sky? Something exciting and challenging! COVID has been such a disrupter and we have implemented so much change it has been a whirlwind. I am so happy to be on my team, we are still new in Sky age and I can’t wait to see what we do next.

How It Can Be Done

What are your top 3 tips for becoming an Operational Delivery Lead?

• Be curious about everything! About other people, how they got there, why, what is their passion? How things work, who does what, why is it done that way?
• Be Resilient. Build this up, find what makes you happy outside of work and cultivate that. I am really not a fan of running but I enjoy getting my friends out in fancy dress to claim a shiny medal.
• Be Kind. TV is a team sport, and we all need each other to make great television. A smile can go a long way when you are working crazy hours in weird conditions.

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

2020 was one crazy year, so maybe I’d leave out where we spent it at home in a global pandemic, but I would tell myself to stay strong because amazing things are coming your way! You are going to be part of some incredible events and stories. It won’t always be easy, but you are stronger than you think.