Podcast Summary
Sesame Workshop's mission to help children grow: Sesame Workshop, led by CEO Steve, focuses on early childhood development beyond academics, using media and tech to reach children at scale and make a positive impact.
Sesame Workshop, led by CEO Steve, is a global media education organization with a mission to help children grow stronger, smarter, and kinder. They focus on early childhood development, not just academics but also social-emotional learning, positive identity, and emotional well-being. They use media and technology to reach children at scale in an engaging way and make a positive impact on their lives. Gary Vee was excited to have Steve on the show as he discovered the significant influence of Sesame Street's DNA on his intellectual property, VeeFriends. The conversation between them was extensive due to their shared passion for positivity, creativity, and making a difference in the world.
Sesame CEO reflects on the organization's past impact and future potential: The CEO of Sesame, with a personal connection to the organization's history, sees the potential for continued impact through media innovation and adaptation to modern distribution channels.
The CEO of Sesame, who grew up with the organization during its inception in the late 60s, recognizes the profound impact Sesame Street had on him personally and the vast reach it had during that time. However, with the fragmentation of media and the rise of streaming and CTV, the landscape for content distribution has drastically changed. Despite this, the CEO remains optimistic about Sesame's role in education and believes his expertise in media and engagement can bring even more impact to the organization. He sees the potential to harness the power of media to educate and entertain, especially in a smaller organization where he can have a greater impact on both the organization and the world.
Sesame Street's profound impact on people's lives: Working for Sesame Street can change lives, reaching beyond entertainment and academics to touch individuals and communities globally.
Working for a well-known brand like Sesame Street can have a profound impact on people's lives, far beyond what one might initially anticipate. The speaker, who started at Viacom as a business school graduate from Stanford, was surprised by the number of people around the world who learned English from Sesame or were touched by its representation and validation of diversity. These experiences went beyond the academic exploration of ideas he enjoyed in school and shaped his perspective on making a difference in the real world. When sharing his job with others, he often received immediate, personal stories of how Sesame Street had impacted them. The brand's reach and influence extended far beyond the entertainment industry and had a lasting impact on individuals and communities.
Navigating children's media and education evolution: Stay true to original mission, adapt to new tech, engage diverse audiences, address relevant issues, and leverage multiple platforms for success in the evolving children's media and education landscape
The evolution of children's media and education, as exemplified by the journey of a pioneering brand, involves staying true to the founders' original mission while adapting to new technologies and societal issues. The founders' North Star Concepts, such as focusing on early childhood development and leveraging media and technology, have taken on new meanings in the digital age. To reach today's diverse and fragmented audiences, companies must be present on multiple platforms, including linear television, streaming services, social media, and educational institutions. Engaging content, addressing relevant issues, and effective audience reach are key drivers of success in this ever-changing landscape. The transformation from one-to-many broadcasting to one-to-few or even one-to-one interactions offers exciting opportunities for meaningful connections with children.
Adapting to meet consumer needs and utilizing available technologies: Succeeding in business and communication requires adaptability, innovation, and partnerships. Strive for 72% right instead of perfection.
Adaptability and innovation are key to delivering impact, especially during times of change. The speaker shares how their organization, Sesame Workshop, has successfully adapted to reach Syrian refugee children and families through WhatsApp, constantly evolving their playbook to meet consumer needs and utilizing available technologies. Additionally, partnerships have played a crucial role in their success, allowing them to reach audiences, secure funding, and build their brand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they transformed their approach, recognizing the immediate need for engagement and shifting to remote production, even if it meant falling short of their usual high standards. The speaker emphasizes that in business and communication, striving for 72% right can be just as valuable as aiming for perfection.
Responding to crises with trust and relevance: Sesame Workshop effectively addressed crises by staying true to their essence, expanding reach, and staying relevant through timely responses and partnerships.
During times of crisis, trust and relevance are key for brands. Sesame Workshop, known for its educational content for kids and families, responded to various crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd's death, by addressing heavier issues and providing support through town halls and specials. This approach not only stayed true to their essence but also expanded their reach and distribution. The brand's trustworthiness and timely responses allowed them to meet the moment and connect with their audience in new ways. Additionally, the ebb and flow of popular characters, such as Elmo, Big Bird, and Oscar, has evolved over the years, reflecting generational shifts and staying relevant through partnerships and celebrity appearances.
Balancing core cast and secondary characters: Striking a balance between a focused core cast and engaging secondary characters across various platforms enhances audience engagement and extends the reach of media projects.
The success of a media project, whether it's a TV show or a children's program, lies in striking the right balance between a focused core cast and the ability to engage with secondary characters across various platforms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, shows like Ted Lasso and Sesame Street saw increased consumption, with characters like Roy Kent and Oscar the Grouch resonating with different generations. While keeping the core audience in mind, expanding the scope of characters on secondary platforms allows for more interaction and fan engagement. Shows like Sesame Street have a vast array of beloved characters, from Big Bird and Elmo to lesser-known ones like Snuffy and Hugo. Internal debates about character preference and potential fragmentation are common, but research and a multi-platform approach can help maintain focus while maximizing engagement. Ultimately, the depth and breadth of the work put into creating these media projects often go unnoticed by audiences, but they are crucial to the enduring appeal of these beloved shows.
Mission-driven organization prioritizing early childhood education for vulnerable children: Sesame Workshop, a media company known for Sesame Street, prioritizes early childhood education for vulnerable kids globally, combining media with direct services to ensure no generation is lost.
Sesame Workshop, known for creating educational content through shows like Sesame Street, is not just a media company but a mission-driven organization prioritizing early childhood education for vulnerable children around the world. They are currently working in crisis regions such as Syria, Bangladesh, and Latin America, combining media with direct services to ensure no generation is lost. The importance of early childhood education is emphasized, as it has a lifetime impact and can prevent other forces from filling the void. Partnerships are crucial, and everyone can contribute to their cause by helping reach their audience or elevating their brand. The fragmentation of attention presents an opportunity for deeper character development and engagement. Overall, Sesame Workshop's mission is to serve all kids and make a significant impact on their future.
