We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Coughlan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about myself, especially what truly makes me happy. Early in my career, I was completely focused on the grind: work hard now, reward myself later. But like many people, the pandemic shifted my perspective. I started prioritizing travel, new experiences, and, most importantly, spending time with the people who matter most.

It’s been incredibly fulfilling to actually enjoy the fruits of my labor while I can. Life is short, and I feel incredibly fortunate to work for a company that genuinely values the personal lives of its employees. Things like unlimited PTO and the flexibility to handle personal appointments during the week, not just weekends…..really make a difference. That kind of support makes it easier to find a healthy, sustainable balance between work and life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got my start in television with no prior knowledge of the industry, just a lot of passion and a willingness to learn. I was fortunate to work under the guidance of incredibly talented producers early on, especially Eric Schotz, one of the greatest producers and business owners I’ve had the privilege of working with. He took the time to teach me, to let me try, fail, and grow. That kind of mentorship shaped my foundation and gave me the confidence to carve out my own path in operations.

Over the past 10+ years, I’ve grown into a strategic operations and workplace leader, overseeing everything from office expansions and vendor negotiations to company-wide culture initiatives and budget management. I’ve worked at the intersection of people and process, balancing the logistical challenges of scaling fast-paced production companies with the human side of the workplace. At Boardwalk Pictures, I led the expansion into four unique locations, introduced new technologies and workflows, and collaborated across departments to meet evolving business needs.

It hasn’t always been easy. Working in entertainment means navigating intense personalities, tight deadlines, and constant change. But I thrive in that fast-paced environment. I love building systems that support creative work, making sure the back end runs smoothly so teams can focus on what they do best.

What sets me apart is that I approach operations with empathy. I don’t just look at spreadsheets and policies, I think about how decisions impact real people. I care about team culture, wellness, and making work better for everyone.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need to know everything to get started. You just need drive, good people around you, and the humility to keep learning. That mindset has shaped my career and continues to guide me today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I grew up in Los Angeles, so when friends visit, I go all out. I’d start by giving them the full LA experience, from the mountains to the beach, and everything in between.

We’d venture into West Hollywood for the energy, and some of the best people-watching you’ll find anywhere. Then we’d head up to Malibu for a day of sunshine, and scenic drive along PCH. I’d definitely carve out time for sushi in the Valley.

Dinner at La Boheme in West Hollywood
Day at Disneyland
Drinks at Élephante
And a lazy Sunday brunch at Lovi’s Deli in Calabasas.

This city is always moving, always evolving, and I love showing people the unexpected pockets of LA that make it so special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout is dedicated to two incredible women: my mom, Sheryl Coughlan, and my aunt, Janet Levine.

Both have been grounding forces in my life from day one. I’ve been fortunate to grow up surrounded by strong, passionate, driven women, and these two have shaped so much of who I am today.

They taught me the value of hard work, how to stand up for what you believe in, how to pursue success with integrity, and most importantly, how to enjoy the journey along the way. Their support and example have guided me through every chapter of my life, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonrobert21/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrc92/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jcoughlan92/

Image Credits
These are my images

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