Susan Rovner: How Resilience, Change, and Independence Lead to Growth & Success
The experiences that shape your life rarely stay confined to childhood, and the lessons you learn through adversity often influence every major decision that follows. You’re about to dig into a conversation that explores how resilience, independence, and a willingness to embrace change can shape a meaningful career, strong relationships, and a lasting impact on the people around you.
On this episode of Right For The Role, John Frank Levey is joined by Susan Rovner to talk about the moments that shaped her path from a determined young woman navigating her parents' divorce to one of the most respected television executives in Hollywood. Together, they explore how listening before speaking, trusting your instincts, and embracing calculated risks can open doors to opportunities that may never have been part of your original plan.
The conversation also offers an inside look at the creative side of the television industry, examining how honest feedback, thoughtful leadership, and genuine collaboration help writers, actors, and producers do their best work. From giving constructive notes to navigating difficult career decisions, these stories reveal how respect and empathy can strengthen creative partnerships and build lasting professional relationships.
You’ll also get an up-close look at the rapidly growing world of the micro series and the new opportunities it’s creating for storytellers and performers. It also reflects on lifelong learning, career reinvention, mentorship, and why continuing to discover the roles that align with your strengths can create a more fulfilling personal and professional life.
Key Takeaways
Childhood experiences can shape confidence, resilience, and long-term career decisions
Listening first often leads to stronger leadership, better communication, and more effective collaboration
Honest feedback and mutual respect help creative professionals produce stronger work and build lasting relationships
Navigating career changes, embracing new opportunities, and making decisions that align with your values is imperative to self-evolution
The growing world of micro series is creating new opportunities for actors, writers, producers, and emerging storytellers
Connect:
Connect with Susan’s companies on Instagram: Aha Studios and aTwist
Check out AHA Studios website
Check out aTwist’s website
Click here to order a signed copy of John's memoir, Right for the Role.
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to my producers, Trudi Roth of It’s the TruStory and Jason Cercone of Bombtrack Media. (Jason is also our editor.)
We’re also grateful to Jonathan Medina and Jennifer Lee Laks for allowing us to use their studio space.
You can also enjoy the Right for the Role podcast on the following platforms: