Amid all the other things she has to view some 1,500 shows and counting to feed 130 million TV-hungry members Cindy Holland still fields the occasional video from water-skiers, asking her to evaluate their form. Now Netflixs Vice President of Original Content, Holland was once, incredibly, a high-level, competitive water-skier (yes, its a thing) who lived for a time in Florida to train and amassed a devoted following of students. That they think nothing of asking one of the most powerful people in entertainment to give feedback on their deep-water start technique says more about Holland than any streak of impertinence in the water-skiing community. Its fun, Holland says, laughing. I like to be in the service of others.
Though she controls a multibillion-dollar budget and can make or break careers with one word at a pitch meeting, Holland, 49, is no slick Hollywood politician. Stanford-educated but Nebraska-born-and-raised, she is direct and forthright, more apt to listen than talk. She views her role as that of nurturer, not power broker. Im all about helping creators get the best of their vision, she says. People know me to be straightforward. I try to be very clear and give a fast answer. Theres a real trust and simplicity that comes from that, like we have the same agenda.
Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson Navigate a Devastating Divorce in 'Marriage Story' TrailerWatch Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, T.I. Judge Cypher Battle in 'Rhythm + Flow'The Strange Birth and Near Death of Weezer25 Songs That Are Truly Terrifying
Even without the water sports detour, Hollands path to Hollywood was far from predestined. Growing up in rural Nebraska in the Eighties, her home was surrounded by cornfields. Her family didnt have cable; the nearest multiplex was a 20-minute drive. Movies and TV didnt loom large books did. (Kurt Vonneguts Cats Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five were early favorites.) Her self-confidence stems from her parents insistence that she and her sister could do anything they wanted. Her sure-footed leadership and calm under pressure were forged through more challenging circumstances: her mothers struggles with alcoholism and mental illness. I sort of grew up and became a very serious person at a relatively young age, Holland says. I became incredibly attuned to the states of others and how you can quickly solve problems and be helpful.
Underneath that unflappable exterior, the competitive athlete lurks. Netflix scored an industry-best 112 Emmy nominations last year and a winner of three Oscars in Roma. And despite some criticism of the companys rapid expansion, Holland has no intention of scaling back. If our goal is for every person on the planet to enjoy content from Netflix, we need to be programming a whole lot, she says. There are 300 million people regularly coming to the service looking for something to watch. As for a marker of personal success, Holland says, Im not sure Ive found it yet. Call me in a few years and Ill tell you.