Name: Seana Sullivan
Age: 37
Job Title: Sr. Director, Public Relations & Social Media
Company: Roku
Years in the Industry: 15
Education: University of California, Santa Cruz
Dealerscope’s 40 Under 40 Honoree 2021
Describe your current role.
I get to lead global consumer public relations for Roku where I work with the members of the press to tell stories about our products, the Roku OS and experiences available on the platform. I help define product strategy and positioning, as well as the broader company narratives.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
It’s been a tough year and a half for most people, but my Number One goal has been to be an authentic and transparent leader with my team and the organization broadly. I believe that being human and helping people understand they aren’t alone in their struggles is a critical way to keep laughter, authenticity, human connection, and motivation going during an unprecedented year.
What do you like best about you job?
The people. Hard stop. I have great colleagues at Roku and I love cultivating relationships with press — people I’ve known for more than a decade, while also building new relationships. I get my energy from others so I’m looking forward to being back in an office environment.
What technology are you most excited about at the moment?
I’m fascinated with the wireless audio technology that we’re developing and putting into Roku TVs and Roku Streambars so people can create affordable but premium home theaters that are super easy to set up. I have two systems at my house and love seeing them getting adopted by friends and family.
Who in the CE or technology industry do you look up to, and why?
I really admire strong women in consumer tech, like Laura Miele at EA. The gaming industry had a growth year, similar to streaming, but growing teams and driving the business forward in a virtual world takes a special kind of leadership. She’s shared her experience and purpose with media lately, and I found it really compelling.
What career advice would you give to people just getting started in the CE or technology industry?
Speak up. Be ready to pivot any time. And remember that in making other people shine, you will, too.
What, in your opinion, is necessary for the CE/technology industry to thrive in the next five years?
I believe it’s critical to think customer first and focus on innovating to solve problems versus innovating for innovation’s sake. Finding ways to make people’s lives a little easier is always going to add value.
