by Laura Frustaci

Prior to Hulu, Paez held leadership roles at Fox Broadcasting Company and Yahoo! Inc., and began her career in New York at global agency BSMG Worldwide (now Weber Shandwick). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Harvard University, recently completed her Masters in Business Administration at Oxford’s Said Business School and sits on the Board of Women in Film Los Angeles.

Gaude Paez AB ‘96 has had a long and incredible career as an executive and Senior Vice President at companies like Hulu, Fox, and currently, Riot Games. We sat down with Gaude to talk about all things exec: her career journey from start to finish, along with some of her best pieces of advice for those interested in the biz.

The most pressing question, of course, was what exactly brought her to where she is today? “I’d love to say that I had some grand plan when I graduated from Harvard and that I’ve strategically engineered my career into what it is today, but that would be a huge lie!” Gaude laughs. “I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after college – I just knew that I enjoyed writing – so I moved to New York and took the first assistant job I could land that might allow me to make a living using my writing skills. That job happened to be at a communications/PR agency… and I’ve been in that field ever since.  So I feel very fortunate to have found a line of work that I was passionate about early on in my life.” You don’t hear that too often! 

From there, Gaude worked her way up with one very keen ideology: put yourself out there. “The most important moments throughout my career journey so far have been the ones in which I just put myself out there, even if I wasn’t sure I would succeed,” she explains. “For example, as an assistant, there was one afternoon when I’d overheard one of our account managers talking about how he had way too much work to do for one of his new clients. I decided to just take a stab at a few of the things he might need… I figured, “What do I have to lose?”  And it paid off – he liked my work and immediately made me a member of his core account team. That was my ‘graduation’ from administrative work.” Not many people would have been gutsy enough to do something like that– I hope readers are taking notes!

Now, a few years later, she’s pivoted over to the gaming industry, something she had little knowledge of before joining Riot Games. Gaude says, “Not only was the Corporate Affairs scope of the role broader than the oversight I’d had in the past, but it was at a video game company – an industry I didn’t know well at all… I worried, could I make an impact at a company even if I’m not a hard-core gamer? Two years in, I’m loving it and am really energized about the potential in this space. But if you’d asked me 20 years ago, I never would have predicted this is where I would be.”

Gaude joined Riot Games in the midst of the pandemic, and now, a little over two years later, there has definitely been a shift in industry trends and ideas. One thing Gaude hopes will continue on moving forward in the media space is the uptick in “really cool explorations with virtual entertainment and sporting events... Whether it’s concerts in Fortnite or a global premiere like the one we did for Arcane, there could emerge some pretty interesting ways of engaging fans really deeply on a global level that didn’t exist prior to the pandemic."

Snooping around Gaude’s LinkedIn profile, you’ll see that she astutely describes herself as a “strategic storyteller” -- I asked her what, exactly, that meant to her. “It’s the job of any communications pro to help tell a great story, whether that’s about a person, a company, a production, an industry, etc” she explains. “And if you work for a global company like I do, there are probably hundreds of really cool little stories you can tell about it… But for a story to have real impact and value to the company and brand, it must connect back to its core strategy. What is it trying to achieve? Who does it want to be to its customers? What, if anything, does it want to stand for? Those are the types of considerations I try to zone in on when crafting a narrative – so that each of the beats builds toward something much larger.”

The two mantras she brings with her to work every day that feed her success? Stay calm and be decisive. “As a communications practitioner, I am often dealing with PR crises or highly intense internal employee situations, and the best thing you can do to lead an executive team or a company through those instances is provide that sense of calm and steadiness amidst the chaos and have conviction in your recommended strategy.”

With such a history of great accomplishment, did Gaude feel like there’s ever been a time she made a mistake that taught her something valuable? “I don’t think there’s any one mistake I’d highlight, but in general, I think the times in my career when I’ve made the wrong call have been times when I’ve lost sight of the bigger picture… I’ve learned in those cases that it’s important to always take a few minutes to step back and try to objectively evaluate whether you’re actually addressing the goal.” On the flip side, something Gaude is proud of that she’s accomplished: “The moments in which I’ve been able to provide guidance or mentorship to younger professionals,” she reflects. “I was fortunate to have great mentors as I was coming up in my career, and I feel a sense of responsibility to pay that forward. Some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as a leader have been times when I’ve had the opportunity to counsel or coach team members or mentor folks outside of my team. I love meeting with younger colleagues and often learn a lot from those conversations myself.” Read on for more of Gaude’s advice below!

Jumping back to the very beginning of Gaude’s career, we asked how her time at Harvard may have had an impact. She had this to say in response: “Harvard was the place where I learned to think critically and understand through our coursework that there isn’t always a “correct” or “incorrect” answer to every problem. I also think that going through an experience like Harvard helped me dig deeper into figuring out who I am and what I’m good at. When you’re around so many brilliant people, you can no longer hang onto your old high school identity as ‘the smart one.’ You have to really get to know more about what you bring to the table and what your superpower is. And understanding that has really helped me make decisions about my career over the course of the past 20 years.”

Gaude had some excellent advice for young, aspiring executives: “Work hard. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but I really do believe that working really hard to hone your craft is what can differentiate good from great. Bring a point of view. If you have been given a seat at the table, you’re there because someone believes you have a unique point of view. Don’t be afraid to share it! Ask questions: No matter how far along in your career you are, there are always going to be times when you feel lost or don’t understand something. Ask away! No one expects you to know everything just because you’re an exec. If you are excited about a job opportunity, just go for it: A lot of folks (especially us ladies) look at opportunities and focus on the experience and skills we DON’T have. If you believe you could be great at a role, throw your hat in the ring – even if you don’t check off every box in the job description. The worst thing that can happen is you won’t be chosen, and that’s okay.” 

In her free time, Gaude enjoys hiking with her husband and two German shepherds (named Sammy and Luna), spending time with family, reading, and doing yoga. She also tells us she’s just finished the latest season of Fauda. “So, if anyone wants to share thoughts on the season finale, hit me up!” Gaude concludes.

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Laura Frustaci ('21) is an NYC-based actor and writer. She recently completed a yearlong Harvard Postgraduate Traveling fellowship in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she wrote her first full-length play. While at Harvard, Laura studied English and performed with the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the HRDC, On Thin Ice, and  the American Repertory Theater.

NBC has placed a series order for The Irrational, written and executive produced by Mark Goffman (MPP ‘94)! The drama follows a world-renowned professor of behavioral science as he lends his expertise to an array of high-stakes cases.

According to the Post and Courier, “If a nonfiction book has ever been written that qualifies as a hilarious tragedy, ‘Profiles in Ignorance’ is that book.” The book by Andy Borowitz (AB ‘80) has gained effusive praise since its release.

The Board of Directors for AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. has elected Denise “Dee” Clark and Keri Putnam (AB ‘87) to serve as Directors of the Company as of January 1st! Congratulations Keri!

“This will be a pop art Dracula.” So says Nic Cage about his Andy Warhol-inspired portrayal of Dracula in the upcoming film Renfield, which is directed by Chris McKay and produced by David Alpert (AB ‘97)! The film releases on April 14, 2023.

Oscar and Tony-nominated Ruth Negga has been tapped to star opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in Presumed Innocent, Apple TV+’s upcoming limited series executive produced by Dustin Thomason (AB ‘98)!

Bonnie Raitt (RAD ‘72), just nominated for 4 Grammys including Song of the Year, is featured on Rolling Stone’s list of the 200 greatest singers of all time! According to the article, “her sly, world-weary tone…is just as full of good times and good humor as downhearted blues.”

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) kicks off the new year with the regional premiere comedy Grand Horizons by award-winning playwright Bess Wohl (AB ‘96)! It's out with the old and in with the new (sort of) in this raucous story about a senior couple's divorce.

Benedict Cumberbatch is in talks to star in the upcoming Netflix limited Series Eric from Abi Morgan. Jane Featherstone, Lucy Dyke, and Carolyn Strauss (AB ‘85) of Sister will also executive produce, with Lucy Forbes directing.

Austin critics have announced the five best Austin films of 2022 - including ‘There, There’ by Andrew Bujalski (AB ‘98)! The article states that the film “[expands] the concept of the Zoom movie beyond the lockdown into a unique inquiry into the spaces between us.”

Award-winning actor, producer and CEO Tracee Ellis Ross has teamed up with Eddie Murphy for the holiday comedy Candy Cane Lane, which is directed by Reginald Hudlin (AB ‘83)!

Congratulations to Justin Hurwitz (AB ‘08) for winning best original score for Babylon, directed by Damien Chazelle (AB ‘07), at this year’s Golden Globes! Hurwitz is now four-for-four at the Globes working on Chazelle films exclusively.

AMC Networks’ untitled Walking Dead spinoff series has entered pre-production! Danai Gurira, one of the leads of the series, confirmed the news in an Instagram post. The series is produced by David Alpert (AB ‘97)!

FX has announced that the third season of Dave, the Dave Burd comedy series executive produced by Marty Bowen (AB ‘91) and created and executive produced by Jeff Schaffer (AB ‘91), will debut Wednesday, April 5 at 10 pm ET/PT on FXX and stream the next day on Hulu!

Ryan Murphy’s American Story spinoff American Sports Story is “heading toward production.” Executive produced by Marshall Lewy (AB ‘99), it is a scripted anthological limited series focusing and re-examining prominent events involving sports figures.

Netflix has released the official trailer for True Spirit, the upcoming coming-of-age drama produced by Debra Martin Chase (JD ‘81) that details how real-life Australian teenager Jessica Watson became the world’s youngest person to sail the world solo.

Josh Lieb (AB ‘94) has been nominated for a WGA award for his work on Hell of a Week with Charlamagne Tha God on Comedy Central! Congratulations Josh!

This year, SXSW will open with Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, an adaptation of the popular RPG directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (JD ‘95)!

Paul Mescal is in negotiations to star in Gladiator 2, with Ridley Scott returning to the directing chair. Scott will also produce, along with Scott Free President Michael Pruss and Doug Wick & Lucy Fisher (AB ‘71) via Red Wagon Entertainment!

Jack Cutmore-Scott (AB ‘10) has been tapped to star opposite Kelsey Grammer in Frasier, Paramount+’s sequel series to the classic NBC sitcom! Cutmore-Scott will play Frasier Crane’s son Freddy. Congratulations Jack!

Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey and Sam Waterston are toplining Tyler Perry’s Six Triple Eight, the true story of the only all-black, all-female World War II battalion that proved key to the American war effort. The cast also includes Dean Norris (AB ‘85)!

Peacock has picked up a second season of the comedy series Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin, in which Adam Devine reprises his role from the Pitch Perfect movie franchise. Megan Amram (AB ‘10) is the showrunner for the series!

The first official photo for Netflix’s forthcoming We Have a Ghost has been revealed (via Empire), providing the first look at David Harbour and Anthony Mackie’s characters. The project hails from director Christopher Landon and producer Marty Bowen (AB ‘91)!

Debra Martin Chase (JD ‘81) is among those that have been named special honorees at the 2023 Black Reel Awards, which celebrate the “excellence of African Americans and the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora in the global film industry!”

Britt Music & Art Festival announced Pink Martini featuring China Forbes (AB ‘92) will perform during the annual Best of Britt event in August! The performance is happening on August 24 at the Britt Pavilion in Jacksonville. It begins at 5 p.m.

Ido Samuel and Lihi Kornowski are the latest to join Hulu Originals limited series We Were The Lucky Ones in recurring roles. The series is led by Joey King and Logan Lerman and is executive produced and written by Erica Lipez (AB ‘05)!

Tatyana Ali (AB ‘02), who played Ashley Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air from 1990 to 1996, has joined the cast of the Peacock reboot Bel-Air! In the series’ upcoming second season, Ali will recur as Mrs. Hughes, the middle school English teacher.

James Wan’s Atomic Monster has teamed with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios on Concrete Jungle, an urban nature docuseries. Terence Carter (AB ‘01) and Sahara Bushue will produce the project for Westbrook Studios.

Sullivan Jones and Lisa Gilroy have been cast as leads opposite Jimmy O. Yang in Interior Chinatown from creator/executive producer Charles Yu, Taika Waititi and 20th Television. Dan Lin (MBA ‘99), Lindsey Liberatore, and Elsie Choi will EP for Rideback!

Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello (AB ‘86) and Måneskin team up for their new single ‘GOSSIP’! The music video, which depicts the Italian rockers performing behind a glass wall, compliments the bare-all nature of the track and has a cameo from Morello.

The premiere of HBO’s The Last of Us, executive produced by Carolyn Strauss (AB ‘85), drew 4.7 million viewers, the second biggest premiere episode for HBO since 2010’s Boardwalk Empire.

Jennifer Garner (Alias) is returning to television in a gripping new mystery series, The Last Thing He Told Me, based on the #1 New York Times bestselling novel by Laura Dave. The series is co-created by Josh Singer (MBA ‘00, JD ‘01)!

In April, Yo-Yo Ma (AB ‘76, DMU ‘91) will be in Louisville for a five-day immersive residency with the Louisville Orchestra, with performances at the Kentucky Center’s Whitney Hall on April 27 and at the Mammoth Cave National Park on April 29!

Natalie Portman (AB ‘03) is set to narrate James Cameron's Secrets of the Elephants documentary, the latest in the ground-breaking and award-winning Secrets Of series helmed by James Cameron! It will premiere this coming April.

Apple Original Films has released a new trailer for the upcoming film Sharper starring Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Brianna Middleton, Darren Goldstein and John Lithgow (AB ‘67, ARD ‘05)!

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