Grit, Dependability Prove a Winning Combination

A positive attitude and a can-do demeanor are what Anna Ruiz Schavone (Advertising ’88) claims moved her from entry level jobs at Telemundo to her current position as local sales manager for KNBC-Channel 4.

“I am the first Telemundo employee to move to the NBC side of the business versus NBC employees moving to Telemundo,” she explained. Telemundo was purchased by NBC three years ago, and NBC just purchased Universal Pictures last year, thus NBC Universal. GE is the parent company.

With five employees reporting to her now, her team is responsible for all advertising revenue billed locally. This includes some of the station’s major initiatives, such as the Olympics, the National Football League and the Los Angeles Marathon in March.

Ruiz started at Telemundo and worked her way up from account executive to general sales manager in 14 years. She said, “This is where I earned my stripes. The one best thing I learned at Cal State was to be realistic. Explore your options – and don’t be afraid to start anywhere. Pay your dues.”

Her resume chronicles a host of “most successful,” “highest billings,” and “greatest growth.” She said promotions come with a series of parameters, one being the ability to increase revenue goals every year and another having the ability to lead and improve the employee base.

This is where some of her additional leadership training came into play. She said the opportunity to enlist outside management training and motivational speakers afforded her the ability to influence and mentor her sales teams. Another asset she possesses is consistency. “It’s important to demonstrate constant upward progress,” she said.

Her managers have noted her drive and her pluck. One manager wrote about her: “Anna is a team leader with a strong presence in the Hispanic community. She adapts positively to change and has the desire, passion and work ethic to go far in this company. She is a hard worker and goes the extra mile to achieve success for the company.”

Ruiz lives in Fullerton with her husband, Loren Schavone, a communications student, and their three sons: Morgan, 8, and twins Marc and Matthew, 4. She said when she started, married life and children were a priority. But, “If you want a career, you need to set a focus. You have to be willing to move. The better employees have lived in several media markets.”

Well, according to her, that’s over now. She’s settled. To the question on her employee assessment form, “Are you willing to relocate inside your present country?” she indicated, “No.” In fact, she wrote, “I will continue to develop my leadership and strategic planning skills as I strive for the next management level – a GSM position.” Yes, “Anna is rated a Top Performer” – as one manager wrote.