How Diya Sagar Balances Creativity and Finance at AWA Studios
Diya Sagar, the CFO of AWA Studios, has a unique approach to finance. She doesn't see her role as just about numbers and control. Instead, she focuses on supporting creativity and helping artists and storytellers. This is not typical for a CFO, but it works well for AWA Studios, a company that values creativity above all else.
A Diverse Background
Sagar's background is quite diverse. She grew up in five different countries and has worked in various roles, from investment banking to media production. This experience gives her a broad perspective and helps her understand the needs of both investors and creative teams.
The Journey Begins
Her journey started with a part-time job at a cinema, which sparked her interest in media. She studied economics, which taught her to think about systems and incentives. Later, she pursued an MBA at Yale, where she learned from renowned investors and executives. This mix of experiences shaped her unique approach to finance.
AWA Studios: A Creative Powerhouse
AWA Studios is a young company that creates graphic novels and develops them into films and TV shows. It's a challenging industry, dominated by big players. But AWA has an advantage: it's small and can move quickly. It also has strong investor backing, which helps it compete.
Supporting Creativity, Not Controlling It
As a CFO, Sagar's role is to support creativity, not control it. She listens to the team's ideas and finds ways to make them work financially. She also encourages employees to take ownership of their ideas, which helps retain talent.
Technology and Innovation
Technology plays a big role at AWA. It uses AI and advanced tools to streamline finance tasks and extend storytelling beyond print. This helps the company stay innovative and competitive.
Managing Unpredictability
Success in this industry is unpredictable. AWA's revenue can be lumpy, but Sagar manages it with a long-term view. She focuses on the "hit rate," or the proportion of stories that break through in Hollywood. This approach requires patience and strategic capital allocation.
Balancing Work and Life
Sagar believes in maintaining a balance between work and personal life. She carves out time for deep thinking and protects her personal time. Outside of work, she even takes art classes to connect with AWA's creative output.
The Future of the CFO Role
Looking ahead, Sagar sees the CFO role expanding. She advises the next generation of financial leaders to collaborate rather than control. In a world where finance intersects with creativity and technology, this approach is key.
