USA, UCLA-NUS EMBA (Class of 2024/2025)
Jamyla Willer
Director
Paramount+ Program & Originals Marketing
Breaking Barriers: How Jamyla Willer is Leading the Future of Entertainment Marketing with the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA
As a seasoned marketing executive, she has led groundbreaking campaigns at NBCUniversal, Disney, and Paramount, crafting strategies that captivate global audiences and drive business growth. But despite a wealth of experience in brand storytelling, consumer engagement, and AI-driven marketing, she knew she needed to expand her business acumen if she wanted to elevate her leadership and influence in the industry,
That realization led her to pursue an Executive MBA from UCLA-NUS. This decision was a journey that would reshape her entire approach to brand strategy, innovation, and leadership.
“I’ve always believed in the power of continuous learning,” Jamyla says. “My experience in entertainment marketing gave me deep expertise in audience engagement, but I wanted to sharpen my ability to make strategic decisions beyond marketing—especially in finance, operations, and corporate governance.” This belief in continuous learning has been a driving force in her career, and she encourages others to embrace it as well.
Through the EMBA program, Jamyla gained a global perspective on business and refined her skills in market expansion, resource allocation, and long-term brand growth strategies. Today, she applies this holistic leadership approach to everything from franchise management to AI integration, ensuring that marketing initiatives align with overarching corporate objectives.
Expanding Strategic Leadership in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
With the entertainment industry facing seismic shifts—from the rise of streaming to AI-driven content strategies—Jamyla understood the importance of developing a cross-functional, data-driven approach to leadership.
“The UCLA-NUS EMBA program gave me an entirely new lens on business,” she explains. “I collaborated with executives across industries like finance, tech, and consulting, which forced me to think beyond marketing and approach leadership from a more strategic, operational perspective.”
This broadened perspective has been critical in helping her navigate the evolving media landscape, where corporate governance, financial sustainability, and technological innovation are just as important as creative excellence. The program also reinforced that outstanding leadership isn’t just about expertise—it’s about adaptability, strategic foresight, and the ability to synthesise diverse viewpoints to drive sustainable growth.
“In entertainment, we tend to focus on creativity and audience engagement,” she says. “But the EMBA reinforced that long-term success is about more than just innovation—it’s about making data-driven decisions, optimising operational efficiencies, and ensuring that marketing strategies are aligned with the company’s overall business goals.”
Harnessing AI and Innovation to Shape the Future of Marketing
As AI continues to reshape the marketing landscape, Jamyla is a pioneer at integrating emerging technologies into brand strategy. The UCLA-NUS EMBA program deepened her understanding of AI-driven analytics, automation, and personalisation. The program gave her the tools to anticipate shifting consumer behaviors rather than simply reacting to trends.
“The program helped me see AI not as a disruption, but as an opportunity,” she clarifies. “It’s changing how we understand consumer engagement, how we personalise content, and even how we optimise marketing spend. My approach to brand strategy has evolved to be far more data-backed and predictive, rather than just relying on intuition.”
By combining creative storytelling with AI-driven insights, Jamyla is developing marketing strategies that are more adaptive, personalised, and impactful than ever before.
Beyond her contributions to the entertainment industry, Jamyla is deeply committed to mentorship, diversity, and inclusion. She has long advocated for women in leadership, mentoring Big Brothers Big Sisters, co-chairing the Women’s Network and Black Employee Network at NBCUniversal, and serving on the City Hearts: Kids Say Yes to the Arts board. This nonprofit provides arts education to underserved youth.
“I’ve always been passionate about creating pathways for women and underrepresented talent,” she says. “The UCLA-NUS EMBA reinforced that diversity isn’t just about representation—it’s about leadership, decision-making, and ensuring that DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) is embedded into corporate governance and business strategy.” This emphasis on diversity in leadership is a key takeaway from her EMBA experience.
Through the EMBA, Jamyla gained a global network of executives who challenged her thinking on how companies can implement more inclusive leadership models. She also explored how AI and emerging technologies can reinforce systemic biases or be leveraged to advance equity in hiring, marketing, and leadership development.
Now, post-EMBA, she is focused on moving beyond advocacy and driving systemic change. Whether through her work with industry boards, leadership development programs, or corporate advisory roles, she is determined to foster an environment where diverse voices don’t just have a seat at the table—they shape the future of business.
Balancing an EMBA with a High-Powered Career
Juggling an Executive MBA while leading global marketing initiatives was no small feat. Still, Jamyla credits her support system, strategic time management, and an unshakable sense of purpose for helping her succeed.
“Balancing an EMBA with an already demanding career was one of my life’s toughest but most rewarding experiences,” she shares. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my husband, Brandon, and family. They reminded me of the bigger picture, celebrated my milestones, and encouraged me through the long nights of studying and travel.”
This journey deepened her appreciation for the power of mentorship, partnership, and community. Now, she is committed to supporting other women navigating ambitious career goals, helping them realise that they don’t have to do it alone.
Advice for Women Considering an Executive MBA
For women in entertainment and marketing considering an Executive MBA, Jamyla has one clear message: go for it.
“There’s never a ‘perfect time’ to do something like this,” she expresses. “If you wait for the ideal moment, it will never come. The investment in yourself will pay off in ways you can’t even imagine.”
She encourages women to embrace the challenge, step outside their industries, and build a strong support network.
“One of the most valuable aspects of the UCLA-NUS program is exposure to leaders from industries you’d never otherwise interact with,” she explains. “That diversity of thought will push you to see challenges differently, make more data-driven decisions, and approach leadership with a broader, more holistic lens.”
Ultimately, she believes an Executive MBA isn’t just about career growth or getting another certification. “It’s about reshaping how you lead, think, and create impact in your industry and beyond,” she states.
Final thoughts
Jamyla Willer’s experience with the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA illustrates how education can expand leadership capabilities, enhance strategic thinking, and build connections beyond industries. With an elevated business mindset, a data-driven approach to innovation, and a deep commitment to diversity and mentorship, she is shaping the future of entertainment marketing and executive leadership.
Her story is a powerful example of what’s possible with the right tools and network for women who want to break barriers, elevate their careers, and drive meaningful change.
Like Jamyla, are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Learn more about the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA today.