Class of 2024 Presents: Živa Cotman, Sr. Director of Creative Production

Živa Cotman has been an invaluable part of Celtra’s talent for over 12 years, ever since her student days. Today, she’s the Senior Director of Celtra’s Creative Production, leading a team of industry experts that offer consulting and creative execution support for Celtra’s Creative Automation clients. 

A competitive skier in her teenage years, Živa learned the importance of the right mindset and team spirit early. Always “the organizer” friend, she utilizes the qualities she’s nurtured in her personal life in her career. What motivates her these days – both on and off the job? What advice does she have for industry newcomers? What does she think makes Celtra different? Get her answers in this edition of Class of 2024.

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

Questions that start with “What is your favorite…” give me anxiety. I do not like to rank things, as I believe the scoreboard changes based on the context and time. Unless you ask me about my favorite animal, then that would be an orca. They are just badass in all contexts.

Q: What were your main interests before you started your professional journey, and how did those influence your career?

I competed in skiing for eight years, which was my primary focus until I turned 15. Despite being an individual sport, skiing taught me valuable lessons about team spirit. I learned the importance of personal responsibility and ownership of performance while also understanding how collaboration and encouragement among teammates can enhance each individual’s abilities. The sense of belonging and team spirit can be incredibly motivating during challenging times, a mindset that continues to influence my professional life today.

Additionally, I often take on the role of the “organizer” within my group of friends, a role that comes naturally to me. I joke about my affinity for management-themed video games like The Sims, RollerCoaster Tycoon, Zoo Tycoon, and Hospital Tycoon, but this interest in strategic management and organization reflects the skills I now utilize in my professional career.

Q: What aspect of your position at Celtra do you love the most?

The dynamic and fast-paced nature of our work is exhilarating, but what truly sustains my energy and motivation after all these years is the team. Working alongside a group of people whom I deeply admire and from whom I continue to learn is incredibly inspiring. It is this collective drive and mutual respect that fuels my passion for our work.

Q: What valuable bit of advice could you share for someone starting a career in Creative Production?

Be grateful for all the constructive feedback you receive, even if it challenges your ego. Embrace it as an opportunity for growth, as it is one of the greatest gifts for personal and professional development.

Q: What do you do for fun, and how do you challenge yourself outside of work?

I enjoy reading, running, hiking, traveling, and discovering new interests that nourish my soul, such as taking piano lessons and attending sommelier classes. I cherish small family moments, like bedtime talks with my two girls. The biggest challenge is balancing all these activities while managing everyday tasks like grocery shopping and keeping dentist appointments.

Q: What has been the most rewarding achievement during your time with Celtra?

There have been many moments of celebration at the company, team, and individual levels. It’s difficult to pinpoint the greatest achievement so far, as I believe the biggest is still yet to come.

Q: What sets Celtra apart from the rest of the competition?

I believe our team is deeply committed to our mission and our product. We are passionate about our client’s success and dedicated to fostering creativity.

If you’re interested in learning more about life at Celtra, check out our Content Hub for more company culture blogs.