From Kitchen Heat to Executive Suites How Ron Billings Blended Passion, Purpose, and Operations to Rise as a Digital Media Leader
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
When the world stood still in 2020, Ron Billings faced a decision that would not only alter the course of his career but redefine his purpose. The COVID-19 pandemic turned the hospitality industry on its head, forcing restaurants, including the one where Ron worked, to shut their doors indefinitely. For Ron, the pandemic wasn't just a professional disruption; it was a personal crossroads.
One evening, like many others across the industry, he received a call from the chef—operations were halting for what was initially expected to be two weeks. Those two weeks stretched into over four months. When the restaurant eventually reopened, the uncertainty that hovered over every service was suffocating. Compounded by the fact that his mother was battling incurable cancer and her immune system was severely compromised, Ron could no longer ignore the weight of his fears. Prioritizing his family and peace of mind over the only career he had known, he made the courageous decision to pivot away from the culinary world and carve a new path.
That leap of faith would eventually lead him to the digital media space, where today, he serves as the dynamic Chief Operating Officer for both She Rises Studios and FENIX TV—two fast-growing platforms championing empowerment, innovation, and storytelling on a global scale.
Lessons from the Kitchen and the Corner Office
Ron credits his years in the culinary trenches, particularly at Beauty & Essex, for shaping his leadership ethos. In an environment where over 14 chefs collaborated—each with their own culinary philosophy, work style, and temperament—Ron learned the art of adaptability, communication, and empathy.
“It taught me how to adjust, how to lead with flexibility, and how to respect individual strengths,” he reflects. These lessons now form the bedrock of his leadership style, allowing him to manage diverse teams and projects with grace and precision.
His time as a Walgreens retail manager also provided valuable insights. Managing employees from all walks of life during high-pressure situations taught Ron the virtues of patience and empathy. “You never know what someone is going through. You can't assume everyone has the same knowledge or experiences as you,” he explains. Today, as COO, he leads from a place of humility, fostering an environment where learning, growth, and mutual respect are core pillars.
An Unexpected Ascent
Ron’s rapid rise within She Rises Studios and FENIX TV wasn’t accidental. It was a blend of relentless work ethic, agility, and a natural ability to view situations from multiple angles. “I’ve always believed in giving 100% to anything I do,” he says. That dedication, coupled with his knack for absorbing information quickly and pivoting effortlessly, positioned him as an invaluable asset to the organization.
His ascent wasn’t without moments of doubt, however. While Ron had always been confident managing his own tasks, stepping into an executive leadership role felt like a different universe. “I kept feeling called to contribute on a bigger level, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready,” he admits.
That changed when an unexpected affirmation arrived. Someone he wasn’t particularly close with reached out to share they had always seen leadership potential in him. “That message gave me the validation I didn’t know I needed,” Ron recalls. It was the spark that propelled him fully into his purpose-driven leadership journey.
The Balancing Act of Creativity and Operations
At the heart of Ron’s role as COO is the delicate dance of balancing creativity with operational excellence.
He approaches operations through a systems lens—prioritizing efficiency, clarity, and consistency—while also ensuring that creativity remains the lifeblood of the brands.
“I see myself as the bridge between vision and execution,” Ron says. He creates frameworks that support, rather than stifle, creative expression, ensuring the company’s bold ideas are brought to life while staying on track with business goals.
Leading with Values and Purpose
Integrity, growth, transparency, and respect are more than buzzwords for Ron—they are the compass guiding his every decision. He believes in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, in staying open to continuous evolution, and in fostering trust through honest communication.
These values not only shape his leadership approach but serve as the foundation for the cultures he is building within She Rises Studios and FENIX TV—cultures where empowerment and innovation are not just spoken but lived daily.
Scaling for Impact
With two rapidly expanding platforms under his stewardship, Ron is clear-eyed about the challenges and responsibilities that come with growth. “I don’t have all the answers, and I’m the first to admit that,” he says with humility. Instead, he leans into collaboration, the visionary leadership of CEO Hanna Olivas and Adriana Luna Carlos—his own mother and sister—and the strength of their team.
Their shared mission keeps them anchored. “Empowerment and innovation are at the heart of everything we do,” he says. Whether scaling infrastructure, launching new shows, or expanding global reach, Ron ensures that their platforms never lose sight of their purpose: to inspire, uplift, and transform.
Advice for Career Changers
For those contemplating a bold pivot, Ron’s advice is simple but profound: Follow your passions and trust your instincts. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just take the first step,” he urges. By staying open to learning and willing to adapt, the right path will often reveal itself.
His own journey—from the heat of the kitchen to the strategic boardrooms of digital media—is proof that reinvention is possible at any stage.
Fueling the Future
Looking ahead, Ron is energized by the limitless possibilities of FENIX TV and She Rises Studios. “We’re not just building platforms; we’re building movements,” he says with passion. The opportunity to create real impact, amplify underrepresented voices, and spark change across communities and industries fuels him daily.
For Ron Billings, what started as an uncertain pivot in the midst of a global pandemic has transformed into a purposeful mission. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the courage to start over, and the belief that true leadership is less about titles and more about the impact you create along the way.
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