Michael Rosen, CRO - Origin Media

In this episode of The Seat, host Ray Erickson sits down with Michael Rosen, Chief Revenue Officer at Origin Media, for an honest conversation about leadership, mentorship, and what it really takes to build and scale high-performing teams. Michael shares his journey across media, marketing, and sales leadership roles, from early career lessons to executive leadership, highlighting the mentors who shaped his path, the importance of empathy, and the balance between accountability and care. He unpacks how trust, vulnerability, and perspective-driven leadership create stronger organizations and better outcomes. Whether you’re an aspiring sales leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation offers practical insights on leading through change, empowering teams, and growing as a leader while staying grounded. Key Themes & Topics Discussed The role of mentorship in long-term career growth Leading with empathy without sacrificing accountability Building trust and psychological safety within teams Navigating organizational change and uncertainty Developing leaders by encouraging initiative and perspective Why vulnerability and honesty strengthen leadership credibility Lessons learned from scaling teams across media and tech Key Takeaways Mentorship plays a critical role at every stage of a career Empathy is a leadership strength, not a weakness Trust and open communication drive better team performance Continuous learning is essential for long-term growth Great leaders empower others rather than control outcomes Notable Quotes “I think mentorship comes in three flavors.” “I want you to come with a perspective.” “Leadership is about caring deeply and being honest.”