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In this episode, co-hosts Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff sit down with Tom Blomquist, an award-winning screenwriter, producer, director, and author whose work has shaped some of television’s most iconic shows. From Walker Texas Ranger and The A-Team to Hunter, Farscape, Swamp Thing, and Christy, Tom has had a hand in creating stories that millions of viewers know and love.
Beyond television, Tom has directed music videos, produced documentaries, and written four books, including his novels Poster Boys, Silent Partners, and Devious Thinking, as well as the acclaimed textbook Eye of the Storm: Directing for Film, Television & Emerging Media. His directing textbook is even recommended in the Disney/ABC Directors Guild Directing Program.
Tom is also a dedicated educator. He has taught screenwriting at the American Film Institute Conservatory, USC, Chapman University, and UCLA, and served as Professor of Film and Television Production at California State University, Long Beach, where he earned the title of Professor Emeritus. His passion for storytelling and mentorship extends internationally, having twice been a Visiting Artist in Hamburg, Germany.
In this conversation, Tom takes us behind the curtain of Hollywood and television leadership—sharing what it’s like to manage creative teams, navigate the pressures of network television, and balance artistry with deadlines and budgets. He also dives into his writing journey, the crossover between leadership in entertainment and other industries, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience, collaboration, and creativity.
You’ll learn:
- What it takes to become an executive producer in Hollywood
- How leadership challenges in entertainment mirror those in business and government
- Why storytelling is central to influence and impact
- How to lead creative teams under immense pressure
- The role of teaching and mentorship in building future leaders
Whether you’re a leader in business, education, or the arts, this episode will inspire you to think differently about leadership and the power of story.
Tune in as Tom Blomquist brings his incredible journey from Hollywood soundstages to classrooms—and now to The Dirty Side of Leadership
Co-hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff
Sponsor: 4Ward Operations
Producer: Stephen Ridley
Facebook Group Administrator: Cassy Roop
Where leadership meets entertainment! This weekly podcast takes both a humorous and intense look at leadership through impactful stories, answers to listener questions, and breakdowns of dirty lessons from Ron's best selling book, "The Dirty Side of Leadership".
Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com
Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com
1 hr and 19 mins