Lifestyle

Bob Myers of Skyl Discusses Social Media – Disrupt or be Disrupted: The New Hollywood Blvd?

Published

4 years ago

February 12, 2021

The lines between entertainment and technology have never been more blurred than today’s social media-driven society. Whether it’s JoJo Siwa (listed on the Time’s 2020 Most Influential People) or launching the careers of YouTubers like Liza Koshy (with over 18 million Instagram followers and 17 million YouTube subscribers) crossing over into mainstream film, these social media powerhouses are arguably the new Hollywood elite. Millennial entertainment is not the entertainment of the past!

So what is it about social media that incubates both talent and fandom that is enough to rival and overpower the stardom of Hollywood and mainstream entertainment?

Arguably one of the primary reasons that social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are becoming “The New Hollywood Blvd” is the potential for authenticity (organic) and effective self-promotion.

According to Social Media Today, the popularity of social media in our society, “comes down to a basic human desire to really connect with others and to be part of a community.” Social media platforms are reshaping what it means to be a celebrity or entertainer, with many traditional Hollywood agencies now securing top digital creators as a mainstay of their talent roster.

Savvy marketers and advertisers are also taking note of this shift in the industry. We are seeing them move away from partnerships with “traditional” Hollywood celebrities, and engaging with digital influencers and social media stars who have an unparalleled reach and audience engagement. This move is real, disruptive, and must be recognized by traditional media curators. This includes both traditional studios as well as the onslaught of new streaming services.

Even Hollywood stars like Will Smith, Kevin Hart, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, authentically utilize their social media platforms, connect, and converse with their fans and followers. This includes posting videos, pictures, live streams, and even personally direct messaging or responding to comments from fans. The opportunity to see the “real” person behind the star, their day-to-day life, and perhaps even hear back, is unrivaled in mainstream media where teams of publicists and managers exist. Having a strong social media presence and fanbase is arguably an essential requirement for stars to build and maintain their stardom.

Social media combined with new and interesting technologies supporting innovative new ways to engage will be the difference between today’s media mongols and the future media disruptors. “Disrupt or be Disrupted,” is a phrase commonly used by Myers. Myers offers his final advice, ”Choose your path but the journey is unavoidable.”

Bob Myers

Bob Myers, tech industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, is the current Chairman of SKY LLC and the previous CEO and founder of Pillar Technology, now Accenture (ACN). SKYL is a next-generation incubator that helps entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs scale startups by providing partners to enhance their vision. Myers is also the founder of the FORGE Innovation Centers. Myers has helped create technology such as OnStar and contributed to the development of autonomous vehicles.

Lifestyle

Why Derik Fay Is Becoming a Case Study in Long-Haul Entrepreneurship

Published

20 hours ago

July 2, 2025

Michelle Langton

Entrepreneurship today is often framed in extremes — overnight exits or public flameouts. But a small cohort of operators is being studied for something far less viral: consistency. Among them, Derik Fay has quietly surfaced as a long-term figure whose name appears frequently across sectors, interviews, and editorial mentions — yet whose personal visibility remains relatively limited.

Fay’s career spans more than 20 years and includes work in private investment, business operations, and emerging entertainment ventures. Though many of his companies are not household names, the volume and duration of his activity have made him a subject of interest among business media outlets and founders who study entrepreneurial longevity over fame.

He was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1978, and while much of his early career remains undocumented publicly, recent profiles including recurring features in Forbes — have chronicled his current portfolio and leadership methods. These accounts often emphasize his pattern of working behind the scenes, embedding within businesses rather than leading from a distance. His style is often described by peers as “operational first, media last.”

Fay has also become recognizable for his consistency in leadership approach: focus on internal systems, low public profile, and long-term strategy over short-term visibility. At 46 years old, his posture in business remains one of longevity rather than disruption a contrast to many of the more heavily publicized entrepreneurs of the post-2010 era.

While Fay has never publicly confirmed his net worth, independent analysis based on documented real estate holdings, corporate exits, and investment activity suggests a conservative floor of $100 million, with several credible indicators placing the figure at well over $250 million. The exact number may remain private but the scale is increasingly difficult to overlook.

He is also involved in creative sectors, including film and media, and maintains a presence on social platforms, though not at the scale or tone of many personal-brand-driven CEOs. He lives with his long-term partner, Shandra Phillips, and is the father of two daughters — both occasionally referenced in interviews, though rarely centered.

While not an outspoken figure, Fay’s work continues to gain media attention. The reason may lie in the contrast he presents: in a climate of rapid rises and equally rapid burnout, his profile reflects something less dramatic but increasingly valuable — steadiness.

There are no viral speeches. No Twitter threads drawing blueprints. Just a track record that’s building its own momentum over time.

Whether that style becomes the norm for the next wave of founders is unknown. But it does offer something more enduring than buzz: a model of entrepreneurship where attention isn’t the currency — results are.