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Published on October 17, 2007

 People who know anything about Charlotte Donavanik, the CEO of television production company Media of Medias, know that she can be described as a "wonder woman". Last week her first book, "It's Me … Charlotte Donavanik", which extensively details her personal life, was launched by Nation Books.

"I hope the book will be more valuable to readers beyond just telling them about my personal life", she says.

Donavanik says that she wouldn't have had any spare time to sit down and complete the book had she not been struck down with illness. Forced to take time off from her day job at Media of Medias to convalesce for a month in hospital, she turned her attention to writing. Her fans needn't worry though - Donavanik is now fully recovered from her illness and back in the fray.

Past entries on her CV show evidence of an expertise in banking: she had a stint as the executive vice-president of the Bank of Ayudhya. Now Donavanik has shifted into the exciting world of entertainment with her job at Media of Medias.

Her many admirers were out in force at the book launch. Unusual for such an event, the crowds packed in, made up mostly of friends, family and colleagues. "I've never spotted so many CEOs together in one place," was an oft-heard remark.

Even friends from kindergarten, says Donavanik, attended the book launch, milling with those from her time at Materdei School and Thammasat and Kasetsart universities.  Chums she'd picked up from the world of work showed up, too: PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Citibank, Ayudhya Securities, the Bank of Ayudhya and Media of Medias were all represented. Friendship, it was obvious, has been key to Donavanik's success.

She enjoyed sharing the new perspective she discovered in her time at the Bank of Ayudhya.

"I had an idea that the bank could play a part in the lifestyle of customers. I began looking at the entertainment industry, and started to introduce entertainment activities into banking events", she says. Her perspective involves integrating knowledge from different spheres to bring new ideas to the working world, something she explains in the book.

"I write about all sorts of things from the point of view of a working woman. I touch on everything from bringing up a son, the need for patience at work, and optimism, to marketing and banking, media relations, and the entertainment world."

"I want to share my whole life and experience, so I've included many elements in the book."

Her attitude towards work has evolved over the years. "I had more of a intense working style when I was with foreign companies. But my character changed when I joined a Thai banking company, as I had to adapt to a different work culture."

"I always think I am simply an employee, and work hard at what I'm given to do. I've been lucky to have had so many opportunities to handle interesting projects. Perhaps it's because I never turn down a chance. I always do my best to make sure things work out."

At Media of Medias, she's turned her focus to television and forms of new media and is relishing being a newcomer in the entertainment business.

"I believe in strategic alliances, and the ability to learn from experiences. Collaborating with media partners allows us all to attain the same goals."

Vipasai Niyamabha

 The Nation