Bela Bajaria calls her firing the greatest learning lesson

Bela Bajaria, Netflix's chief content officer, spoke at the CNBC's 2025 Changemakers Summit in Los Angeles, where she reflected on her past experiences, particularly a significant setback in her career. Prior to her current role, Bajaria served five years as president of Universal Television, where she made notable accomplishments, including collaborating with high-profile creators. However, she faced a challenging situation when she was fired from her position, which led to an extended period of self-reflection and personal struggle. In the initial months following her termination, Bajaria found it difficult to separate her personal identity from her professional life. She grappled with doubts regarding the value of her hard work and questioned if her efforts had any real impact in her industry. This feeling was exacerbated by the stigma surrounding failure, particularly for women in leadership roles, where societal expectations often pressure them to maintain a façade of perfection. Despite the difficulties she endured after being dismissed, Bajaria eventually recognized the worth of her professional relationships and the positive influence she had established. As offers for new opportunities began pouring in, she realized that her previous experiences and the way she treated others truly mattered. Bajaria came to understand that the support she received was a testament to her actions during her career, reinforcing her belief in the importance of resilience and personal integrity. Reflecting on her journey now, nearly a decade after her firing, she expressed gratitude for the experience, acknowledging the growth and learning that came from it. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the valuable lessons that can emerge from failure. Bajaria concluded that overcoming obstacles such as being fired can actually be liberating and empowering, providing new perspectives and opportunities for personal and professional growth.