Ellen Mahloy: A Leader In Streaming TV Innovation
In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, few entrepreneurs command attention quite like Ellen Mahloy. With an impressive blend of resilience and innovative spirit, Mahloy has emerged as a formidable force since her birth on March 8, 1969, in Hampton, Virginia. Her upbringing in a loving, middle-class family—where her father’s service as a U.S. Marine and her mother’s passion for history as an antiques dealer shaped her values—instilled in her a commitment to excellence and a drive to make a difference.
As the CEO and IT Innovator of Ethereal, Mahloy has navigated the complexities of a traditionally male-dominated industry, confronting bias and skepticism while advocating for a more equitable work environment. What truly distinguishes her is her unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable practices and championing mindful communication within the tech realm. Even in the face of recent challenges surrounding the launch of an ambitious new TV network, Mahloy’s vision remains undaunted.
Her mission? To empower a new generation of women in technology. Join us as we delve into Ellen Mahloy's inspiring journey, the groundbreaking initiatives at Ethereal, and her ambitious vision for a more inclusive tech future. In a world clamoring for diverse voices, Mahloy stands as a beacon of innovation and social responsibility
Personal Upbringing and Early Life
Can you tell us about your upbringing and the key influences from your childhood that shaped your career path?
I was born on March 8, 1969, and grew up in a loving, middle-class household in Hampton, Virginia, during the 1970s and 80s. My father, a local tennis champion in the 1940s and 50s and a proud U.S. Marine, later managed Naval contracts for the Newport News Shipyard. My mother was an antiques dealer with a keen eye for treasures. Both of my parents were vibrant, extroverted, intelligent, and loving.
I had a close relationship with both of them and cherished the time we spent together. From an early age, my father imparted wisdom about relationships, personal finance, spirituality, and navigating life's challenges. My mother, equally insightful, began teaching me about dating at 13. By the time I started dating at 16, I had a perspective far beyond that of my peers.
This foundation set me apart in my romantic relationships, which often contrasted starkly with those of my high school, college, and early professional friends. The unique insights I gained inspired me to create an acclaimed dating workshop in my 30s—a dynamic and rewarding
experience that I loved sharing with others.
Were there any specific challenges you faced as a young woman interested in technology? How did you overcome them?
As a young woman in the IT industry, one of the most significant challenges I faced was dealing with inappropriate and offensive comments from some male colleagues. The most hurtful remarks questioned my professionalism, with accusations like asking who I was sleeping with to earn promotions and raises.
At the time, I tried not to let these comments affect me, but looking back, I realize they influenced my personal life in profound ways. I avoided dating some truly wonderful men, worried about how it might be perceived and determined to protect my reputation. These experiences delayed my journey to marriage, as I carried the weight of these judgments and chose to focus on my career. I didn’t marry until my early 30s, much later than I otherwise might have, because of the impact of those demeaning remarks.
Who were your role models growing up, and how did they impact your aspirations?
My parents were my greatest role models, and I strive to embody the kindness, generosity, and care they showed to others. I deeply admired my father for his distinguished career, his graceful demeanor, and his unwavering dedication to family and friends. My mother inspired me with her vibrant, fun-loving spirit and her remarkable ability to uplift others during challenging times.
From them, I learned to approach the world with an open mind and an open heart, embracing life’s opportunities and challenges with resilience. They taught me the importance of navigating life’s highs and lows with grace and to treasure the quality time spent with loved ones. Their wisdom and example continue to guide me in how I live and relate to others.
Career Journey
What inspired you to start an all-female television network, and how did you envision it would contribute to the tech and entertainment landscape?
Our all-female television tech team has evolved as our CIO recently stepped away from the company due to a personal tragedy. We deeply respect her decision and wish her well during this difficult time. Her successor, a talented and experienced individual, happens to be male, marking a new chapter for our team.
Can you share some pivotal moments in your career that led you to become a CEO?
Twenty years ago, I transitioned from a conventional corporate career. However, in 2023, an exciting opportunity arose. A small group of like-minded individuals joined forces to create an innovative TV network designed to uplift humanity by providing a platform for experts in the natural health and wellness industry. Initially, we all served as managing partners, sharing responsibilities equally. As the project grew, it became clear that someone needed to take the lead. Given my corporate background, I was the natural choice, and I embraced the role with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of purpose.
What has been the most challenging obstacle you faced while building your network, and how did you navigate it?
In June 2023, we aimed to launch our network on Roku and Amazon Fire TV platforms. However, our prototype TV technology proved to be unscalable. When we attempted to move forward, the launch not only failed but destabilized our entire system to the point of being virtually unusable.
Faced with this challenge, we made the difficult decision to start over and completely rethink our IT infrastructure. Rather than patching an inadequate system, we chose to build a new one from the ground up, focusing on creating a robust, scalable platform designed to meet our needs and support growth for the next two decades.
How do you balance creativity and technical expertise in running a tech-driven network?
The foundation of creativity in any organization starts with senior leadership. When leaders actively demonstrate that they value and prioritize creativity, it sends a powerful message that all ideas are welcome and appreciated.
In my company, I foster this culture by creating peer support groups where our content partners collaborate and support one another. If someone has expertise in a particular area, they readily lend their skills to help others grow. We also hold frequent brainstorming sessions, encouraging open dialogue and the exchange of innovative ideas.
Our network is enriched by a community of talented artists and musicians whose imaginative contributions often inspire solutions and perspectives I could never have envisioned alone. By cultivating an environment where creativity thrives, we unlock the full potential of our team and partners.
Leadership and Vision
As a leader in technology and media, what are some of the values you prioritize in your company culture?
At Ethereal, our core value is making the world a better place, whether through small, thoughtful actions or large-scale initiatives. We prioritize everything from mindful communication to implementing sustainable IT practices.
We also deeply value heart-centered entrepreneurship and seek to partner with individuals who share this mindset. Collaboration and creativity are at the heart of what we do, as we believe they go hand in hand. Our TV show producers work closely with our content partners, co-creating shows that embody the highest production quality while capturing their passion and purpose in the most compelling way possible. This synergy allows us to deliver meaningful content that resonates and inspires.
How do you actively promote diversity and inclusion within your team and programming?
Diversity and inclusion have been integral to our foundation from the very beginning, so promoting them hasn’t been a separate effort—it’s simply who we are. When a team is naturally diverse and inclusive, it creates an environment that attracts others who value working alongside individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives. This dynamic has been a cornerstone of our work, fostering collaboration and innovation as we bring together people from all walks of life.
What do you believe is the most significant advantage of having a female-led television network in today’s media landscape?
The primary advantage of having a female-led television network lies in our ability to inspire and empower women in entertainment by creating opportunities and breaking barriers. One of our key initiatives will be the launch of a dedicated network exclusively for female filmmakers, directors, and screenwriters.
The 2018 documentary This Changes Everything brought widespread attention to the persistent gender inequality among directors in Hollywood—a disparity that can no longer be ignored. At our network, we are committed to leveling the playing field and championing the incredible talent of women in the industry. As a female leader, I am proud to contribute to this mission and stand in solidarity with my sisters in entertainment.
Future Aspirations and Goals
What are your future goals for the network, and how do you see it evolving over the next five years?
My corporate IT background provides me with a unique perspective on television technology. At Ethereal, one of the most revolutionary innovations we aim to achieve is the seamless integration of TV show directors' workflows into our network's technology. This approach will streamline the production process, enabling a more efficient and collaborative operation for our virtual company, which connects producers and content creators across the globe. Ethereal’s proprietary app will deliver an immersive user experience, integrating e-commerce, virtual learning, and community engagement into a seamless smart TV interface.
Are there specific causes or women in tech collaborations you are currently passionate about?
I'm especially excited about building brand collaborations with book publishers, expo and conference organizers, and retreat centers. One of the unique values Ethereal offers our content partners is the opportunity to elevate our TV show hosts by acting as a kind of talent agency. Our network will work to secure partnerships that place them in prominent publications and on influential event stages, amplifying their reach and impact while enhancing their visibility and success.
In what ways do you hope to inspire the next generation of women in technology?
We will inspire the next generation of women in technology by partnering with youth theater organizations worldwide that offer filmmaking classes. Through these partnerships, we will sponsor female students before they graduate high school, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and pursue their passion.
Students who successfully complete these filmmaking programs will be eligible for internships with our production crews or the chance to work directly alongside an Ethereal TV show producer or filmmaker. This initiative not only empowers young women but also nurtures the creative talents that will shape the future of technology and entertainment.
Reflection and Advice
Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self as she embarked on her career in a predominantly male field?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book has been a profound source of inspiration for me and serves as a guiding principle in how I navigate life.
What legacy do you hope to leave in both the tech and entertainment industries?
I am committed to revolutionizing streaming television with groundbreaking technology that will redefine industry standards for the next two decades. Our apps will transform the landscape of TV technology in the same way mobile phones revolutionized communication and rendered pagers obsolete.
Our Final Thoughts
As our enlightening conversation draws to a close, Ellen Mahloy emerges as a luminous figure in the tech landscape, exemplifying resilience in the face of adversity. Navigating the often turbulent waters of a male-dominated industry, she champions Ethereal's mission of heart-centered entrepreneurship, a paradigm shift that emphasizes not just innovation but also the nurturing of future talent. Through her efforts to cultivate collaboration and creativity, Ellen is opening doors for young women in technology, redefining leadership for a new era.
Mahloy’s narrative transcends traditional markers of success in the IT sector; it serves as a powerful reminder of the fundamental pillars of values, empathy, and community. Her insights resonate deeply, underscoring the notion that meaningful change is driven by those who prioritize collaboration and social impact.
Looking ahead, the horizon is undeniably bright, with pioneering leaders like Ellen spearheading a transformative movement that celebrates both diversity and innovation. As we stand on the cusp of this exciting evolution, it’s evident that Ellen’s journey is just beginning, and the ripple effects of her work will surely inspire a new generation of trailblazers.
ELLEN MAHLOY TRIVIA
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If you could have dinner with any woman in history, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with any woman in history, I would choose my mom. She passed away 22 years ago from cancer when I was 33, and having the chance to share a meal with her again would mean more to me than sharing a meal with anyone else.
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What hobby or interest do you have that might surprise people?
I like to roller skate.

What was your first job, and how did it influence your career choices?
At 15, my first job was a holiday position managing the dressing rooms at a Mrs. Marshalls department store. On Christmas Eve, I was abruptly reassigned to the toy department, where I scrambled to help frantic parents find last-minute gifts. That experience taught me valuable lessons about the challenges of retail: it's demanding, often underappreciated work, and the pay rarely reflects the effort involved.