Day in the Life: TV Exec Anna Pak Burdin of Discovery Networks

What does your daily routine look like, mama? A busy TV exec and mama takes us through her jam-packed day

Boss mama Anna Pak Burdin has lived all over the world as an executive in the male-dominated TV industry. A native of Russia, she came to Singapore in 2018 to become General Manager for Discovery Networks Southeast Asia (home to some of our most-loved channels, like Animal Planet, Discovery Channel and TLC). A mother to 15-year-old Daniel, she also speaks five languages (English, French, Russian, Portuguese and Italian)! Join us as Anna takes us through an action-packed day of meetings, travel, and restorative me-time.

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I like to start my day with a HIIT (high intensity interval) training, as it gets me all energised and raring to go! My trainer really works me to the core, and I usually cool down with a swim afterwards.

Before I head to work, I make it a point to have breakfast with my family. It’s during breakfast where I get a chance to catch up with my family about their day ahead. Although our breakfast is usually French-influenced, when I have time on Sunday mornings, I do try to whip up something with an Asian element. I get my recipe inspiration from the Asian Food Channel website, and my current go-to-favourite is this Salted Egg Custard Toast.

Once I hit the office, it’s go time. I get started for the day by setting some time aside to outline my priorities for the day.

I catch up with my team on TLC’s upcoming brand campaign #IAMTLC, which celebrates the empowerment of women to be themselves, to dare to be different, and set a new status quo. It’s a project that speaks dearly to my heart.

It’s lunchtime and I usually have a salad. I believe in contributing to the sustainability of our planet, and I’ve been a vegetarian since 2012. I’m also a huge advocate of reducing single-use plastics as much as possible. I don’t use any plastic straws, plastic bags nor paper cups, and always have a set of metal straws on the go.

Read more: Where to find reusable straws in Singapore

Afterwards, I catch a flight to Vietnam to discuss some exciting, new business initiatives with clients. Having regular face-time with our key partners is integral to building good relationships.

I like art. When I moved to Asia, I discovered the vibrant and colourful style of Vietnamese paintings. I drop by an art gallery after I land, hoping to find more gems I can take home this trip.

It’s been a hectic day. Before bed, wherever I am, at home or travelling, I unwind by pampering my skin with a facial mask, and reading a book with a cup of tea with milk. I’m currently hooked on Why Nations Fail by Professor Daron Acemoglu.

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