Women to Watch
-- Multichannel News, 1/25/2010 2:00:00 AM
Essie Chambers
Senior VP, Programming
Centric
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Essie Chambers joined BET Networks’ new channel Centric in June 2009, overseeing all aspects of original programming for the 24-hour music and entertainment service targeting the 25-to-54-year-old African-American audience. She had been SVP of Original Programming for BET Networks, coming there from Nickelodeon, where she was VP of original movies.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “I love the challenge of finding new stories to tell and new ways to tell them. I can’t imagine a more exciting cultural moment to create content for our audience; we can’t just offer up more of the same. It adds an urgency and importance to what we do that’s energizing. And coming to work every day, collaborating with a smart, passionate, inspired team — what could be better than that?”
BIGGEST JOB INFLUENCES: “All of the great female network leaders who helped define corporate and popular culture on their way to building strong brands. And of course my former boss and mentor, Amy Friedman, who pushed me to think big and out of the box; to balance strategy, business goals and creative; who valued people and product in equal measure.”
Jacqueline Corbelli
CEO and Co-Founder
BrightLine ITV
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: As CEO and co-founder of BrightLine ITV, a firm that creates and implements interactive-TV advertising strategies, Jacqueline Corbelli’s vision equips top U.S. marketers like Unilever, Burger King and JP Morgan Chase to transform consumers’ TV-viewing experience. Data-driven ITV campaigns can deepen a brand’s relationships with consumers and deliver exceptional results. BrightLine’s work in ITV has generated three Emmy nominations and one award. BrightLine was also named “Admaker to Watch” in 2007 by The Wall Street Journal, and Corbelli was named to AlwaysOn Media’s “Madison Avenue 'It’ List” in February 2008.
ON THE MEDIUM: “For advertisers, the promise of digital technology lies in its possibilities for fundamentally remaking the relationship between consumers and brands.”
ON STYLE: “One ideally combines art and science to consistently transform the mass-market medium of TV into a vehicle that delivers a dynamic personalized experience, with vast reach.”
TOP PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: “The net result of shaping digital television technologies in this way is instant scale and measured ad effectiveness. It’s our company’s raison d’etre.”
Jen Rea Goforth
Senior VP, Operations
Scripps Networks Digital
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Jen Goforth serves as chief operating officer for all Web production and project management at Scripps Digital. She spearheads the development of strategic and tactical initiatives that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the interactive division and its properties. Those include the No. 1 content Web sites in both the home and food categories — HGTV.com and FoodNetwork.com — along with the award-winning sites DIYnetwork.com, FineLiving.com, GACTV.com, HGTVPro.com, Recipezaar.com, FrontDoor.com and Food2.com.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “I most love about my job that I have the opportunity to work with talented people who are truly passionate about their work. Every day it is exciting to come to work with a staff who loves to push themselves and try new things.”
TOP PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: “I can’t come up with the one 'greatest’ professional challenge, because there are so many that come to mind. But the most recent challenge has been working across three organizations with SNI’s recent majority stake acquisition of Travel Channel. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and focus around integrating this new addition, and I’m really enjoying the work.”
Mindy Grossman
CEO
HSN Inc.
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: A 32-year retail and apparel veteran, Mindy Grossman has been CEO of HSN Inc. (formerly IAC Retailing) and a member of the company’s board since May 2006, after serving as global VP and head of the $4 billion apparel business at Nike. She oversees a $2.8 billion dollar portfolio that includes HSN, HSN.com and Cornerstone Brands.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “We are at the forefront of what we call 'transactional innovation,’ having relaunched our network, HSN, from a traditional shopping channel to a lifestyle/editorial/commerce and content platform. It is non-stop, live, wildly creative — and we can actually measure consumer behavior in real time.”
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: “We spun off from IAC and became an independent public company in August 2008, just as the economic and consumer environment became nothing short of unpredictable, volatile and challenging. One year later, our company has not only weathered 'the perfect storm,’ but by focusing on our customer, exerting strict financial discipline and strategically investing in innovation, we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the opportunities in today’s marketplace.”
TOP PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: “I am fixated on making sure we have the talent in all areas of the company that can digest the pace at which we are moving and can help build the company for the future. It is also a challenge to try and balance all the areas of my life!”
Lori LeBas
SVP, Strategy & Business Operations
ESPN
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Lori LeBas was promoted to her current role in March 2006. In addition to her responsibilities in affiliate sales and marketing, she oversees the advertising-sales operations team responsible for all post-sales processes, inventory reconciliation and finance. In May 2007 she gained responsibility for ESPN’s ticket operations and in that role she will oversee and support business operations for research, marketing and special-events marketing.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “What I love most about my job, as corny as it sounds, is the great team of people that I work with. All of them will tell you that I really mean it that we work as a team. No one is above doing anything that will help get the job done. We are all here to do what needs to be done and support and respect each other. ESPN is a great place to work, one big team. And I have the privilege of working with one of the best operational teams in the business.”
VIEW OF FUTURE: “I see the industry headed to a 'content when I want it, where I want it’ place. We aren’t going to give up watching television when that is convenient and we won’t want to miss a favorite show or game or event if we can’t be in front of the TV. This world poses tremendous opportunities and challenges. Isn’t it great to live in interesting times?”
Sharon Levy
Senior VP, Original Series
Spike TV
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Sharon Levy joined Spike in 2005 and has overseen the development of many of the network’s most ambitious and successful series, including Deadliest Warrior, Pros vs. Joes, 1000 Ways to Die, and MANswers. She also spearheaded “The Power Block,” Spike’s successful afternoon weekend line-up of auto-related shows. She is currently developing the network’s extensive slate of new series, working with many of Hollywood’s most creative minds. Her ability to connect with the Spike viewer has resulted in four of the network’s top five non-scripted series to date.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “The shows I get to make and the people I get to work with. My team, the producers. It is fun every day because we make unique shows with attitude. And a little devilish. That suits me.”
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: “My son. (Is that lame? But it’s true.) Work-wise: Watching Spike’s ratings grow and grow, especially Deadliest Warrior and 1000 Ways to Die. But I like the fact that we swing big. Even if something doesn’t work, we dig in and find out why but we never look back.”
BIGGEST JOB INFLUENCES:“Debbie Liebling is someone I have always looked up to. She has always been an innovator and fearless and has great taste. And my friends. I am blessed to have a lot of strong female friends in this business, and we keep each other balanced in our successes and failures. Like Cori Abraham, Jenny Daly, Elizabeth Porter, Marie Jacobson. I am surrounded by dynamic women who constantly inspire me and keep me sane.”
Mary E. Meduski
Executive VP and CFO
Suddenlink Communications
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: With more than 20 years of financial experience in media and telecommunications, Mary Meduski joined Suddenlink in July 2006. Earlier she was executive VP and CFO of AAT Communications, where she maintained relationships with all financial advisers, lenders and investors; raised capital to support the company’s growth objectives; and managed its accounting and contract administration functions. She played a key role in the sale of AAT to SBA Communications in March 2006.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “I am privileged to work every day with intelligent, committed, driven and caring colleagues who collectively believe in each other, our company and our industry.”
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: “I am proudest of my two children, Katherine and Nick. They are everything my husband, Mike, and I hoped they would be: kind, caring, bright, talented and funny. They remind me to focus on and celebrate the small joys in life, because life is mostly about the small things. Mike, Katherine and Nick make sacrifices every day for my professional success, and I appreciate them tremendously.”
TOP PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: “My greatest professional challenge is to shape the continued financial success of our company for the benefit of every stakeholder.”
BIGGEST JOB INFLUENCES: “I work with a boss and mentor, Jerry Kent, who demands and rewards excellence. He is an entrepreneur and cable visionary who has taught me how to take measured risks.”
Stephanie Mitchko
VP, Interactive Platform Development
Cablevision Systems
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Stephanie Mitchko is responsible for developing technology and infrastructure to support video on demand and subscription VOD, as well as advanced interactive applications for digital television and broadband, bandwidth-sharing and advance streaming. She is leading the company’s RS-DVR initiative, building the content management and publishing systems for the ITV and advertising platforms. She also is developing advanced advertising applications that include linear applications such as telescoping, addressable targeting and VOD dynamic insertion.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “The part of my job I love most is being constantly challenged to manage new business requirements amid ever-changing technology. Each year, I get to support or create the latest technology that results in new products and services for our customers. It is very satisfying professionally to be able to take concepts and ideas and turn them into systems and services for our customers.“
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: “I am very proud to be part of the team at Cablevision and contribute to the amazing, market-leading work we do. My proudest achievement is receiving the Emmy award from the American Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for Best Interactive television platform — iO interactive television.”
TOP PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: “The RS-DVR project that Cablevision is pioneering is one of the most groundbreaking initiatives I have worked on. We are truly opening up exciting new opportunities for consumers, advertisers and content owners.”
Libby O'Connell, Ph. D.
Chief Historian & SVP, Corporate Outreach
A&E Television Networks
WHY WE'RE WATCHING: Since March 2005, Dr. Libby Haight O'Connell has served as historical adviser for History's programming department. She oversees corporate outreach for A&E, History and Lifetime Networks, and develops and produces educational and community-based initiatives for AETN, such as Take A Veteran to School Day with History and A&E's Intervention Town Hall Meetings and Recovery Project initiative. Dr. O'Connell and her staff also provide educational content for the websites of the AETN networks.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: "I guess when, last fall, a recent veteran who'd just come home from Iraq said what a difference History has made in his life. It changed the way he felt about coming home."
BIGGEST INFLUENCES: "One person who has really inspired me is [AETN CEO] Abbe Raven, the way she balances work and family is just amazing. I think Abigail Adams would have to be an inspiration to me as well. We forget how much work she did on the home front making sure that the country and the Declaration of Independence went off without a hitch. Also, I have a great group in my department. They really work hard and I'm just so grateful to be their colleague."
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: "Taking our corporate outreach initiative, for all of our networks, to the next level. I feel like we're really good, but now we have to keep getting better."
JOYS OF THE JOB: "I'm always learning new things. Also I work with creative and smart people, internally and externally."
Tracy Nolan
VP, Retail
Cox Communications
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Tracy Nolan manages all retail operations and sales strategy for Cox’s current products and emerging new wireless portfolio. Her responsibilities will include retail operations, selection strategy, promotions and inventory management. She previously served as president and chief operating officer of T.E.N. Management Solutions, a business consulting firm, and North American chief operating officer of ACN, the largest direct seller of telecommunications services in the world.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “The ability to bring new expertise to Cox Communications that directly impacts our ability to serve customers. The expansion of retail channels around the launch of wireless will allow Cox to bring a full array of products to our customers in the way most convenient for them — in person, on the phone or on the Web.”
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: “For me, achievements come from leading strong teams to accomplish lofty goals that others may not be able to achieve. I had the privilege to lead a team of 1,400 employees as we transformed from a net negative growth and declining profitability organization to new heights of performance.”
TOP PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: “Working in Asia. With little knowledge of the culture, customs and international law, I developed successful, long-term business relationships in China, Korea, Taiwan and South Korea and created a new line of business (VoIP phone service) that contributed a 22% increase in revenues in less than a year.”
Jessica Rodriguez
SVP, GM, Latin America/U.S. Hispanic
BBC Worldwide Channels
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Jessica Rodriguez joined BBC Worldwide Channels in 2006 and has successfully led the launch and operations of BBC Worldwide’s wholly-owned channels, BBC Entertainment and CBeebies, throughout Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market. Building her division from the ground up, she has negotiated and successfully closed landmark agreements with Televisa for the distribution of both channels in Latin America and with Dish Network for the distribution of CBeebies in the U.S. Hispanic market.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “I love the challenge of bringing a business to life. It takes real passion and a great deal of collaborative effort to build a brand and television program offering that resonates with viewers. Laying a solid foundation for any business in a rapidly changing and increasingly crowded market requires flexibility and resilience.”
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: “It has been extremely gratifying to have had the opportunity to launch, build, turn around and/or be a critical part of channels in Latin America, Asia, the United States and other international markets. But when I think of my career, my proudest achievements have been my teams.”
BIGGEST JOB INFLUENCES:“I have worked, and continue to work, with many talented professionals. Some of them are women that have been critical to the development of our industry and took the time to become fantastic mentors. They shared their professional experiences and offered guidance during my early days and, as a result, I am a strong supporter of and believer in mentoring others.”
Rebecca Schulte
Senior VP and General Manager
Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Rebecca Schulte leads the foremost source for local sports news on television and online in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore region. Under the veteran sports media executive’s leadership, Comcast SportsNet provides live game coverage of the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Redskins, D.C. United, and leading local and national colleges. It airs nearly 500 live sporting events annually and is seen in 4.5 million homes in the states of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware, as well as in Washington, D.C.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: “Energizing our employees and our audience with fresh new programming beyond live game coverage. We have cornered the market on the Redskins, the most popular local franchise, even without a lot of live game rights, and created a new sports-talk franchise, Washington Post Live, in partnership with the region’s leading media anchor.”
TOP PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: “Washington, D.C., is one of the most competitive media markets in the country because of the federal-government industry. Due to the transient nature of the region’s population, local sports traditions are not as deeply rooted as in other markets. Because of this, we need to think creatively to stand out and we have accomplished this through an innovative programming mix, targeted marketing and a focus on digital media.”
Lisa Schwartz
EVP, Distribution, Operations and Business Development
IFC Entertainment
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Lisa Schwartz serves as the senior distribution strategist for the division and is responsible for creating, identifying and securing revenue-generating opportunities. In addition, she oversees day-to-day operation for IFC Entertainment’s distribution businesses. She oversees domestic and foreign distribution for IFC Entertainment’s operations across all platforms, including theatrical, premium VOD, pay TV, digital, portable devices, home video and all emerging new platforms.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “I love that I work for an organization that has always championed innovation and challenges conventional business models. Because of that, I am able to work with many different distribution partners to figure out together how best to get independent films to the widest audience possible.”
BIGGEST JOB INFLUENCES: “I have had many great role models over the past 10 years at Rainbow. Josh Sapan, Jonathan Sehring, Kim Martin and Nora Ryan are among the top on my list. They are not only impressive executives, they are confident leaders and managers who allow those around them the freedom and support to accomplish what’s needed without ever getting in the way! An attribute I not only admire, but also recognize has enabled my success.”
TOP PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: “Keeping on top of all the new and interesting methods of film distribution and making sure that we endeavor to grow with the best new partners to reach the widest possible audience for all of our quality films.”
Jill Stark
VP, West Operating Group
Charter Communications
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Jill Stark is responsible for growth of the commercial services business including profit-and-loss oversight, sales and marketing strategy, and capital management. Prior to joining Charter in September 2006, she was vice president and general manager of the Denver Metro Region for Comcast, serving almost 300,000 customers, and vice president of operations for AT&T Broadband’s Colorado market.
JOYS OF THE JOB: “I am inspired and awed by the unlimited potential of a top-performing team. What I love most about my job is the opportunity I have every day to lead an incredibly talented and collaborative, results-oriented group of people.”
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: “Being selected by the Rocky Mountain chapter of Women In Cable [Telecommunications] as a 2009 Woman of the Year ranks up there as one of my most rewarding career moments. Accepting this honor from an organization I support and admire, alongside my colleagues and family, was amazing.”
TOP PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: “I think staying one step ahead of what the customer expects, what the competition is doing, will always be a great challenge in an industry whose only constant is change.”
BIGGEST JOB INFLUENCES: “I have had many incredible mentors throughout my career; however my current boss, Jim McGann (SVP of Charter Business), inspires me daily. His passion for results, his innovative thinking and his willingness to take risks have all permeated my leadership perspective and style.”
No related content found.
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
