This morning I had the pleasure of attending the WICT (Women in Cable Telecommunications) "Speed Mentoring" Breakfast held at Scripps in Knoxville. Throughout the morning mentees moved to three tables meeting with different mentors for 20 minute sessions. We were able to ask questions about the industry and speak to these women about how they became in their positions of power.
The mentors I was able to meet were...
Deborah Dawkins-Vice President of Programming at Jupiter Entertainment. Ms. Dawkins shared with us that it was very important to plan ahead and make a path that you wish to follow. Do not obsess over something going wrong, make a back up plan and choose an alternate route. Things are not always going to go smoothly but in a position of power it is important to stay calm and figure out a solution. Also she added that it is important to prioritize your goals each day and do what is most important first. If everything does not get completed at least the most important stuff was finished.
Sarah Cronan-SVP, Brand Magement, HGTV was a wonderful woman to talk to who truly believes in work/life balance. It was so interesting to hear how she worked her way up in the corporate world and all that she gets to do at HGTV. Ms. Cronan gave me a list of 15 statements she lives by. Her favorite two are 1. Filter everything through your personal priorities and 2. Uphod your integrity at all cost. Be the same person at home, at work, at church-and in your community.
Cynthia Gibson-EVP, Legal Affairs for Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. Ms. Gibson began at a lawfirm where she was the only woman so it was very interesting to hear how she worked among all men to claim her position in the firm. Ms. Gibson explained that it is important to manage up, down and across. Do not forget about the people on your level and above you, you never know who may be your boss one day. She also made sure that everyone knew it was important to stay true to yourself. She said at her first lawfirm, she wanted to make sure she still acted and dressed like a lady and didn't try to 'fit in with the men'. It is important to find other women mentors who you can rely on to help lead you in a good direction with good guidance.
After the breakfast I was able to go on a tour of the productions side of Scripps which was really interesting. I met the people who produce the show promos for HGTV and DIY. The graphic designers and the composers. It amazes me how someone could actually produce such work, I am jealous!
Today was a great day at Scripps, I am about to publish my first GAC newsletter so let me know if you would like me to send you a copy!
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