PROGRAM GUIDE
2020 WICT VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE The Power of Resilience
OCTOBER 5–6
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE TOP SPONSORS OF THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
PLATINUM GOLD CHAMPION
@WICTHQ • #2020WLC CONTENTS Welcome...... 1 2020 WICT Leadership...... 21
Sponsors...... 2 Board of Directors...... 21
Conference Overview ...... 4 Staff...... 22
Agenda at a Glance...... 6 Chapter Presidents...... 23
Sessions...... 9 Fellowship Recipients and Chapter Scholarships...... 24 Monday, October 5...... 9 2019 WICT Chapter Award Winners...... 25 Tuesday, October 6...... 15
Monday, October 5 MOBILE APP IMPORTANT 9:00 am – 6:30 pm ET SPONSORED BY 2020WLC CONFERENCE MOBILE DETAILS Tuesday, October 6 APP 9:00 am – 6:00 pm ET
2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Sandra Howe, Chair Jennifer Dorian, EVP, Turner Jane Latman, President, HGTV EVP & President, Americas, Portfolio 360 Brand Strategy & GM, Technetix, Inc. TCM & FilmStruck, WarnerMedia Emma Lyon, VP, People, Liberty Global B.V. Adria Alpert Romm, Chief People Chris Duffy, Director, ON AIR & Culture Officer, Discovery, Inc. Talent Planning & Development, Jennifer Ostrager, VP, Public ESPN Affairs, Altice USA Danielle Arnold, Sr. Director, Community Impact, Comcast Tina Evangelista, VP, Human Tina Perry, President, OWN Resources, Cable One Julissa Bonfante, VP, Content Amber Schwiesow, Director, Publicity, Univision Jessica Fang, SVP, National Procurement & Supply Chain, Accounts, Distribution, Fox Midco Karen Buchholz, Chief Diversity Networks Officer & EVP, Administration, Michelle Strong, SVP, Content Comcast Jodi Friedman, Account VP, Distribution & Marketing, A+E Business Services, CommScope Networks Jen Caserta, Chief Transformation & People Officer, AMC Networks Catherine Frymark, Group SVP, Alaka Williams, SVP, People & Communications, Discovery, Inc. Culture - U.S. Networks, Discovery, Sara Clarke, SVP, Corporate Inc. Strategy, Analysis & Deanna Griffith-House, Director, Communications, Showtime Strategic Initiatives, Spectrum Dalila Wilson-Scott, President, Networks Inc. Reach Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation; SVP, Community Jocelyn Cooley, former SVP, HR & Marge Jackson, SVP, National Impact, Comcast NBCUniversal Global Talent Acquisition, Viacom Call Center Sales, Comcast Media Networks Leigh Woisard, SVP, Corporate Marva Johnson, VP, State Communications & Public Affairs, Rhonda Crichlow, SVP, Government Affairs - South Region, Cox Communications Chief Diversity Officer, Charter Charter Communications Communications Beatrice York, VP, Partnerships & Sloan Kennedy, VP, Domestic Strategy, Afiniti Julia de Boinville, VP, Business Network Distribution, HBO Development, Afiniti WELCOME DEAR WICT MEMBERS AND HONORED GUESTS,
Welcome to the first-ever virtual WICT Leadership of key industry executives, business and career Conference! We are delighted to set in motion experts, distinguished journalists, entrepreneurs, Diversity Week 2020, and proud to be part of an top athletes, leading researchers, and academic industry that recognizes the importance of diversity, thought-leaders. We have parsed the sessions into equity and inclusion as it continually evolves to ensure four tracks: all voices are valued and represented. It is an honor to walk side-by-side with our sister organizations, NAMIC • THE POWER PLENARIES feature leaders and and the Walter Kaitz Foundation, for the weeklong trailblazers in high-level strategic talks. program dedicated to leadership development for • TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION breakouts offer women and people of color. insight into the future of the workplace, enabling participants to develop effective and inventive This year’s Leadership Conference theme, The solutions to tomorrow’s problems. Power of Resilience, captures so well the spirit and dedication of our industry and is a testament to • BUSINESS ESSENTIALS feature practical, your ability to pivot and adapt, both personally and interactive conversations and real-life tactics to professionally. give leaders the skills and confidence they need We applaud the tremendous efforts of our industry to harness their full career potential. to keep the world connected and informed during • THE LEADING EDGE sessions provide both the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrations against aspiring and experienced leaders with the skills systemic racism. THANK YOU! and mindset to bring out the best in others.
We also admire the commitment you have made to We encourage you to customize your learning enhance your leadership skills as you continue to experience by making use of the WICT plot your career journey amidst constant change. Leadership Conference app, powered by Charter YOU are the future of this industry—and of WICT. Communications. We hope all of our members and Inside this program guide, we recognize WICT’s stakeholders take advantage of the days ahead. Our 2020 Leadership Conference sponsors—companies aim is for you to leave the conference fully energized that help make this event possible—in particular, our and armed with the skills needed to lead the ever- Platinum Sponsor, Comcast NBCUniversal and Gold adapting workplace of the future. Sponsor, Charter Communications. Stay well, friends, and we hope to see you in-person The 2020 Conference Planning Committee worked next year! diligently with the WICT team to develop an With warm regards, unparalleled agenda of learning and leadership. Though the program will be virtual this year, we have Sandra Howe incorporated live sessions to emulate what you’ve 2020 WICT Board Chair and come to love about the WICT Leadership Conference Conference Committee Chair experience – the ability to meet with your friends EVP & President, Americas and colleagues face-to-face. Crowd favorites, Technetix, Inc. including networking roundtables, one-on-one coaching appointments and fitness sessions, return Maria E. Brennan, CAE President & CEO to the program this year. WICT We are excited to bring you a dynamic array of speakers who encompass a wide variety of business disciplines. Our faculty includes a strong mix
The Power of Resilience 1 SPONSORS THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 TOUCHSTONE PARTNERS
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
CATALYST PARTNERS
INSPIRE PARTNERS
INDUSTRY PARTNER
walter kaitz foundation
MEDIA PARTNERS
INDUSTRY SPONSOR
2 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
CHAMPION SPONSORS
GENERAL SESSION SPONSORS
VIRTUAL NETWORKING ROUNDTABLES SPONSOR
MOBILE APP SPONSOR
OPENING ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
BREAKOUT SESSION SPONSORS
COACHING SPONSOR
The Power of Resilience 3 CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
POWER PLENARIES The Power Plenaries feature leaders and trailblazers in high-level strategic talks.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
11:00 am SUPER SESSION 11:00 am KEYNOTE SESSION The Grand Opening Grit: The Power and Passion of Perseverance 12:05 pm KEYNOTE SESSION Acting with Power, 12:00 pm (Re)Creating Successful Purpose and Resilience Employee Resource Groups 2:30 pm FIRESIDE CHAT A Joint Session with NAMIC Beyond the Hashtag: Moving from Grassroots to 1:00 pm L. Patrick Mellon Grand Landscapes Mentorship Session Presented by NAMIC 3:15 pm Navigating Chaos in a COVID World 3:25 pm Pearls of Wisdom: Defining Moments 4:20 pm Profiles of Champions: Becoming a Corporate Athlete
The Power of Resilience
4 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION THE LEADING EDGE Technology & Innovation breakouts offer The Leading Edge sessions provide both aspiring insight into the future of the workplace, enabling and experienced leaders with the skills and participants to develop effective and inventive mindset to bring out the best in others. solutions to tomorrow’s problems. MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 1:25 pm Managing Up: Proven 1:25 pm Rebel Talent: Why it Pays Strategies to Manage to Break the Rules at Work Management and in Life TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 10:00 am Creating an Exceptional 10:00 am Preparing for Tomorrow’s and Dynamic Culture Jobs Today, A Futurist’s Perspective 2:10 pm The Activation of Courage in Leaders: What the 2:10 pm Trendspotting: Embracing Science Says Emerging Technologies
BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Business Essentials feature practical, interactive conversations and real-life tactics to give leaders the skills and confidence they need to harness their full career potential.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
1:25 pm Staying Financially Fit During a Downturn
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
10:00 am Increasing Your Impact and Influence in the Virtual World 2:10 pm Financial Acumen for the Non-Accountants
The Power of Resilience 5 AGENDA AT A GLANCE SESSION TRACKS 1 TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION | 2 THE LEADING EDGE | 3 BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
NOTE: All times are Eastern Time. MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
9:00 – 11:00 am SPECIAL ACTIVITY LIVE – One-on-One Executive Coaching > Advance sign-up required
SPONSOR:
11:00 am – 12:00 pm OPENING SESSION
OPENING ENTERTAINMENT Amanda Gorman, U.S. Youth Poet Laureate and Activist SPONSOR:
SUPER SESSION The Grand Opening SPONSOR:
12:05 – 12:50 pm KEYNOTE SESSION Acting with Power, Purpose and Resilience > Presented by Stanford Graduate School of Business SPONSOR: 12:50 – 1:10 pm Signature Luncheon PAR Awards Virtual Celebration
TOP SPONSORS: PREMIER RUBY CHAMPION
1:10 – 1:25 pm Fast Break
1:25 – 2:25 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS
TRACK 1: TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION Rebel Talent: Why it Pays to Break the Rules at Work and in Life SPONSOR:
TRACK 2: THE LEADING EDGE Managing Up: Proven Strategies to Manage Management TRACK 3: BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Staying Financially Fit During a Downturn
GENERAL SESSIONS 2:30 – 3:10 pm FIRESIDE CHAT Beyond the Hashtag: Moving from Grassroots to Grand Landscapes
SPONSOR: 3:15 – 4:15 pm Navigating Chaos in a COVID World SPONSOR: 4:20 – 5:20 pm Profiles of Champions Panel: Becoming a Corporate Athlete
SPONSOR:
5:30 – 6:30 pm SPECIAL ACTIVITY Fun with Fitness – Pilates 5:30 – 6:30 pm SPECIAL ACTIVITY LIVE – Virtual Networking Roundtables: Time to Unwind and Exhale > Advance sign-up required
SPONSOR:
6 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE SESSION TRACKS 1 TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION | 2 THE LEADING EDGE | 3 BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
NOTE: All times are Eastern Time. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
9:00 – 10:00 am SPECIAL ACTIVITY Fun with Fitness – Yoga 9:00 – 11:00 am LIVE – One-on-One Executive Coaching > Advance sign-up required
SPONSOR:
10:00 – 10:55 am CONCURRENT SESSIONS
TRACK 1: TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION Preparing for Tomorrow’s Jobs Today, The Futurist’s Perspective
TRACK 2: THE LEADING EDGE Creating an Exceptional and Dynamic Culture SPONSOR:
TRACK 3: BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Increasing Your Impact and Influence in the Virtual World SPONSOR:
11:00 – 11:55 am SUPER TUESDAY KEYNOTE Grit: The Power and Passion of Perseverance 12:00 – 1:00 pm (Re)Creating Successful Employee Resource Groups > A Joint Session with NAMIC
1:00 – 2:00 pm SPECIAL ACTIVITY LIVE – One-on-One Executive Coaching > Advance sign-up required
SPONSOR: 1:00 – 2:00 pm Break for NAMIC’s L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Session > Free to WLC attendees
2:10 – 3:10 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS
TRACK 1: TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION Trendspotting: Embracing Emerging Technologies SPONSOR:
TRACK 2: THE LEADING EDGE The Activation of Courage in Leaders: What the Science Says SPONSOR:
TRACK 3: BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Financial Acumen for the Non-Accountants 3:25 – 4:30 pm CLOSING SESSION Pearls of Wisdom: Defining Moments
SPONSOR:
5:00 – 6:00 pm SPECIAL ACTIVITY LIVE – One-on-One Executive Coaching > Advance sign-up required
SPONSOR:
The Power of Resilience 7 Diversity & Inclusion is our foundation for innovation and drives our business forward.
Comcast NBCUniversal is proud to support the 2020 WICT Leadership Conference.
COMCASTCORPORATION.COM/DIVERSITY
8 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE SESSIONS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
9:00 – 11:00 am 11:00 am – 12:00 pm SPECIAL ACTIVITY OPENING ENTERTAINMENT LIVE – One-on-One Executive Amanda Gorman Coaching U.S. Youth Poet Laureate and Activist > Advance sign-up required AMANDA GORMAN A Leadership Conference crowd favorite, WICT’s one-on-one coaching sessions offer customized guidance on your area of interest with a professional executive coach. Based on participant feedback, we have expanded the length of each session from 25 to 45 minutes, allowing you more time to explore SPONSOR: with your coach any leadership or management issues relevant to your career. Time slots will be available at various points across both days of the SUPER SESSION conference, enabling more choices and flexibility. The Grand Opening Join us as we kick-off the WICT Leadership SPONSOR: Conference and all of the Diversity Week activities! This dynamic opening session will set the tone for the next two days, as we collectively explore The Power of Resilience.
We are thrilled to welcome Sheinelle Jones as she takes center stage for an intimate fireside chat with Ebonne Ruffins. Be inspired by Sheinelle’s stories of her life and career journey that speak to her own resilience.
SPEAKERS (in order of appearance): Maria E. Brennan, CAE, President & CEO, WICT; Sandra Howe, WICT Global Chair, EVP & President, Americas, Technetix, Inc; Karen Buchholz, Chief Diversity Officer & EVP, Administration, Comcast; Sheinelle Jones, Co- Host, 3rd Hour of Today; Ebonne Ruffins, VP, Local Media Development, Comcast MARIA E. SANDRA KAREN BRENNAN HOWE BUCHHOLZ
SHEINELLE EBONNE JONES RUFFINS
SPONSOR:
The Power of Resilience 9 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
12:05 – 12:50 pm 12:50 – 1:10 pm KEYNOTE SESSION Signature Luncheon PAR Awards Virtual Celebration Acting with Power, Purpose Welcome to the redesigned Signature Luncheon, and Resilience brought to you as a video celebration. The virtual > Presented by Stanford Graduate program showcases the exemplary work of the School of Business PAR Top Companies for Women to Work. Join us as In most realms, men still hold greater power than we salute all the PAR Top Companies in honor of women. Yet research shows women wield power their efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable more responsibly than men. As fear and uncertainty workplace. Let the celebration begin! rise in society and in our workplaces, now more than ever, so does the need for responsible leaders who PAR Top Programmers: are not afraid to claim and use power. In this session, f i r s t p l a c e NBCUniversal Stanford Professor Deborah Gruenfeld, author of s e co n d p l a c e ViacomCBS the new book Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe, addresses how what we t h i r d p l a c e (tie) Discovery, Inc. need from our leaders is changing, and how women t h i r d p l a c e (tie) ESPN leaders, in particular, can rise to the occasion, by f i f t h p l a c e REVOLT learning to wield power without fear.
SPEAKER: Deborah Gruenfeld, Ph.D., Joseph PAR Top Operators: McDonald Professor, Professor of Organizational f i r s t p l a c e Comcast Corporation Behavior and Co-Director, Executive Program in Women’s Leadership, Stanford Graduate School of s e co n d p l a c e Cox Communications, Inc. Business t h i r d p l a c e Mediacom Communications
DEBORAH f o u r t h p l a c e Midco GRUENFELD f i f t h p l a c e Charter Communications
TOP SPONSORS:
PREMIER
RUBY
SPONSOR: CHAMPION
1:10 – 1:25 pm Fast Break
10 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
1:25 – 2:25 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Rebel Talent: Why it Pays to Break Staying Financially Fit in a the Rules at Work and in Life Downturn There’s a rebel in each of us. We live in turbulent This unprecedented period has found us all times and the world seems more divided than reacting at record speeds to protect our people ever. In this competitive environment, cultivating and our companies while continuing to serve our rebel talent is what allows businesses to evolve and customers. And although the circumstances are prosper. And rebellion has an added benefit beyond extraordinary, for many of us, this is not the first the workplace: it leads to a more vital, engaged and economic downturn we’ve faced. This session will fulfilling life. Sharing insights from her research on explore the impact on financial reporting and some why, when and how to break the rules, Dr. Francesca of the unique considerations the downturn presents. Gino will provide the tools to take a different look at From potential post-election taxes and regulations how you approach work and life. to new pricing strategies necessitated by changing customer demands, our presenters will highlight SPEAKER: Francesca Gino, Ph.D., Author & the opportunities and challenges leaders should Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration, monitor as we adjust to the new normal. Harvard Business School; Chair, Negotiation, Organizations and Markets (NOM) Unit SPEAKERS: Nichole Jordan, Regional Managing FRANCESCA Partner, Central Region, Grant Thornton; Janet GINO Malzone, Partner, Regional Audit Leader - Midwest, Grant Thornton NICHOLE JANET JORDAN MALZONE
SPONSOR:
THE LEADING EDGE Managing Up: Proven Strategies to Manage Management Whether we like it or not, our bosses have enormous influence over our ability to succeed, thrive and advance in our organizations, our careers and ultimately, our leadership journey. Managing up helps you build relationships that foster more communication and understanding between people with varying levels of power, skills and perspectives. This lively and interactive presentation provides proven strategies and techniques to increase cooperation and collaboration with everyone on your team, regardless of position. Learning to effectively manage up is good for you, your boss and your organization.
SPEAKER: Mary Abbajay, Author, Managing Up and President & CEO, Careerstone Group, LLC MARY ABBAJAY
The Power of Resilience 11 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
2:30 – 3:10 pm 3:15 – 4:15 pm FIRESIDE CHAT GENERAL SESSION Beyond the Hashtag: Moving from Navigating Chaos in a Grassroots to Grand Landscapes COVID World As we attempt to heal the deep wounds affecting Unprecedented times call for unprecedented our society, businesses have a moral obligation to leadership. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 hold themselves accountable and evaluate how they pandemic, the world has experienced civil, economic contribute to the tangled web of systemic racism. and political upheaval like nothing in recent history. Our industry is one that wields great economic However, even in the midst of turmoil, strong power, and we have tremendous social influence leaders find creative ways to pivot and support as content creators and conduits of information their organizations and teams in spite of it—while for billions around the world. Almost every major continuing to work toward their own professional business has made a public commitment to goals. Listen in on this frank panel discussion and diversity and inclusion following the recent social learn practical tools, ideas and lessons to guide you justice movement; however, we need to move past through the still evolving COVID crisis, and ensure statements and spring into action if we are going to you are prepared for the next big challenge that make real and measurable progress. comes our way. Come prepared with your burning questions for our experts. MODERATOR: Lori Hall, Co-Founder & Head of Creative, Pop’N Creative MODERATOR: Joseph B. Fuller, Professor of SPEAKER: Michael K. Powell, President & CEO, Management Practice, Harvard Business School NCTA – The Internet & Television Association SPEAKERS: Kathleen Finch, Chief Lifestyle Brands LORI MICHAEL K. Officer, Discovery, Inc.;Soraya Loerts, VP, Product HALL POWELL Quality, Liberty Global; Michelle Rice, General Manager, TV One JOSEPH B. KATHLEEN FULLER FINCH
SPONSOR:
ABOUT WICT’S #BEYONDTHEHASHTAG SORAYA MICHELLE SERIES LOERTS RICE This series was established at the WICT Leadership Conference in the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, which ignited a global campaign about the obstacles women encounter routinely in their professional lives. WICT’s #BeyondTheHashtag Series seeks to present SPONSOR: real-world solutions by moving workplaces from dialog to action in an effort to build inclusive and equitable workplace cultures that end bias, bigotry and prejudice.
12 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
4:20 – 5:20 pm 5:30 – 6:30 pm GENERAL SESSION SPECIAL ACTIVITY Profiles of Champions Panel: LIVE – Virtual Networking Becoming a Corporate Athlete Roundtables: Time to Unwind Athletes possess specific traits developed over and Exhale years of competitive sports that translate well > Advance sign-up required into a corporate culture. From perseverance and BYOB (or not) and connect with leaders across the discipline to teamwork and reliance, these attributes industry as you engage in a targeted discussion on a are what make or break winners during their career. topic relevant to you. Among the highest-rated conference sessions, this encore panel presentation explores the SPEAKERS: Morgan Bondon, Area VP, Sales, intersectionality between high-performing athletes Cable & Media, Cisco; Julia de Boinville, VP, Global and high-performing executives. Learn invaluable Business Development, Afiniti;Tina Evangelista, strategies from these top players as they share their VP, Human Resources, Cable One; Georgia Juvelis, personal stories of trials and triumphs, empowering EVP & Co-Head Corporate Communications, AMC you to create your own corporate playbook. Networks; Leslie Miles, VP, Corporate Programs & Indirect Procurement, CommScope; Lois MODERATOR: Laura Gentile, SVP, Marketing, Nemcovsky, SVP, International Media Operations, ESPN A+E Networks; Samira Panah Bakhtiar, Senior SPEAKERS: Amanda McGrory, Digital Archivist, Sales Leader, AWS; Tina Shah, EVP & General Paralympian & Team USA Athlete; Kristi Manager, WarnerMedia -Turner Sports; Michelle Yamaguchi, Olympic Gold Medalist, World Strong, SVP, Content Distribution & Marketing, Champion Skater & Founder, Always Dream A+E Networks; Toni Stubbs, VP, Technology, LAURA AMANDA KRISTI Engineering & Operations, Cox Communications; GENTILE MCGRORY YAMAGUCHI Irene Thomas, Head of Marketing, Google Cloud MORGAN JULIA DE TINA BONDON BOINVILLE EVANGELISTA
SPONSOR:
GEORGIA LESLIE LOIS JUVELIS MILES NEMCOVSKY 5:20 – 5:30 pm Fast Break
SAMIRA PANAH TINA MICHELLE 5:30 – 6:30 pm BAKHTIAR SHAH STRONG SPECIAL ACTIVITY Fun with Fitness – Pilates De-stress while you work on strengthening and lengthening your whole body during a Mat Pilates TONI IRENE STUBBS THOMAS fitness class exclusively for WICT Leadership Conference attendees—open to all levels, from beginner to advanced.
SPONSOR:
The Power of Resilience 13 Resilience. One of life’s greatest skills.
Charter is proud to support Women in Cable Telecommunications.
14 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
9:00 – 10:00 am 10:00 am SPECIAL ACTIVITY In this welcome and introduction of Day Two, WICT’s Immediate Past Chair, Marva Johnson, thanks our Fun with Fitness – Yoga stakeholders and chapter leaders as we gear up for Create harmony within your body and mind during more learning and networking. a yoga class exclusively for WICT Leadership SPEAKER: Marva Johnson, 2020 WICT Immediate Conference attendees—open to all levels, from Past Chair; VP, State Government Affairs (South), beginner to advanced. Charter Communications MARVA JOHNSON 9:00 – 11:00 am SPECIAL ACTIVITY LIVE – One-on-One Executive Coaching > Advance sign-up required A Leadership Conference crowd favorite, WICT’s 10:00 – 10:55 am one-on-one coaching sessions offer customized guidance on your area of interest with a professional CONCURRENT SESSIONS executive coach. Based on participant feedback, we have expanded the length of each session from 25 TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION to 45 minutes, allowing you more time to explore Preparing for Tomorrow’s Jobs with your coach any leadership or management Today, The Futurist’s Perspective issues relevant to your career. Time slots will be There is little doubt that our workplaces are available at various points across both days of the currently undergoing extraordinary transformation, conference, enabling more choices and flexibility. expedited by the pandemic. These changes may be undermining our sense of identity and challenging SPONSOR: our ability to adapt. Where so many see change as threatening, futurists Heather McGowan and Chris Shipley see it as an opportunity to open the flood gates of human potential and shift the way we think about work and leadership. Join us for this candid discussion about adaptation, and learn ways to detach your sense of pride and personal identity from a job title, and connect to your sense of purpose. You will return to work with tools that will positively impact your career for years to come.
SPEAKERS: Heather McGowan, Future-of-work Strategist and Author, The Adaptation Advantage; Chris Shipley, Author, The Adaptation Advantage HEATHER CHRIS MCGOWAN SHIPLEY
SPONSOR:
The Power of Resilience 15 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
10:00 – 10:55 am CONCURRENT SESSIONS
THE LEADING EDGE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Creating an Exceptional and Increasing Your Impact and Dynamic Culture Influence in the Virtual World There can be a disconnect between a leader’s Our current environment requires us to find ways to perception of an organization’s culture and that stay relevant as the industry and the world around of rank-and-file employees’ perceptions. These us undergo dramatic changes. Experience a seismic disconnects can create miscommunication, shift in the way you think about yourself and your sometimes resulting in reduced trust and confidence ability to lead during this energizing and insightful in leadership. Creating a people-centered Plan to be Amazing!TM call-to-action for leaders culture has a positive impact on an organization’s at all levels. You will learn to ensure your voice is effectiveness and bottom line, however, changing heard and your impact is felt in our virtual world, mindsets and behaviors doesn’t happen all at once. while you expand your understanding of what truly Culture transformation takes time and commitment constitutes amazing leadership in the eyes of others. from all levels of the organization. Join us for this Presenter Carol Isozaki will help you develop a session and learn how to involve your entire team plan to bring your best, most authentic self to the in creating a dynamic culture that will benefit your table, especially when outside your comfort zone. company in the long term. You will return to the workplace rooted in enhanced intentionality, leadership clarity, and personal SPEAKER: Nicole L. Turner, Founder/Principal, accountability. Nicole L. Turner Consulting NICOLE L. SPEAKER: Carol Isozaki, Founder & President, TURNER Strategic Brand Intelligence CAROL ISOZAKI
SPONSOR:
SPONSOR:
16 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
11:00 – 11:55 am 12:00 – 1:00 pm SUPER TUESDAY KEYNOTE GENERAL SESSION Grit: The Power and Passion of (Re)Creating Successful Employee Perseverance Resource Groups Grit—a unique combination of passion and long- > A Joint Session with NAMIC term resolve—is the hallmark of high achievers Once considered simply social networks to in every domain, according to Angela Duckworth, support underrepresented groups, ERGs are now best-selling author of Grit: The Power and Passion recognized as drivers of greater workplace inclusion. of Perseverance. Duckworth’s book serves as a Successful ERGs are a living, breathing example roadmap to understanding and building resilience in of how diversity drives business results. Attend this tough times. We invite you to join us for this personal, panel discussion of industry leaders and HR experts insightful and transformative conversation about to learn best practices on building or fortifying your what happens psychologically when an individual company’s ERG. falters, and how perseverance—especially when faced with challenging conditions—determines one’s MODERATOR: Joiava Philpott, VP, Regulatory level of success. Affairs, Cox Communications SPEAKERS: Jennifer Caserta, Chief MODERATOR: Michelle Ray, Executive Director, Transformation & People Officer, AMC Networks; Walter Kaitz Foundation Lee Schroeder, EVP, Government & Community SPEAKER: Angela Duckworth, Ph.D., Christopher Affairs & Chief Diversity Officer, Altice USA; H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Mini Timmaraju, Executive Director, Diversity & University of Pennsylvania and Founder & CEO, Inclusion, Comcast Character Lab JOIAVA JENNIFER MICHELLE ANGELA PHILPOTT CASERTA RAY DUCKWORTH
LEE MINI SCHROEDER TIMMARAJU SPONSOR:
Presented in conjunction with
The Power of Resilience 17 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
1:00 – 2:00 pm 1:00 – 2:00 pm SPECIAL ACTIVITY L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Session: “The Value of Mentoring” LIVE – One-on-One Executive > Free to WICT Leadership Conference attendees Coaching This noteworthy conversation between Christy > Advance sign-up required Haubegger and Ed Lewis will explore key aspects of A Leadership Conference crowd favorite, WICT’s successful mentoring, and its ability to build leaders, one-on-one coaching sessions offer customized launch dream careers and create legacies. You don’t guidance on your area of interest with a professional want to miss this conversation! executive coach. Based on participant feedback, we have expanded the length of each session from 25 MODERATOR: James Anderson, SVP, Enterprise to 45 minutes, allowing you more time to explore Inclusion, Marketing and Communications, with your coach any leadership or management WarnerMedia issues relevant to your career. Time slots will be SPEAKERS: Christy Haubegger, EVP, Chief available at various points across both days of the Enterprise Inclusion Officer, WarnerMedia;Ed conference, enabling more choices and flexibility. Lewis, Co-Founder, CEO and Publisher, Essence Communications, Inc.
SPONSOR: JAMES CHRISTY ED ANDERSON HAUBEGGER LEWIS
Presented by NAMIC
walter kaitz SUPPORTED BY: foundation
18 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
2:10 – 3:10 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Trendspotting: Embracing Financial Acumen for the Emerging Technologies Non-Accountants While we can’t predict the future, we can envision Understanding financial statements and cash flow what’s possible, thanks to the latest technology. Join charts are vital skills for anyone who intends to this panel discussion of senior-level industry leaders move upward in leadership. Successful executives as they dive into the tech trends on the horizon. understand and use financial data to help inform Learn how these trends will drive significant change sound decision making and tap into their fiscal and transform our ever-evolving business. acumen routinely to succeed. This session will give you a primer on understanding financial reporting MODERATOR: Orlando Hampton, General basics, like reading income statements and cash Manager, USA, Afiniti flow reports, helping you to gain confidence in SPEAKERS: Noopur Davis, EVP, Chief Product understanding how financial data and non-financial & Information Security Officer, Comcast; metrics interact. Learn to forecast events and Stephanie Mitchko-Beale, CTO & EVP, Charter determine the best financial strategy to position Communications your organization for financial stability and growth. ORLANDO NOOPUR STEPHANIE HAMPTON DAVIS MITCHKO-BEALE SPEAKER: Thomas Smith, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Practice of Finance, Goizueta Business School, Emory University THOMAS SMITH
SPONSOR:
THE LEADING EDGE The Activation of Courage in Leaders: What the Science Says What causes fear? What does it mean to act with courage? This session will address those questions and more as we explore the neuro-behavior of fear and bravery. You will come away from this fascinating session armed with tools and techniques that you can utilize to stay in control and lead with courage in the face of fear.
SPEAKER: Dr. Arin Reeves, President & Managing Director, Nextions LLC DR. ARIN REEVES
SPONSOR:
The Power of Resilience 19 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
3:25 – 4:30 pm 5:00 – 6:00 pm CLOSING SESSION SPECIAL ACTIVITY Pearls of Wisdom: LIVE – One-on-One Defining Moments Executive Coaching This annual capstone session takes a page from > Advance sign-up required the famed TED Talks, bringing together influential A Leadership Conference crowd favorite, WICT’s thought leaders to impart their wisdom in several one-on-one coaching sessions offer customized mini-keynotes. Speakers will share their inspiring guidance on your area of interest with a professional and powerful journeys and seminal moments, which executive coach. Based on participant feedback, we will leave you energized and empowered to take your have expanded the length of each session from 25 teachings and turn them into an action plan! to 45 minutes, allowing you more time to explore with your coach any leadership or management SPEAKERS: Jane Latman, President, HGTV; issues relevant to your career. Time slots will be Dr. Randy Ross, bestselling author, CEO of available at various points across both days of the Remarkable, and former Chief People Officer; conference, enabling more choices and flexibility. Saleema Vellani, Founder & CEO, Ripple Impact; Eboni K. Williams, Host & Executive Producer, REVOLT Black News; Tiffany Yu, CEO & Founder, SPONSOR: Diversability; Founder, Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter JANE DR. RANDY SALEEMA LATMAN ROSS VELLANI
EBONI K. TIFFANY WILLIAMS YU
SPONSOR:
4:30 pm Closing Remarks & Wrap Up
SPEAKER: Joanna Dees, SVP, Educational Programs, WICT JOANNA DEES
20 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee CHAIR CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR Sandra Howe Michelle Rice EVP & President, Americas General Manager Technetix, Inc. TV One
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR INDUSTRY RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR Marva Johnson Leigh Woisard VP, State Government Affairs (South) SVP, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Charter Communications Cox Communications
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR PRESIDENT & CEO Catherine Bohigian Maria E. Brennan, CAE EVP, Government Affairs President & CEO Charter Communications WICT
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR Justin Connolly President, Media Distribution Disney & ESPN Media Networks
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR Jen Neal General Manager, E! News, Live Events & Lifestyle Digital E! Entertainment Many of WICT's 2020 Board visited Comcast's Tech Center in Philadelphia At-Large Directors
Julie Agnew Lauren Dolan Catherine Frymark Mary McLaughlin CHAPTER LEADER DESIGNEE VP, Global Talent Group SVP, Corporate SVP, Beltway Region Executive Director, Liberty Global Communications Comcast Construction & Delivery, Discovery, Inc. Johnita Due Lee Schroeder Network Expansion SVP, Chief Diversity & Orlando Hampton EVP, Government & Virgin Media Inclusion Officer General Manager, USA Community Affairs & Karen Bennett WarnerMedia News & Afiniti Chief Diversity Officer EVP & Chief Human Sports Altice USA Jonica Hartman Resources Officer Tina Evangelista EMERGING LEADER DESIGNEE Peri Shamsai Cox Communications VP, Human Resources Director, Strategic Managing Director Morgan Bondon Cable One Initiatives Accenture VP, Sales Spectrum Reach Carmela Fournier Michelle Strong Cisco EMERGING LEADER DESIGNEE Georgia Juvelis SVP, Content Distribution Karen Buchholz Executive Director, Data EVP & Co-Head, A+E Networks Chief Diversity Officer & Platform Corporate Alaka Williams EVP, Administration FreeWheel, a Comcast Communications SVP, People & Culture – Comcast company AMC Networks U.S. Networks Rhonda Crichlow Jodi Friedman Sloan Kennedy Discovery, Inc. SVP & Chief Diversity Account VP, Business VP, Domestic Network Officer Services Distribution Charter CommScope HBO Communications
The Power of Resilience 21 STAFF
Maria E. Brennan, CAE Lesa Faris Donna McDonald President & CEO Chief Development Officer Director, Data Operations & Finance Jason E. Brown Greg Hickman Senior Director, Educational SVP, Technology & Digital Kathleen McNally Programs Communications Director, Membership Operations Julianne Churchill Hassana Howe, CAE Sydney Rose Executive Assistant VP, Member & Chapter Manager, Chapters & Events Development Joanna Dees Kiersten A. Walker, CMP, CSEP SVP, Educational Programs Cindy Key AVP, Events Director, Business Development Kristin Edwards Rebecca Walker, CPA, MBA AVP, Industry Relations & External Megan Marksberry Chief Financial Officer Communications Sr. Manager, Program Administration
SAVE THE DATE
WICT Signature Luncheon THE PLAZA HOTEL NEW YORK Fifth Avenue at Central Park South APRIL 29, 2021
HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CABLE HALL OF FAME DINNER
22 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2020 CHAPTER PRESIDENTS
CAROLINAS MIDWEST Christine Rodocker Lisa Neuwirth VP, Distribution & Consumer Marketing Sr. Director, Strategic Readiness Office INSP Charter Communications
EUROPE NEW ENGLAND Soraya Loerts Anna Ciccone VP Product Quality Supervisor Remote Crewing Liberty Global, Inc ESPN
FLORIDA NE W YORK Sadie Molinet Mary Susan Schilling Field Marketing Manager Director, Traffic Spectrum Enterprise Formerly Charter Communications
GREAT LAKES NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Darralyn Griffin Jillian Harvey Finance Supervisor Permitting Construction Manager Comcast Comcast
GREATER CHICAGO PACIFIC NORTHWEST Lisa Thomas Abbie O’Dell Sr. Mgr., Procurement Sr. Director Learning Services: Field Operations CommScope Charter Communications
GREATER MEMPHIS-JACKSON ROCKY MOUNTAIN Tonya Thompson Kukis Moran Manager, Strategic Execution Executive Director, Communications Engineering MaxxSouth Broadband Comcast
GREATER OHIO SOUTHEAST Jeannette Richardson Renita Griskel Director, Human Resources Director, Emerging Media Content Charter Communications Discovery, Inc.
GREATER PHILADELPHIA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Lisa Vetere Jennifer Miles Sr. Director, Finance Capital Strategy & Analysis Sr. Director, Brand Marketing Comcast Cable Disney/ESPN
GREATER PITTSBURGH SOUTHWEST Danielle Erringer Monica Cole Evans Sr. HR Director Sr. Manager, Technical Project Management Comcast Cox Communications
GREATER TEXAS UNITED KINGDOM Nikia Farria-Green Julie Agnew Director, Business Assurance Exec Director, Construction & Delivery Comcast Virgin Media
HEARTLAND VIRGINIA Terri Rice Shinese Collins Sr. Manager, Marketing Sr. Marketing Manager Cox Business Cox Communications
LATIN AMERICA WASHINGTON DC/BALTIMORE Fernanda Merodio Anne Thompson Sr. Director, Distribution Sr. Delivery Manager Hemisphere Media Group Celerity
The Power of Resilience 23 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENTS
CHERYL GREENE FELLOWSHIP Shannon Saviers Vice President Sand Cherry Associates
LUCILLE LARKIN FELLOWSHIP May Cho Director, Inbound Sales & Quality Comcast
JUNE TRAVIS FELLOWSHIP Aretina Maholmes Sr. Product Marketing Manager Cox Communications
NOMI M. BERGMAN FELLOWSHIP Joanna Casas Network Engineer Charter Enterprise
MARTHA SOEHREN WOMEN VETERANS FELLOWSHIP Crystaljean T. Smith-Allen Social Media Support Specialist Cox Communications
CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIPS The following WICT chapters provided scholarship opportunities to the WICT Leadership Conference:
Carolinas Midwest
Europe New England
Great Lakes Pacific Northwest
Greater Chicago Rocky Mountain
Greater Philadelphia Southeast
Greater Pittsburgh Southern California
Greater Texas Southwest
Heartland Virginia
24 THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2019 WICT CHAPTER AWARD WINNERS
Chapter of the Year Best Chapter Programming of the Year Greater Philadelphia 1. Greater Philadelphia 2. Heartland Chapter President of the Year 3. New York and Southern California (tie) Fernanda Merodio (Latin America) Sr. Director, Distribution Hemisphere Media Group Chapter Mentoring Excellence 1. Rocky Mountain Chapter Advisor of the Year 2. Midwest Marge Jackson (Greater Philadelphia) SVP, Multicultural Symphony & Sales Enablement 3. Greater Chicago Comcast Community Service Award Chapter Leaders of the Year Southeast Nancy Allen (Great Lakes) Account Executive—Xfinity Communities Inspire Award Comcast Carolinas Georgia Jones (United Kingdom) Europe Sr. Legal Counsel – Programming Florida Virgin Media Greater Philadelphia Chapter Volunteers of the Year Greater Pittsburgh Sesaneen Allen (Carolinas) Business Analyst, Customer Ops Heartland Charter Communications New York Alexandra Piña (New York) Rocky Mountain Director, Programming & Production Southeast DeSales Media Southern California Most Improved Chapter United Kingdom Greater Pittsburgh Virginia Washington DC/Baltimore
SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars for next year’s WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE New York Marriott Marquis Times Square October 4-5, 2021 The Power of Resilience 25 Customize your own #2020WLC leadership journey with WICT’s mobile app, powered by
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WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE TOP SPONSORS OF THE 2020 WICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
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