Connecting Leaders & Inspiring Growth

at The WICT Network Leadership Conference

Every year, The WICT Network hosts its annual Leadership Conference in New York City — a gathering that brings together members from chapters across the country and around the world. It’s a chance to network, learn and grow as leaders in the media and technology industries. This year, representatives from major companies like Warner Bros. Discovery, Comcast, Cox, Amazon and more filled the rooms with energy and insight, but there were also many smaller businesses and entrepreneurs with amazing stories of empowerment and giving back. These companies proudly showcased, during the energetic Touchstones Luncheon, their commitment to lifting and supporting women in the workplace.

I would like to share some of my takeaways from a brief but powerful handful of days where I experienced the true spirit of our touchstone this year: Connect.

The opening keynote with Fran Drescher was unforgettable, where she spoke candidly about her time as president of SAG. I only ever knew her as “The Nanny” but never realized what a powerful force she was behind the scenes, as well. 

Stories were woven throughout the conference, from that opening keynote into the breakout sessions to the big presentations, but two of the most memorable (to me) came during the concluding Pearls of Wisdom. One was not even so much a story as it was a brush with authenticity. 

First, there was Marcia Dawkins, who related a tale of being on the subway in NYC, a place where there are certain rules—don’t talk to anyone, don’t give up your seat, etc. On a particular day when she had to be somewhere at a particular time, she decided to break those rules and show kindness to a young woman in pain. She held this stranger’s hand at a time when the whole world seemed to be ignoring her, and to me, it was such an inspiring and symbolic message at a time when the workplace feels incredibly less personal. Don’t be afraid to look for those little moments to reach out and simply walk with people in their pain. 

And then there was Damaris Phillips. I captioned the season of “Food Network Star” that she won very early in my career and remember loving her personality. But sometimes, when you see people on television, it becomes easy to see them simply as a personality (take “The Nanny”, for example!) To me, it was incredibly heartening to watch the upbeat way she dealt with numerous mic issues and then to see her out in the halls afterwards being EXACTLY who she is on TV...it was charming. It was heartening. It was authentic and beautiful. 

No, we were not chatting with each other using AI bots or anything of that nature, but a recurring theme of the conference was how we must embrace AI if we want any hope for a future in the industry. I felt very much that many of us at the conference were connected by an underlying fear (or at the very least, caution) when it comes to AI. But this conference helped empower me in many ways — through learning about environmentally responsible ways big companies are making AI less damaging; through learning about ways AI can act as an assistant in an environment where I feel like I need more support; and even through cautionary stories about one potential future of the media industry — humans existing in augmented reality where you do not even need to move to experience some alternate form of life. If we do not want that future, then we need to be the ones to control the narrative!

At the Touchstones luncheon, I listened to companies share their commitments to women and diversity in the workplace. In today’s climate, that kind of commitment feels almost rebellious, and I was especially heartened to see so many smaller media companies leading the way! The representation on stage was diverse, and the power of the women I saw was inspiring. If we are truly committed to diversity and inclusion, we need to continue to be outspoken champions of both, especially right now. We must continue to be the voices that inspire and spark change.  

There were so many opportunities at this conference for me to grow as a leader, from one-on-one coaching to breakout sessions. I learned about toxic productivity (and even brought home a book!), the importance of mentorship and even the future of AI. There was so much new information that I now wish I had leaned more into the AI assistant I created (thanks, Lillian!) 

Here were my two biggest takeaways from the sessions:

• You must take care of yourself if you hope to also take care of your people. Think of it like putting the oxygen mask on yourself first in the airplane.
• AI is the future — start finding ways to use it or risk being left behind. Younger generations are using AI to leave their older counterparts in the dust; don’t get left behind!

From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed. Whether I showed up sweaty from running around the city or perfectly pressed, the environment was supportive and inclusive. Nothing exemplified this more to me than the Chapter Leader Roundtable, where representatives from WICT chapters around the world showed up to discuss what we are doing for our members and how we can continue to grow despite the challenges and pushback we face. I learned about one chapter’s  “WICT Goes With You” initiative, which provides resources for those seeking jobs and was a reminder that no matter what perils you face in your professional career—WICT will always be there to support you. I met the (sadly outgoing) president of The WICT Network herself, Maria Brennan. I got to stand on a stage with trailblazers and visionaries as a leader myself with The WICT Network: Southeast. And I hope, in the future, to continue leaning into the connections made, to work together with other chapters to keep improving what we have to offer. 

I’m deeply grateful to the amazing women who shared this experience with me. Special thanks to the WICT Board for sending me on this journey, to Cindy for always being so supportive of me (and loaning me some pictures), to Lynnette for encouraging me to apply, to Shannon for organizing our group dinner (and suggesting a Daily Show taping, which was so much fun!), to my husband for joining me and supporting me and to all the incredible women — and men — I had the honor of spending a few days with in The Big Apple. 

Until next year…