Cyndi McClellan

McClellan’s decision to give “E! News” a looser vibe and strengthen its on-air team resulted in the show’s first Daytime Emmy nomination, and incorporating the e-commerce “Love it Buy It” segment created a new revenue stream. McClellan, who brought Maria Menournos to E!, says, “A successful career to me is having strong relationships that are based on mutual respect and trust.”

How can cable do better job at supporting the industry’s women?

Mentorship has been key to my career. I have been unbelievably lucky to work with great executives throughout my life. As a woman, having other strong woman and men to rely on has given me a strong support system. NBCU Cable recently expanded their mentorship program, and I think it is something hopefully others groups within the company will do as well to help cultivate the next generation leaders of our industry.

How do you define a successful career?

A successful career to me is having strong relationships that are based on mutual respect and trust. It is critical to have a shorthand with those you work with in order to make efficient and effective decisions.

Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

Not sure I mastered this one but one edict I try to live by is to be present when I come home until the kids are in bed. I try to keep the emails to a minimum during that time and then hop back on later in the evening. It really does feed your soul to play blocks, puzzles and read books after a day in the office.