Michelle Wilkins

Behind all the shopping glamour is a whole lot of tech support. Wilkins oversees a team of more than 60 who handle the tech requirements that keep HSN and HSN2 humming seamlessly—including the editing, broadcasting, production management and satellite transformation of content across platforms. She’s also developing a storage solution capable of fully supporting the HSN “video everywhere” initiative. And this busy exec also knows how to unplug. “In a world where we are always connected, sometimes you have to know when to turn the ringer off and disconnect from work,” she says.

What/who inspires you at work? What/who inspires you outside the office?

I am most inspired by my boss. Her energy, ambition and passion for the work that we do is contagious. Outside of the office I am inspired by my wife Valerie. Our relationship is the true definition of a partnership. She inspires and supports me in everything I do.

Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

Over the years I have learned that balance is best achieved through creating boundaries. In a world where we are always connected, sometimes you have to know when to turn the ringer off and disconnect from work.

Your favorite trick for unwinding?  

I am currently studying to be a sommelier.  This is very different from my day-to-day work and I find that redirecting my focus and learning something new allows me to unwind, and come back to work with a renewed sense of energy and focus.