20. Marjorie Kaplan
By | November 1, 2013
Group President
Animal Planet, Science and Velocity
Kaplan repositioned the Animal Planet brand as “Surprisingly Human,” a move that made the network a Top 20 cable channel with men. She added programming about legendary creatures like mermaids as well as shows that reflect man’s interaction with the natural world. Her team has collectively driven U. S. market share from 4% to nearly 11%. Outside work, she’s still involved with nature: “I’m actually stunned by how many people walking outside are talking on their phones or staring at a device instead of looking at the world around them or just up at the sky,” she says. “Breathe.”
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I have a risk-taking, dynamic workplace filled with daring and talented creative people who are expected to bring their best selves to work every day. How could I not love that?
Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?
I make a deliberate point of NEVER taking anything electronic when I walk my dog. I’m actually stunned by how many people walking outside are talking on their phones or staring at a device instead of looking at the world around them or just up at the sky. Breathe…
Who would you want to swap jobs with for a month and why?
Kelly Slater. I’d love to be a great surfer and it would be great to have his bold, risk-taking presence on my businesses.