Ann Carlsen
Title: Founder/CEO, Carlsen Resources
Years in Cable: 35
Education: Journalism, University of Colorado

With 25 years of experience at her gig, Carlsen’s an ace at senior-level recruiting for media companies (We’re guessing she placed more than half the folks in this magazine at some point). One recent example of Ann’s handiwork was Rich Ross at Discovery Channel, a net that’s already showing ratings achievements. Importantly, her accomplishments bleed beyond boasting an incredible work ethic. Carlsen is a passionate role model for young women in the business and mentors young executives in the art of recruiting, all the while embracing newer, online tools within the business and expanding her reach beyond cable and into the digital and international markets.

Should the industry embrace or reject “virtual MSOs” and why? I don’t believe that resisting change is in anyone’s best interest. And I believe strongly that, just as the market fueled the birth of this industry, the market will determine what it looks like in the foreseeable future. The key is for the Industry to be that future; but test the waters with an open mind, before diving in headfirst.

If I had a show on YouTube it would be called… “You Want it When?”
I wish Congress would just… play nice.
Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat? I’m not sure, but—seriously—can the collective attention span of the next generation of consumers get any shorter?
If Disney hired me to reboot “Star Wars” I would… have Han Solo and Princess Leia switch genders.
Favorite Cable Show memory: Not sure I have one specific memory that stands above all the others, but in the early days… the wild parties and the risks taken by entrepreneurs was so energizing. I’ll never forget going to the Cable Show each year, walking the exhibit floor and finding myself blown away by all the wildly imaginative (and at the time, daring) programming ideas.
The awards show the industry needs right now is… The Jobbies; an award show for those with most jobs in cable, with categories for most diverse, fastest riser, biggest riser, fastest fall from grace, greatest comeback, and most unlikely career about-face.
Favorite vacation spot: British Virgin Isles
Who’s on deck for the next celebrity meltdown? Can’t say for certain, but my sense is whoever it is will probably make his or her living in politics.
The last time I had a good laugh was… I have had a good laugh every day! Seriously… and it’s usually about something I have done.
My favorite business/motivational book: Get Out of Your Own Way

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After a U.S. official confirmed at least eight U.S. telecommunications providers were breached as part of a foreign hacking campaign, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) called for more focus on defending state-sponsored

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