Charlie Jordan Brookins
Brookins oversees the development and creation of BET’s signature series, and was also responsible for shepherding this year’s groundbreaking miniseries “Book of Negroes,” which was nominated for a 2015 Critics’ Choice Award. “Given the proliferation of small screens and the multiple format options for content, I would say one of the bigger growth areas would be in the multiplatform and digital arenas,” she says.
Where are the biggest growth areas for women in cable?
Given the proliferation of small screens and the multiple format options for content, I would say one of the bigger growth areas would be in the multi-platform and digital arenas.
What’s the most important aspect of mentoring?
Two of the most important aspects of mentoring in my opinion are quality time and consistency. Not to be cliché about quality over quantity, but the seeds of a relationship grow with consistent watering. Yes – it’s great to do the speed dating mentoring events, but it’s also just as important to identify and invest in a few to be a bridge for the future. My mentor of over 25 years has certainly done that for me.
What/who inspires you at work? What/who inspires you outside the office?
I am on the content side, so what inspires me the most at work is PASSION. It is truly the fuel of the creativity engine. Outside of the office, it would be my kids. They help to shape my purpose, inspire me, ground me and most importantly, fill my life with lots of laughter.
Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?
Wish I had the perfect trick for this one. But I did make a mind shift when someone told me that there is no such thing as work life balance because everything is not equally important at the same time. There are always priorities. The key is to focus in on those daily priorities – both personal and professional – so that you do have a sense of accomplishment each day.
Your favorite trick for unwinding?
I would say walking or hiking. Yes–it is exercise, but for me it is a time to de-stress, to start to organize the clutter of ideas and tasks in my brain, and to have a private moment away from the office and my active and demanding home life.
