Debra Sharon Davis
President & CEO, Davis Communications Group/Davis Content Partners
Davis has become an instrumental adviser to influential players in cable, OTT, digital, social media, analytics, venture capital and private equity firms. Recently, Davis launched an innovative hybrid of approaches for social media, publishers, retail, brands and cable networks. What advice would she give her 13-year-old self? “Honor your time and your intellect. Step back and see the full landscape and run your own race. Balance being practical with a laser-focus on your desired outcome. Attitude is everything. Surround yourself with great leaders and mentors—who possess not only achievements but great integrity.”
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Honor your time and your intellect. Step back and see the full landscape and run your own race. Balance being practical with a laser-focus on your desired outcome. Attitude is everything. Surround yourself with great leaders and mentors – who possess not only achievements but great integrity. Embrace humility. Appreciate beauty. When you find yourself at a crossroads, ask: “What is it that the universe is telling me? What do I need to learn here?” There is no great secret to success – only the fearlessness in reaching for what you want.
Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
On cable networks some good examples would be, HBO’s “Veep” and “Insecure,” and “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” on TBS. For “Veep” – with the brilliant Julia Louis-Dreyfus – the focus is not that she is a woman in a position of power – that is a given – rather it is the irony and satire that is the political system. Insecure is a fresh and witty view on living single in a big city co-created by African-American actress, Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore. It offers a perspective rarely seen and very compelling. Full Frontal with Samantha Bee on TBS is important in that it provides a podium for a female comedienne to pontificate on the current state of the world.
What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?
Mine is more a big picture answer from a different vantage point about how the cable industry’s visionaries and entrepreneurs continue to strategically impact popular culture both domestically and globally and deliver growth opportunities. They are great examples of pioneers who have had and continue to create an indelible impact. Those like Comcast’s Brian Roberts, Liberty’s John Malone and Discovery’s David Zaslov to name a few. Great entrepreneurs.
