Elizabeth Asencio
Asencio and her team earned a gold medal of their own by driving value to NBCU’s airing of the Winter Olympics, and other network brand opportunities. Viewers in three of every four U.S. TV households (76.1%) tuned in to some portion of the Games. Her expertise and deep understanding of the U.S. Hispanic market, combined with her multicultural industry relationships, will play an essential role in bringing MVPD’s on board with the rebrand of mun2 as the network evolves into the destination for the younger and more tech-savvy Hispanics. “When building a team, I like to draw together people who have individual perspectives and experiences because it allows for more creativity,” she says. “I encourage an open and honest dialog where people can speak, which makes for a more successful environment.”
What’s the definition of diversity in 2014, and how can the cable industry do better in the area of inclusiveness?
Diversity entails bringing together people with different interests, backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to create an open and inclusive environment where individuals can learn and grow from others. Although diversity has been a challenge in all industries, it has become a hip norm and the cable industry has excelled, continuing to improve in the area of inclusivity, creating an environment that maximizes employees’ potential. Companies have embraced this focus and it has become integral to acquire tools to raise awareness on how to create an inclusive culture. Diversity should be introduced and recognized as an opportunity early on; it should become part of a company’s mission and strategy.
What’s been your company’s biggest innovation this year?
Comcast and NBCUniversal have leveraged the companies’ unparalleled portfolio of assets (NBCUniversal’s broadcast and cable networks, theme parks, film studio, Comcast’s video and broadband distribution, etc.) to drive value across the enterprise – we call this Symphony. In the three years since our companies came together, we have successfully executed on key opportunities across the content and distribution sides of the business. Symphony is innovative and taps into diverse divisions within the company, utilizing all groups and resources to plan, execute and implement key projects. Symphony is integrated at the core to maximize marketing, business, and advertising opportunities, and Comcast and NBCUniversal have succeeded in finding a way to work together to identify end results that help the overall direction and vision of the companies.
What qualities do you look for when making a new hire?
When building a team, I like to draw together people who have individual perspectives and experiences because it allows for more creativity. I look for people who differ greatly from me and who bring different skills sets that I don’t already add. I always seek unique qualities in individuals and encourage an open and honest dialog where they can speak their thoughts and ideas, which make for a more collaborative and successful work environment.
