Janet Han Vissering

Wild? Yes. Crazy? No. Han Vissering oversees more than 150 hours of programming, commissioned each year for broadcast in 166 countries, 330 million homes and 34 languages worldwide. Yet somehow she manages to juggle it all gloriously, manages Wild’s development team and works leading indie producers, distributors, creative agencies and strategic broadcast partners to create the network’s signature series, specials and events. This year, Wild had its highest-ever rated quarter in Q1, and in the summer returned several hits— including “The Incredible Dr. Pol” and “Monster Fish” while debuting new shows such as “Pond Stars,” “Animals Gone Wild” and miniseries “Urban Jungle,” with big cat tracker Boone Smith. Han Vissering also oversaw a handful of new specials, all designed to keep viewers coming back for more. But she tells us that in her free time, we’re most likely to find her in the kitchen cooking.

How do you define a successful career?

A successful career to me is defined not only by what title I have but also by who I’ve help to mentor and grow in the industry, what contribution I’ve given to move the industry forward and lastly, being able to wake up every day and be excited about coming into work.

Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

Communicate well with your family.  Know what is important to everyone, don’t ever take your partner or family for granted.  And most importantly, thank the people who help you.

When not in the office, where are we most likely to find you?

In my kitchen cooking!