Judy Schmeling

President of Cornerstone Brands, COO & CFO, HSN, Inc.

Because Schmeling’s multiple roles involve broadcasting and retail sales, she ensures HSN’s operational centers integrate key activities across all of its brands, perform efficiently and deliver an immersive, seamless end-to-end customer experience. She also heads up two areas of HSN’s business that are unique to TV retailing: broadcast distribution and merchandise planning. Schmeling and her team recently implemented a multiyear supply chain optimization initiative to better serve customers. “Traditionally, women in cable have had active roles and healthy careers in human resources and marketing,” she says. “The C suite and technology sector have opportunities for further diversification, including gender equality.“

Which sector of the cable industry best demonstrates gender equality?  Which could use some enlightenment? 

Traditionally, women in cable have had active roles and healthy careers in Human Resources and Marketing. The C-Suite and Technology sector have opportunities for further diversification, including gender equality.

Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?

“Veep,” starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus.  I love to see a woman cast as Vice President and then President of the United States of America. The character feels real, funny and engaging.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?

Enjoy yourself at every stage of your life. Have fun and don’t take yourself so seriously! Do not harshly judge yourself in any way (looks, weight, smarts, congeniality). Be who you are, stay true to yourself, and friends and family will always be with you. (Wait, I need to give that advice to myself now! 🙂