Karen Bailey
Given her job title, it’s not surprising Bailey’s inspirations at work are creatives. “The brilliant writers, directors and filmmakers with whom we are privileged to work with are certainly inspirational,” she says. Working with an expanding programming team, Bailey is guiding Starz programming such as “Outlander,” “The Missing” and “Close to the Enemy.”
What’s the most important aspect of mentoring?
All aspects of mentoring are important. I feel that if you are a woman who has been fortunate enough to gain success in this industry, it is your responsibility to mentor other women. We are occupying lots of non-traditional space in the workforce. Let’s shine a light on the fact that the door is ajar and ready for the next generation of women to push through.
What/who inspires you at work? What/who inspires you outside the office?
My inspiration at work is creative people—on all levels. The brilliant writers, directors and filmmakers with whom we are privileged to work with are certainly inspirational, but I am equally impressed by those who find a creative solution to a technical or production issue. To me, people who show innovative thought and action to improve our product and working environment are incredibly inspirational. My inspiration outside of the office is those who find time to give back. In this extremely competitive world where the 40-hour work week is seldom less than 60 hours, many still find time to help out at the local animal shelter, participate with the food-drive for the needy, become a Big Brother/Big Sister volunteer, make deliveries for Meal-on-Wheels. These are the quiet champions that make the world a little better every day.
Your favorite trick for unwinding?
I have found that doing something completely different than what you do as part of your work can help you “get out of your head.” If your work forces you to be very technical, take an art class. If you are in creative service, take an auto repair or similar class. For me, work makes it difficult to have a traditional home-life, so when time permits, I take cooking classes… but now I’ve become addicted to “Top Chef”!
