Karen Grinthal

Grinthal’s leadership and vast experience with ad sales have helped to transform Food Network into a top tier brand in the cable marketplace. She oversees budgeting, planning, execution and supervision of one of the most successful ad sales groups in the business. “It’s important to love what you do,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of “solid relationships, creative solutions, trust and integrity.”

How do you define a successful career?

It’s important to love what you do (no Sunday night dread). Listen more than you talk and build a team of diverse and smart people who challenge you and keep you on your toes. Build a business based upon solid relationships, creative solutions, trust and integrity.

Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

Be fully present and engaged wherever you are and strive for excellence – not perfection. Make every minute count and be flexible in your priorities. Establish a solid support system.

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

Enjoying long drives with the top down (weather permitting), cooking for friends and family and getting educated on what’s hip by my daughter and her friends.