Kathleen Finch

Finch was promoted to Scripps’ chief programming, content and brand officer in August, which makes her responsible for content across the company’s six networks. She has tough shoes to fill with Food Network chief Brooke Johnson electing to retire, but given the record-setting audience growth for HGTV and DIY Network while she was at the helm, we’re confident she’ll expand her innovative thinking to new heights with the added responsibility. She culls much of her inspiration from her team. “They’re an amazing group of passionate, smart, creative TV junkies. I derive energy just by being around them!”

What’s the most important aspect of mentoring?

Providing honest insights and personal stories about our career journeys — both the good and bad — to give the next generation a roadmap of real life experiences to help them navigate their own path.

What/who inspires you at work? What/who inspires you outside the office?

My team inspires me at work. They’re an amazing group of passionate, smart, creative TV junkies. I derive energy just by being around them! Outside the office it’s my three daughters. Watching them become adults and think about their own careers is more satisfying than I ever imagined it could be.

Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

I am not ashamed to call myself a happy workaholic. My work/life balance probably wouldn’t work for many, because it’s pretty imbalanced, but it works for me.

Your favorite trick for unwinding?

I love to take very long walks through Manhattan with my husband and our mutt. Nothing too glamorous, but it’s one of my favorite things to do.