Kristin Frank

EVP, Revenue, Strategy & Operations, MTV

For those familiar with Frank and her work, her elevation this year to a job that includes even more responsibility comes as no surprise. A seasoned media executive and innovator, she excels at creating compelling content, and new structures and strategies to expand MTV’s multiscreen relationship with fans. In addition to overseeing revenue and strategy, Frank continues to oversee the network’s digital and mobile operations, including the development of original series for MTV’s digital platforms and Snapchat Discover, the reimagination of MTV News, which currently reaches 83 million social followers and averages 30 million streams a month, and the proliferation of MTV’s TV Everywhere product. She also knows the importance of trusting instincts, as demonstrated by her advice to her 13-year-old self: “You can try to fool your intuition, but your intuition won’t fool you. Trust yourself.”

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

Right now I love the diversity of female talent in entertainment today from scripted dramas and comedies to late night. “Game of Thrones” left us last season with nothing but super strong women leaders who are equal parts power hungry and conniving, as much as they are good, strong and confident. Abbi and Ilana (“Broad City”) remain two of my favorite friends on television, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”) proves that any woman can be funny, super sarcastic and inappropriate at times and Samantha Bee has truly broken out with “Full Frontal.”

What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?

AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner is the biggest illustration thus far of more and more consolidation and coupling of media, technology and telecom companies.

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

You can try to fool your intuition but your intuition won’t fool you. Trust yourself.