Margret Schmidt

VP of Product Development & Chief Design Officer, TiVo

With TiVo and Rovi merging this year, Schmidt is playing an important role in “the new TiVo,” bringing together the different product lines into new experiences aimed at helping viewers find what they most want to watch. TiVo is set soon to announce its next-generation user interface designed by Schmidt and her team. As a huge fan of CW series “Reign,” she says women featured on the show such as Queen Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici know how to solve their own—and their countries’—problems. “I think women are wonderful problem solvers, and I love seeing that strength emphasized,” she says.

Which sector of the cable industry best demonstrates gender equality?

Which could use some enlightenment?

I don’t know that we’ve achieved ‘equality’ anywhere.  I think all areas would benefit from strategies to identify and combat unconscious bias. Men & women alike need to understand where these issues surface and how they affect recruiting, promotion, compensation, and participation.

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

Study hard, but not at the expense of your childhood. Know that you can’t plan or predict where you’ll end up, so practice making thoughtful decisions, and prepare to enjoy life’s journey. Be happy.

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

I’m a huge fan of “Reign” on The CW — Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I, Catherine de Medici — those women know how to solve their own (and their countries’) problems!  I think women are wonderful problem solvers, and I love seeing that strength emphasized.