Maria Brennan

As head of WICT, Brennan’s influence over enhancing gender diversity within the industry is far-reaching. The organization continues to set record numbers in membership (at nearly 10,000 people), grow its educational events and spread its mission abroad—starting with the launch of the WICT UK Chapter. Honored at the 2014 Cable Show with the NCTA Vanguard Award for Associates & Affiliates, Brennan says “companies must promote and retain women at the same rate as men if they want to grow as individual companies and as an industry,” she says.

How can cable do a better job at supporting the industry’s women?

The cable industry does many things right and well when it comes to supporting women in the workplace. But there is always more that can be done. As we saw from last year’s PAR survey, companies must promote and retain women at the same rate as men if they want to grow as individual companies and as an industry. It’s quite important, since we know through research that greater gender diversity equals greater profitability, better employee retention and higher overall staff morale.

Best trick for maintaining personal-professional life balance?

Because it is sometimes difficult to find balance between work and home, I try and live in a guilt-free zone. It’s a nice place to be. I try my best to be 100 percent there for the person, place or thing that needs me most at any given point and time. It is also very helpful when you have a strong support system in place, and fortunately – I do.

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

My favorite time away from the office is time at home. Yes, my best vacation is a stay-cation. I travel quite a bit for work, so time at home with my daughters and husband feels like a rarity. Also, I live quite close to my big, fat Greek family, so often you can find me hanging out at my folk’s house, with a rather large posse of relatives, eating far too much Baklava, Fakes and Spanakopita.