Martha Soehren

Chief Talent Development Officer, Comcast university, SVP, Comcast Cable

Soehren leads one of the nation’s largest corporate universities and training platforms for Comcast’s 153,000 employees. Under her leadership, learning and development at Comcast is delivered using innovative solutions with a focus on efficiencies and effectiveness and tells the ROI stories with learning and business data. If she could turn back time, Soehren would say to her teen self:  “Education is important to defining and growing your career—take it seriously and sooner. Identify and use the resources around you—ask great questions and find mentors and role models—starting now.
Which sector of the cable industry best demonstrates gender equality? Which could use some enlightenment? 

In general, the cable industry as a whole is a strong career path for women. For example, based on WICT’s 2015 PAR Survey, women in executive to senior management ranks rose to 32 percent of the total workforce, up from 28 percent in 2013’s survey. That figure alone puts our industry far above other industries, including most Silicon Valley companies.

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

Education is important to defining and growing your career – take it seriously and sooner. Identify and use the resources around you – ask great questions and find mentors and role models — starting now.

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

My response is two-fold. I love “Forensic Files” on HLN – there are some very smart and talented women (and men) solving real cases with intellect, skill, and talent. The second is NBC news – there are many talented women (and men) who do a great job telling the stories and role- model for younger women around us.

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

The biggest national story in cable was the merger of TWC and Charter – further evidence of an evolving industry with terrific talent.