Nancy Dubuc

Since taking the reins at A+E Networks in June 2013, Dubuc has grown the business domestically and internationally while advancing the company’s TV Everywhere presence. Under her watch, the new venture A+E Studios is thriving and the company now has wholly-owned entities in Italy and Singapore as well as a 10% stake in Vice Media. Dubuc counts herself fortunate to have had Abbe Raven as a mentor, “an incredible leader with real vision and a heart and mind for raising others up.” As such, she believes it’s her responsibility to “pay it forward.”

Where are the biggest growth areas for women in cable?

I am enormously proud of the leadership role that A+E Networks and Lifetime have spearheaded in the industry relating to hiring and supporting women in creative roles, with an initiative called Broad Focus. Broad Focus is a movement to identify and develop entertainment’s best and up-and-coming creative talent with a specific lens focused on developing content dedicated to the female perspective. The initiative’s mission is to encourage and cultivate women’s talent in media, scout content leaders who are creating the best female-focused stories for television and advocate and raise awareness about the need for more women in influential content making roles throughout the media landscape.

What’s the most important aspect of mentoring?

Mentoring is critical to helping women’s role continue to grow in the industry. I was very fortunate to have been mentored by Abbe Raven, an incredible leader with real vision and a heart and mind for raising others up. Now it’s my responsibility to pay it forward. I continue mentor women in our org and the industry to help them reach their goals. Mentorship will always be a priority of mine.

Your favorite trick for unwinding?

My family, the beach, our family dog, and a good game of Words with Friends.