Savalle Sims

Sims’ collaborative companywide approach to litigation and intellectual property issues has led Discovery to adopt a more coordinated approach to all of its trademark, patent, copyright and other intellectual property needs. She says her best mentors led by example. “I have learned a great deal from mentors who have been courageous enough to share their greatest mistakes and failures, while imparting how they learned and grew from those experiences,” she says.

What’s the definition of diversity in 2014, and how can the cable industry do better in the are of inclusiveness?

Diversity is ultimately about inclusion. It is not just the representation of different backgrounds, perspective, ideologies, experiences, and viewpoints. Diversity is the byproduct of inclusion that leads to richer thinking, invites more creative solutions, and results in greater productivity.   As an industry, it is important to focus on developing and mentoring young professionals in a way that leads to greater inclusion in our senior ranks.

Who has been your strongest mentor, and why?

My most rewarding experiences as a mentee have grown organically and been the result of people who took an interest in my development and helped me mature professionally. I have learned a great deal from mentors who have been courageous enough to share their greatest mistakes and failures, while imparting how they learned and grew from those experiences.

What qualities do you look for when making a new hire?

I look for bright, diligent, creative individuals who are committed to understanding our clients’ business needs and partnering with them to find creative solutions. We often face a broad array of challenging issues. I want to work with people who are energized by those challenges and excited to be surrounded by smart, talented people.