Susan McLaughlin

McLaughlin has worked in cable and technology for most of her career, striving to help cable operators improve efficiency, customer service and their competitive position. A major focus for her over the next year will be to help TOA’s customers determine how to transition capacity management out of the customer care and billing systems to the mobile workforce management function. “Cable offers many wonderful programs and resources for women once they are in the industry, but could improve in supporting future members,” she says.

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

Cable offers many wonderful programs and resources for women once they are in the industry, but could improve in supporting future members. For example, perhaps we could offer several college scholarships for women entering the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) across the country. In addition to offering scholarships, it would be great to have a program that would seek out girls who have the desire to become involved in the industry but do not have the financial resources to pursue higher education, and provide them with the support they need to become successful in the industry. This would also involve actively communication information about scholarships to current industry members so that local membership can identify girls in their community who may benefit from these support programs.

How do you define a successful career?

A successful career is one in which you are passionate about what you do. If you learn as much as you contribute, that is success.  Another indication of a successful career is if you’ve created a workplace environment where employees feel they can take risks and be creative.

Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

One thing I do to maintain that personal-professional life balance is scheduling my personal life just like I schedule my professional life. My calendar has appointments for me to run or swim, to see my family and to do the other things I enjoy doing. It makes achieving that balance easier, and it helps me in my professional life because I’m taking time for myself, so I am happy and relaxed when it comes time to get back to work.