Suzanne McFadden
SVP, Customer Experience Communications, Comcast Cable
McFadden improves customer experience by infusing brand voice, transparency and clarity into all customer communications for the Xfinity product line. Those lines include television, high-speed Internet, digital voice and home security. A valued employee of Comcast since 1977, McFadden pays it forward by participating in numerous cable industry associations, including CTAM and WICT. Additionally, she actively mentors women at Comcast and through the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute. “Raise your hand often, even for the projects that may be out of your comfort zone,” is what McFadden would say to her teenage self. “Enjoy life, relish school and don’t put too much pressure on yourself!”
Which sector of the cable industry best demonstrates gender equality? Which could use some enlightenment?
Gender equality needs to start with a feeder network that fills the bench so that women are poised and ready to join the senior leadership team when there is an open opportunity. Traditionally, women in our industry have seemed to lean towards roles in care, marketing, PR and affiliate relations. More effort is needed to encourage them into operations, technology and finance, which I have viewed as more male dominant.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Be respectful, but not afraid to share your ideas. In today’s world, many of the best ideas are coming from the youth whose imagination and passion have not been dampened by operational hurdles or technology barriers. Raise your hand often, even for the projects that may be out of your comfort zone. Enjoy life, relish school and don’t put too much pressure on yourself!
Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
The working mother who has the support of a partner that stays at home. It’s becoming more and more common in life, but not reflected in the entertainment we see. Show the professional woman – doctors, lawyers, even Presidents – and how they manage real life – kids, troubles, family arguments, going to school activities – I think “Madam Secretary” does a great job in this vein.
