Suzanne Norman

Norman, the highest-ranking female at CMT, is focused on growing the network—so much so that the net has increased production 50 percent and has more shows in development than any time in its history. It’s paying off, with “Party Down South” ranking as the highest-rated series in CMT history. “Success for me is being a contributor; building something from the ground up,” she tells us.

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

This year, both major cable networks and broadcast began to shift their reporting, giving priority to the Live Plus 7 rating. This transition essentially validates the importance of a strong time-shifted viewing audience. We’re seeing the industry and Nielsen adapt quickly to this new “standard” metric, which was not previously monetized.

How do you define a successful career?

Success for me is being a contributor; building something from the ground up. CMT has evolved into a thriving cable network over the past 15 years. Success is being part of the team that carefully orchestrated this growth, and watching it bloom.

Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

I don’t know that you can maintain true balance. It’s important to let the small stuff go, and reevaluate priorities frequently because they are always shifting. The definition of “what doesn’t matter” changes daily.

 When not in the office, where are we most likely to find you?

I’m usually found on a football or baseball field, or driving my kids somewhere when I’m not in the office.