Yvette Kanouff
SVP, Service Provider Business, Cicso
Kanouff has more than 20 years of service provider, media, and software experience. As one of the top tech executives in cable and telecom, Kanouff believes “we need to get more technical resumes into our industry and show women that this is a great field to enter into… We also need to do more to show the business is inclusive and a fun place for women to work. Studies show that the lack of an inclusive culture is one of the biggest reasons women leave technology positions.” The top cable stories of 2016, according to Kanouff? Cellular offers, remote PHY and full duplex DOCSIS—along with the end of NCTA’s annual trade show, INTX. The former SeaChange and Cablevision exec joined Cisco in 2014 and was promoted to her current position in March, where she leads the development strategy for Cisco’s Service Provider segment, including core routing, switching and optical networking, network and service virtualization, service provider access networks for mobility, cable, wireless, cloud, and video software and solutions.
Which sector of the cable industry best demonstrates gender equality? Which could use some enlightenment?
We have much work to do in engineering. Not due to lack of trying or concern, but we need to get more technical resumes into our industry and show women that this is a great field to enter into. We also need to do more to show the business is inclusive and a fun place for women to work. Studies show that the lack of an inclusive culture is one of the biggest reasons women leave technology positions.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Don’t let current barriers get in the way of what you want to be or create. Think of what can be – invent and create that instead of being limited by what you see today.
Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
Any role where a woman is herself and accepted for it, respected, and treated equal. Regardless of strength, smarts, or position.
What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?
Cellular offers. Remote PHY and full duplex DOCSIS. No more INTX.
