Ayala has cultivated a winning recipe at Food Network, so it was a natural fit for WBD brass to add interim oversight of HGTV to her plate this year. She’s a calculated boundary pusher when it comes to programming formats, and she’s equally passionate about championing women on her team, in the greater WBD community and across the professional landscape.
“I am competitive by nature and extremely honest—both are a delicate balance in the workplace. Once I figured out that I can use both attributes in a positive way, it’s been the cornerstone of how I lead.”
What’s the toughest part about being a leader in the industry? Keeping a team motivated during an immense amount of change and disruption and keeping them focused on what they can control which is the amazing creative work they do.
What female artist has dominated your playlists this year? Gracie Abrams—wow she can sing!