There’s been a wave of change at Discovery, but with Frymark at the helm of communications the company’s messaging has been smooth as glass. She supervises comms strategy for the office of the CEO and all of Discovery’s US business units, and spearheads the company’s internal communications and employee engagement efforts among other daily tasks. Frymark created an integrated corporate communications division to join the Discovery and Scripps teams, and led the extension of company’s internal communications and employee engagement tool. All this while also taking on the dual role as communications lead for TLC. While Frymark wouldn’t trade her beloved Barbie Dream Home, she says, “If I had exposure to different types of clubs, school subjects, groups and games at a younger age, I might have been more open to different courses of study.”
What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
The proof is in the makeup of the leadership ranks. All four of Discovery’s senior-most creative leaders are women (Kathleen Finch, Nancy Daniels, Susanna Dinnage, Tina Perry), as are our head of People & Culture (Adria Alpert-Romm), General Counsel (Savalle Sims) and President of Digital (Karen Leever), to name just a few. And I tell people that every chance I get! Beyond that, Discovery absolutely prioritizes fostering the growth and development of female executives at all levels, both internally –with a robust, thriving Women’s Leadership ERG—and externally, through membership in organizations like WICT. I’m also particularly proud of Discovery’s top ranking every year by Working Mother Magazine as a company that fosters a supportive environment for working moms.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
I think this is less of an issue for today’s 13-year-old girl vs. when I was growing up but I would have told myself not to bend to traditional gender roles. Yet even today, the stereotypes persist, even if unconsciously in terms of styles of games, toys and role-playing that girls are pushed toward or gravitate toward. That’s not to say I would give up my beloved Barbie Dream Home (still in pristine condition, I might add), but if I had exposure to different types of clubs, school subjects, groups and games at a younger age, I might have been more open to different courses of study and majors in high school and college. Yet even with all the increased complexity and change in our world, I’m incredibly hopeful and optimistic for the 13-year-old girl growing up today.
Which current shows best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
At the risk of sounding biased, I’m inspired most by the real entrepreneurs and self-made success stories across our female lifestyle brands at Discovery. Whether it’s Leanne Ford on HGTV’s “Restored by the Fords,” Alex Guarnaschelli of Food Network or TLC’s “Dr. Pimple Popper” Dr. Sandra Lee, these are real women who have succeeded in their own way with their exceptional talents. They are relatable, inspiring, real women.
