Christa D’Alimonte

From Viacom’s Spark initiative to the acquisitions of Awesomeness and PlutoTV, D’Alimonte’s had a busy year. She also worked on a long-term deal with AT&T/DirecTV, helped increase studio production business and strengthened the company’s commitment to supplier diversity. She says at Viacom, female representation starts at the top. “Women in leadership have a special responsibility to guide the next generation to success,” she says. “It starts with building a strong culture of inclusion and accountability.”

What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
Our commitment to strong female representation starts at the top. Viacom is one of the few companies in the Russell 3000 Index with a female-majority Board, and women make up more than 50% of our workforce, including nearly half of senior leadership. We also benefit from highly active employee-led resource groups like HERE that promote a vibrant community of women through diverse professional and personal development initiatives. And for expecting and new parents, we offer progressive family-friendly benefits and resources—critical support during a critical time in one’s career.

How can the industry to a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions?
Women in leadership have a special responsibility to guide the next generation to success. It starts with building a strong culture of inclusion and accountability, and with a serious commitment of resources to meet workforce development goals. Seemingly “small” actions can also make a big difference, like inviting a more junior member of the team to participate in a discussion held by management. I wouldn’t be where I am were it not for mentors, sponsors and senior colleagues who cared enough to create opportunities for me to grow.

What advice would you give to your 13-year old self?
First, embrace serendipity. Take advantage of the opportunities and unexpected twists in your career that you can learn and grow from. Second, life is long and relationships matter, so treat everyone with respect because you never know when and where you will see them again. Third, your integrity and reputation are your most valuable assets—handle them with the care they deserve!