After more than 33 years at ESPN, Driessen will hang up her badge in January and embark on a well-deserved retirement. But her impact will be felt long after she leaves the building, including through the historic deal she inked for SEC programming rights that lasts through 2034. ESPN’s most-tenured senior woman has served in the CFO role since 1994. Her list of accomplishments include the launch of espnW and the ESPN Executive Women’s Forum, which is dedicated to helping women execs succeed in business at the company. “In the last year, it is encouraging to see there can be a more honest dialogue on why it is so important to have women in business and creative decision-making roles,” she says. “Equally important is that more people are being held accountable with appropriate consequences for their decisions and actions.”
Who is an inspirational woman you admire?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Having served for over 25 years on the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg continues to courageously speak out and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. I love that Justice Ginsburg has legendary workouts and keeps fit. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an inspiration to so many women of all ages!
What has been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs three years ago?
Delivering content via new distribution platforms. The consumer continues to demand access to content in new and innovative ways and the industry is starting to deliver.
What’s a recent example of a step forward for women in the media industry?
In the last year, it is encouraging to see there can be a more honest dialogue on why it is so important to have women in business and creative decision-making roles. Equally important is that more people are being held accountable with appropriate consequences for their decisions and actions.
