Celebrating The Cable Center’s 40th Anniversary has been a highlight of Christman’s year, but she also led this spring’s Cox-hosted customer experience conference in Atlanta and announced the production of “Hotwired,” a documentary on the impact of cable broadband technology. She oversees the Hauser Oral History Project, which celebrates the stories of the cable industry’s pioneers, and is launching a new initiative focused on telling the stories of the industry’s influential women leaders.
What current cultural moment reminds you why visibility for women leaders still matters? The current trend of undervaluing diversity reminds me why visibility for women leaders is still so important. Too often, people fail to recognize the power of diverse teams, perspectives and leadership—and how these differences directly strengthen performance and positively impact the bottom line.
What part of your job would surprise people the most? People might be surprised by how many different hats I wear. Leading a small nonprofit organization requires flexibility, nimbleness, and agility—I truly practice what we teach. As a nonprofit leader, my concerns and bottom line are the same as any other organization or business: making sure we’re doing the best we can for our business, our constituents, our mission, and our people.
With all the buzz around AI and automation, what’s one “human” skill you think will only grow more valuable? Empathy will only become more valuable—the ability to understand other perspectives, connect through emotion and compassion, and motivate others. Emotional intelligence and genuine human connection are things technology can’t replicate.
What’s your version of a “power move”—whether that’s a power suit, power song, or power mindset? For me, it’s all about a power mindset. Being prepared, empathizing with alternate viewpoints, identifying and understanding options, visualizing success, and carrying myself with grace are what make me feel powerful. And of course, a good power song is just the icing on the cake.