Developing hit programming is the name of Frontain Bryant’s game, but it’s her style that sets her apart from her peers. Always nurturing young talent within A+E, Frontain Bryant now leads a programming team she has cultivated and mentored from the bottom up. That trust has allowed the team to create shows with a social conscience that resonate within and beyond the A&E audience. And while some believe the pandemic could erase some of the progress made by women in the workplace, Frontain Bryant says women have only further proved their mettle. “I would say this time in our culture, more than any, has shown how women SHOW UP, for work AND their families,” she says. “I’m proud that I can lead a major cable network AND work on first grade math… and I’m finding the math is more daunting.”
What is one of your proudest moments during the pandemic? I am in awe of how seamlessly A&E’s programming team has risen to every challenge throughout the pandemic. Though remote, their creativity and innovation continues unabated. They are the best.
Some research has suggested COVID-19 may set women in the workplace back half a decade. How can we ensure the progress made isn’t erased? I would say this time in our culture, more than any, has shown how women SHOW UP, for work AND their families. I’m proud that I can lead a major cable network AND work on first grade math… and I’m finding the math is more daunting.
How has your leadership style changed during the pandemic? I love to lead through frequent communication. The hallway chats aren’t happening now, so finding time to connect with the team, as a group and one on one, is something I have prided myself in sustaining. It takes a bit more planning, but it seems to be working.
If you were a teenager attending virtual classes right now, what advice would you give yourself? Get off your phone and try your hardest to engage! I feel for them—they have all of the learning and none of the hallway social fun.
Who is a female celebrity you admire and why? I really admire Kerry Washington. She is incredibly articulate on racial justice, equal pay, reproductive rights, etc. I think she is awesome.
