Cotter oversees all touch points of HSN’s live 24-hour/day broadcast, and also is the lead on HSN’s YouTube channel and video commerce strategy across all platforms. Among highly engaging cross-platform content initiatives she spearheaded were the Serena Williams Front Row Event live from NY and the debut of Michael Buble’s fragrance line, which sold out of more than 21,000 units in less than 24 hours, both at the end of 2016. She also has been a chief architect in HSN’s strong Facebook Live presence. “Michelle Obama is the person I would most like to have dinner with, listen to and learn from,” Cotter says. “I greatly admire women who show their balanced focus on making an impact professionally, motherhood and being a supportive life partner.”
Who is your favorite current female TV character and why?
So many, I love Elizabeth Moss in “Handmaid’s Tale.” Her character is so complicated and brilliant. I also love Julia Louis Dreyfus in “Veep.” As a character, she is beautiful, funny and incredibly self-focused and flawed.
What industry topic do you think will dominate industry headlines in 2018 and why?
The topic that will continue to dominate headlines is viewer behavior. It continues to shift and traditional TV has to continue to reinvent themselves to compete/stay relevant.
What is one way the industry can continue to evolve in ridding itself of gender discrimination?
As a leader, I take my role is supporting all team members seriously. Providing honest open feedback, helping any employee maximize potential is critical for everyone’s success. As women, we all have additional responsibilities; to help and support other women, insure equal compensation, to encourage individuality in female leaders, and discourage/be honest about any behavior that may be more typical to women. We need to celebrate strong women leaders and be celebrated to support everyone feeling comfortable in positions of power.
What famous woman, living or deceased, would you like to have dinner with?
I respect so many famous and important women. I’m amazed at the various ways women can rise to power and show young women new definitions of success. Michelle Obama is the person I would most like to have dinner with, listen to and learn from. I greatly admire women who show their balanced focus on making an impact professionally, motherhood and being a supportive life partner.
Best advice for relieving stress?
Who knows? ! I love to laugh with my boys and my husband—he’s very funny, thank goodness. I love shopping with my sisters. In the last few years, I’ve started to practice TM, Transcendental Meditation. It’s really helped focus and keep some mental balance.
