The first woman to lead a publicly traded cable and internet company, Laulis built her career by shattering barriers in a male-dominated industry and lifting other women along the way. As she prepares to step down at the end of the year, Laulis leaves a legacy of encouraging associates to question everything, knowing that kind of empowerment leads to innovation. Over the past three years she’s overseen $1B+ in capital investments designed to meet growing customer demands while also preparing Cable One for the digital-first future.
What’s a routine or ritual that keeps you grounded? Starting the day very early, to grant time and space to read the Bible as well as secular articles and books. I find that doing that as the sun comes up is a way to start the day well—in peace and calm so that whatever comes my way throughout the day, I can face it in a way that helps not only me but others as well.
What’s something you’ve learned from the next generation entering the workforce? Something I rejected at first was their idea of “balance” and an almost maniacal focus on living life in accordance with values. On the face of it, these are two things I think most of us want and agree with, but how do you accomplish those things while still being a proactive, hard charging, get-it-done executive? By observing Gen Z workers and listening to their approach, I have opened up my mind to new ways of accomplishing work AND making some space for things other than work. I am slightly embarrassed that I had been all work, all the time and maybe even wore that as a badge of honor. I am learning new ways, which is what happens when we suspend our beliefs long enough to listen and then practice new habits.