One of the reasons Grinthal’s so successful in overseeing the ad sales teams of Food Network, TLC, OWN and Cooking Channel is because she knows people perform best when they know they’re valued, heard and supported. Her understanding of the intricacies of linear and digital advertising has allowed her to offer clients and partners smooth transitions between advertising on discovery+ and the linear channels. Looking for parallels is also a good approach when re-entering the workforce after an extended absence, she says: “Draw a connection between how you have employed your prior career expertise and applied it to other areas in your life to show adaptability and curiosity in all that you do.”
What’s one way your company has broadened the recruiting process to ensure greater diversity?
At Discovery, we build diversity in our entry level candidate pipeline through our corporate internship program and targeted partnerships with transformative industry partners including: The Emma Bowen Foundation, T. Howard Foundation, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, The Posse Foundation, Prep for Prep, Ladders for Leaders, BroadFutures, Promax BDA Promo Pathway, Media Trust, MyGWork, Employability, Kick It Out, Pellissippi Community College, and Montgomery College.
Discovery hosts biannual networking events in our New York and Knoxville offices. Designed with diversity in mind, our networking events seek to give students the opportunity to connect with professionals across our company. When advertising open jobs, we leverage these partner organizations to connect with their alumni, in addition to posting to a slate of job boards whose primary function is to promote diversity in media.
In 2019, our Intern Program was named as the US’s #12 Most Diverse Internship by Vault.com across all industries.
Best advice for someone looking to re-enter the workforce after a hiatus?
Be resilient and flexible and establish a clear goal of what you would like to accomplish in the next phase of your career. If you have been out of touch, start networking by reconnecting with former colleagues, clients and mentors.
Meet with everyone who will see you in person for informational interviews to gain an understanding of the current developments as well as challenges in the field and of course, always follow up on a regular basis.
Review your key capabilities and knowledge and read as much as possible to ensure you are current within your area of expertise. Be prepared to articulate what makes you unique and what you have to offer a prospective employer.
Draw a connection between how you have employed your prior career expertise and applied it to other areas in your life to show adaptability and curiosity in all that you do. Do not take rejection personally and keep the momentum going, as this is a job in itself.
