During her first year in the newly created role as Charter’s consumer marketing chief, Atkinson focused on implementing digital creative and marketing designed to increase penetration of all residential and SMB services. She’s proud to say Charter’s workforce reflects the community the company serves, and notes it’s critical to have women in leadership roles advocating for other women. “This starts with your circle of friends, co-workers and other leaders. Cultivate your network,” she says.
What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
I am fortunate to work for a company like Charter that puts such emphasis on diversity and inclusion and ensuring that our workforce reflects the communities we serve. I have had the opportunity to participate in development opportunities that Charter offers. These include Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) programs such as its Rising Leaders program, Executive Development series and Betsy Magness Leadership Institute. Through the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), employees can also participate in leadership seminars and an Executive Leadership Development Program. These external programs support our ability to enhance the diversity of our leadership.
How can the industry do a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions?
It is critical to have women in leadership roles advocating for other women. This starts with your circle of friends, coworkers and other leaders. Cultivate your network.
Women will often pass on opportunities if they don’t feel they have the right experience or background. I joined the cable industry in 2009 after spending my entire career in credit cards and banking. You have to take risks and do things that make you uncomfortable – push your limits.
Which current shows best reflect the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
Madame Secretary portrays a powerful woman who is authentic, determined and principled. As the mother of two daughters, I love to see women in roles that are showcasing what is possible and what will happen in our future. A woman as president—you bet!
