Alma Mater: University of Kansas
A quote or motto you live by: A couple of my favorites are: “Carpe Diem” and “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou.
Foland spent more than a decade at OpenVault, and before that made stops at Time Warner Cable and Kansys, a billing and mediation solutions provider that serves telecommunications, utilities and other industries. He took that expertise from operators and vendors before making the move to SCTE’s world, first as a Regional VP, Sales before being promoted to his current title. Now, he’s tasked with managing, maintaining and expanding memberships with mid-sized cable operators across the U.S. Foland’s a constant presence, showing up at a host of industry events–large and small–to wave the CableLabs flag.
Impact Factor: Foland is often seen in the mix of events as he advocates and advances mid-size operators. Foland has served on the boards of the Mid-America Cable & Telecommunications Association since 2011 as well as the Caribbean Cable & Telecommunications Association since 2016.
How do you amplify the voices of others around you? “When you’ve reached the top, send the elevator back down for others,” Edith Piaf. I’ve loved this quote ever since I first read it, and it perfectly captures how I think about amplifying others’ voices. It doesn’t always require big gestures—sometimes it’s as simple as recognizing someone’s efforts, offering encouragement, or even saying a genuine “hi” in the hallway. We never truly know what someone may be experiencing, and small acts of acknowledgment can mean everything. Lifting others up and creating space for their voices can take many forms, but the impact can be everlasting.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities to make an impact in the next few years? Wow! What a loaded question. With so much happening in the world right now, I believe the greatest opportunity to make an impact lies in lifting others up. There are countless brilliant minds and incredible people just waiting for their chance to rise and make a difference. As leaders, we must have the patience to truly listen, the wisdom to recognize potential, and the courage to elevate others so that one day, they too may send the elevator back down.
If you weren’t in this business, what career might you have pursued? I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, having owned and operated a couple of small businesses early in my career. If I weren’t doing what I do now, I imagine I’d still be running a business of some kind. As for the industry—honestly, I’m not sure—but I know it would be something that allowed me to create, build, and lead.
Who or what had the biggest impact on your leadership journey? My mom. She showed me the courage to stand for what’s right, even when it wasn’t popular. She taught me to lift others up, lead with compassion, and always listen. While many people have influenced my leadership journey, I don’t believe any of them would have resonated without the foundation she instilled in me.
Where do you find energy and inspiration outside the office? I’m fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive family who not only keeps me on my toes but also inspires me every single day. Add in a fantastic group of friends, and I truly feel surrounded by energy and inspiration.
If your colleagues had to describe you in three words, what would they say: Oh my, I think this could open a can of worms and certainly depend on which colleague you asked. But I’d hope a common theme would all tie back to these three words… Authentic/Compassionate/Reliable.