Weir—who mentors college students hoping to work in the entertainment industry—recently added Showtime programming, strategic insights and research to her existing duties across MTVE brands. She oversees a global network of media assets reaching more than a billion people across the globe.
“We need more women leaders to lead by example by taking time off for their kids, volunteering for school events during the workday, prioritizing their kids’ sports/activities when possible.”
Is there a moment you’ll never forget because someone wrote you off because of your gender? When I was in elementary school, I wanted to play basketball. My mom tried to sign me up for the team tryouts and the school told her that it was for boys only. The principal suggested to my mother that I become a cheerleader instead because “that is what girls do.” I had no interest in becoming a cheerleader and so my mom pushed the principal to let me try out for the team. I went to the tryouts and made the team! The coach ended up making me the Captain of the team! Here I was now the leader of the boys’ team! It was scary at the time to be in this position as the only girl – but I learned so much and it gave me the confidence that I would take with me forever. We all need to look past gender and base decisions on attributes like vision, passion, skill and leadership ability. Big kudos to my mother for being my advocate at a young age and making me who I am today!