An innovative and results-oriented leader, Martinez developed and spearheaded a number of new projects this year, including launching a new talent and performance management system, a new company-wide policy recertification process and a digital interviewing tool. She also served a critical role in the development of corporate wellness programs across HSNi, designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle and total wellness for employees. Aside from continuing to elevate the roles of women, Martinez says companies can quell gender discrimination by partnering with universities “to educate people in the world of academics about the careers available in the industry and how we can partner to create interest and opportunities for women while they are still in school.”
Who is your favorite current female TV character and why?
I still love Olivia Pope. Her non-nonsense, take charge, albeit sometimes power hungry methods are empowering and entertaining. I like Carrie Washington who plays Olivia Pope in Scandal and I admire how well she can translate her strong views to a role that demands so much of her.
What industry topic do you think will dominate industry headlines in 2018 and why?
I believe cord-cutting and the differences between age demographics in particular in relation to that subject will continue to be a big part of industry conversations. It’s clear that more and more alternatives are becoming available for content consumption and cost along with convenience are important considerations.
What is one way the industry can continue to evolve in ridding itself of gender discrimination?
Continue to elevate the roles of women in organizations, develop leadership programs that emphasize growth for women in segments where we may still lag. Also, partner with universities to educate people in the world of academics about the careers available in the industry and how we can partner to create interest and opportunities for women while they are still in school.
What famous woman, living or deceased, would you like to have dinner with?
Mother Theresa. I find it inspiring to see a woman who had so much power in the world and yet was so humble. Clearly power and humility can co-exist within the same person and to be able to hear stories of how she was able to make an impact on the world, influence world leaders and remain so true to herself in spite of adversaries and obstacles placed in her path would be a life changing experience
Best advice for relieving stress?
Exercise. Sweat. Move. Give your body and your mind something empowering to focus on in order to disempower the stress.
