To many, Collins is the face of the cable industry’s financial sector. She unites executives from different segments of the business, encourages young professionals through the Media Finance Focus program, and educates non-financial executives about financial issues facing the industry today. “I am lucky to work with a small but mighty group whose priority is making media finance professionals more valuable,” she says.
What are your thoughts on the industry’s current response to the Me Too movement, and its treatment of men who have been accused of sexual harassing and/or assaulting women and men? Are there other steps you feel should be taken?
It seems to me that the subject becomes clouded when sex and gender are added to the discussion. Threatening, bullying, and extortion have no place in our society. Those are the generic names for the behaviors classified as sexual harassment. Sending the stereotypical goon to frighten someone into doing what they wouldn’t otherwise do is no more (or less) wrong than creating or condoning a hostile work environment. And, there’s really no difference between demanding a bribe to ensure an outcome and requiring sexual favors in return for a job, a raise, a recommendation, or a promotion.
Who is an inspirational woman you admire, and why?
Queen Elizabeth I. One of my former bosses and early mentors, Kathy Dore, gave me a book entitled Elizabeth I CEO as a birthday present when I first took this job. Its subtitle is “Strategic Lessons from the Leader who Built an Empire.” The author points out that Elizabeth ascended to the throne of an England that was nearly bankrupt, a country that wasn’t even considered a serious competitor by the rest of the western world. When she died 45 years later, it was the richest and most powerful country in Europe.
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
Consolidation, centralization, new content delivery options, changes in revenue recognition guidance, new lease accounting rules.
If there were a reality show based on your office, what would it be called?
I am lucky to work with a small but mighty group whose priority is making media finance professionals more valuable. Outside of our annual conference, and other member events, there are no glamorous backdrops, good music, fabulous outfits, or exciting parties that would assure ratings. So unfortunately, a reality show based on the MFM/BCCA office would never survive the initial pitch meeting.
