You know you’re kind of a big deal when the press release announcing your appointment to the HBO Max executive leadership team makes reference to a “content dream team.” Aubrey earned those stripes heading original programming for TNT, ushering in the award-winning “The Alienist” and manicurist drama “Claws.” Under her leadership, the number of women holding jobs at the highest levels on the average TNT scripted project more than doubled. “Our company works through both official and unofficial ways to support women across the workplace—from Feminist Fridays, hosted breakfasts, speaker events, mentoring programs, informal open door time—to bring our female population together,” Aubrey says.
What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
Our company works through both official and unofficial ways to support women across the workplace — from Feminist Fridays, hosted breakfasts, speaker events, mentoring programs, informal open door time — to bring our female population together. We do this not only to discuss specific issues but to form camaraderie and a support network. We’re better together. There’s power in relationships, forming connections, sharing real life experiences with other women, who have been there and done that, and actively helping each other to succeed. This is something the senior level of leadership believes is critical to the workplace…and we continue to advocate for there to be representation of women in management. This is evident by the recent hires of Christi Haubegger, Executive VP and Chief Enterprise Inclusion Officer, who will build on the company’s commitment to inclusion, and Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO Warner Bros, the first woman to lead the studio.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Spend less time focusing on facilitating other people’s success, and be confident enough in your ability to be a leader in your own right. Also, remember, the road is long, pace yourself and laugh a lot.
Which current shows best reflect the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
I have a fascination with any kind of story with empowered female characters. The ladies of “Claws” are that—strong-willed, hilarious women that represent diverse voices. And the show itself is a smart, complicated drama that’s unapologetically entertaining. There’s a strong girl power theme that really resonates. I love Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. She’s fiery and fierce. I feel she consistently — in a funny, relentlessly rigorous way—dismantles both our current political times and patriarchy in a way that’s smart and funny and memorable.
