Tina Shah

For more than 16 years, company veteran Shah has worked closely with the Turner Sports leadership team to identify, explore and evaluate business opportunities. In her newly created role she leads all contact with league partners as well as internal business affairs, business development, rights acquisitions and strategy functions. The NBA, NCAA, MLB, PGA, Bleacher Report properties, Turner’s esports league and others keep her plenty busy, but she also finds time to give back co-leading the Turner Legal Department’s Diversity Committee. “We’ll all be better when we continue to increase the number of professional development events and ensure that we bring learnings back to our respective organizations,” she says.

What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
Turner Sports has been incredibly supportive of me and countless other women (and men) throughout our careers. I’ve had the privilege of participating in the Betsy Magness Program, which was an inspiring experience, and our company has been very active with WICT, NABJ and many other conferences and organizations that invest in and support female leadership. We’ve also pioneered several initiatives of our own, such as the annual She’s Got Game event for rising college students interested in a career in sports media.

How can the industry do a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions?
We live in a time when recruiting a diverse workforce is a top priority, which is a positive for all industries. We’ll all be better when we continue to increase the number of professional development events and ensure that we bring learnings back to our respective organizations and implement them in ways that will resonate with the company culture.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Embrace the tough assignments. Sure, you can do an easy job really well, but I think it’s better to challenge yourself and establish yourself as a problem solver and trusted leader.

Which current shows best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
I like what Samantha Bee represents as a strong, opinionated person with smart, thoughtful insights delivered in an unapologetic manner.

Honored For: