Vicki Lins

CTAM is pivotal in cable, serving as both an industry and marketing association. At its helm sits Lins, who guides the organization to support industry-wide success. She launched her podcast “Thinking Out Loud” in late 2018, which has featured guests such as CuriosityStream founder John Hendricks and C-SPAN’s co-CEOs Susan Swain and Rob Kennedy. Noting CTAM’s staff is 68% female, Lins says, “CTAM also supports and elevates women throughout the industry by creating executive education programs.”

What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
I try to lead by example. CTAM’s staff is comprised of 68% women with our senior leadership team at 50% women. We informally mentor each other and encourage participation in more formal mentoring programs. We also create leadership opportunities in the work we do and support participation in WICT and other organizations that offer leadership development. Of course, CTAM also supports and elevates women throughout the industry by creating executive education programs, including the renowned Cable Executive Management Program at Harvard Business School.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Be true to yourself and run your own race. Don’t worry too much about what others think or be overly distracted by what or how they are doing. Staying focused and doing your best on your own journey leads to much greater success and happiness.

Which current shows best reflect the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
Overseeing the CTAM portion of the Television Critics Tour provides me with the opportunity to view a wide range of programming. The best programming has a balance of collective voices and allows for authentic characters that reflect different cultures, races and gender. The talent behind the scenes is as important as the faces we see and the characters who exist in front of the camera. In fact, CTAM developed a panel for TCA focused on the importance of diversity in the business which was widely well received. We can all find ways to raise awareness, contribute to the conversation and help drive change.

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