The Why? Douglas works to ensure TLC’s storytelling is representative of people from different backgrounds and identities. She leads with purpose and was critical in the creation of two groundbreaking series for Pride Month this year, as well as a series dedicated to people with disabilities, another that highlighted the achievements of a woman of color in medicine and one with the lens on an African-American family with 14 children.
She Says… “In my experience, organized events where different ERGs have partnered together have led to significant and meaningful collaboration and it goes without saying, all of this could not be accomplished without thoughtful support from our leadership.”
What makes for a successful Employee Resource Group? Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Discovery’s Employee Resource Groups and have witnessed how they positively impact our culture and business by fostering relationships, igniting great discussions and generating important initiatives. I think what has made Discovery’s employee resource groups successful is that they foster a sense of community and provide an environment where people feel safe to connect and share openly. Additionally, in my experience, organized events where different ERGs have partnered together have led to significant and meaningful collaboration and it goes without saying, all of this could not be accomplished without thoughtful support from our leadership.
How inclusive is your recruitment and talent development? It has always been a personal goal of mine to champion diversity in front of and behind the camera. We need these faces and voices at the table to represent an authentic experience. I am fortunate to work at TLC where inclusion is encouraged both on and off the screen. From development to casting to recruitment, we make diversity one of our top priorities. We are proud to produce series such as “Doubling Down with the Derricos,” “Dr. Pimple Popper” and “I Am Shauna Rae” where we’re able to tell genuine, diverse stories. In doing so, we reflect real life, which is entertaining, inspiring and relatable.
Who has kicked down a door for you? I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of great support from colleagues and mentors over the years, including Howard Lee at TLC who often reminds me of the importance of having a seat at the table and sharing my perspective. The first person who opened the door for me was my mother. She encouraged me to become involved in the entertainment industry at a very young age when I was initially in front of the camera. And while it wasn’t always easy, she supported and guided me to break through barriers. Back then, there weren’t as many opportunities for women of color to secure roles and positions of importance. This really motivated me to further my ambitions within the media community to help minority voices be heard and ultimately make a difference.
