Cable 101: Get to Know Our Broadband Network
(58 min.)
SPEAKER: Abbie O’Dell, Senior Director, Learning Services: Field Operations, Charter Communications
Ever wonder how we got from basic cable to blazing-fast broadband? Watch this session for a fun, high-level look at cable industry history and the technologies that power our network today. Abbie explores where the industry started, how the network evolved over time and the key building blocks that help deliver the connectivity customers rely on every day. This session wraps up with a quick look at newer solutions like fiber to the premises and distributed access architecture. A little history, a little tech and hopefully fewer acronyms than usual.
Be the CEO of Your Career
(46 min.)
SPEAKER: Karen Kunkel Young, Executive Leadership and Career Coach
Most professionals were taught how to follow a career path. Very few were taught how to actively lead one.
In an industry shaped by constant change and consolidation, waiting for clarity is no longer enough. This session invites members to step into the CEO role of their own careers and make intentional decisions about visibility, influence and direction.
Drawing on over 25 years in senior leadership and her work coaching leaders across industries, Karen introduces a practical framework for leading a career with clarity, agency and strategic intent. Participants learned how to communicate their value with confidence, navigate transitions without losing momentum and design opportunities rather than react to change.
Be Your Own Ally: Why Showing Up for You First Matters
(53 min.)
SPEAKERS: Eric Spencer, COO, SkyeTeam & Ruby Vesely, CSO, SkyeTeam
Based on the book You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!), this interactive session explored the five practices of an Ally Mindset: Abundance & Generosity, Connection & Compassion, Courage & Vulnerability, Candor & Debate, and Action & Accountability. We most often think of these qualities in reference to how we show up in our relationships with others, AND it also applies to how we take care of ourselves. In this interactive session, participants learned how to “show up” as a friend for yourself first, so you can then show up for others in a more connected and meaningful way.
Beyond the Hashtag: #StrongerTogether
(56 min.)
PANELISTS: Crystal Barnes (Moderator), Former EVP, Social Impact and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Paramount, Erika Bennett, Chief Marketing Officer, Offscript Worldwide/REVOLT, Sara Morales, SVP, People & Communities, Cisco, Dr. Ella Washington, Best-selling Author, Workplace Strategist & Professor Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
Change isn’t a solo effort — it’s built through collective action, shared responsibility and bold leadership at every level. In this evidence-based conversation, Crystal Barnes, Erika Bennett, Sara Morales and Dr. Ella Washington explored how inclusive leadership transforms organizations and what it takes to keep progress moving forward. This session moved beyond the numbers to explore how leaders at every level can shape culture, strengthen community and sustain meaningful change — together.
This virtual session is part of The WICT Network’s #BeyondTheHashtag Series. The series was established as part of our programming in the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, which ignited a global campaign concerning the obstacles women encounter routinely in their professional lives. The series has evolved to support additional causes and present real-world solutions to build more inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace cultures.
The WICT Network gratefully acknowledges Cox Communications as the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor of the #BeyondTheHashtag Learning Series
Pearls of Wisdom: Lindsay Shookus & Marcia Dawkins
(23 min.)
SPEAKERS: Lindsay Shookus, Founder, Speaker, Business Coach and 7-time Emmy-winning Television Producer, SNL, and Marcia Dawkins, Researcher, Storyteller, Communicator
A series of bold, high-impact talks from visionary leaders shaping the future of creativity, business and culture. Modeled after TED Talks, this capstone session spotlights dynamic voices who will share insights and perspectives shaped by their experiences. Through quick-hitting talks, you’ll gain lessons designed to spark reflection, inspire fresh thinking and motivate action on your own leadership journey.
Check out valuable lessons and perspectives from Lindsay Shookus and Marcia Dawkins.
Brought to The WICT Network Online Learning Library thanks to the NCTA Education Foundation.
2025 Leadership Conference: Opening General Session with Fran Drescher
(35 min.)
Loren Hudson (Moderator), SVP & Chief Talent Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast, Fran Drescher, Actor, Advocate, Former SAG-AFTRA President & Founder, Cancer Schmancer Movement
The 2025 Leadership Conference kicked off with an unforgettable keynote conversation featuring Loren Hudson in dialogue with Fran Drescher.
Beyond the Hashtag: #HispanicHeritageMonth Shaping the Narrative – Hispanic Leaders in Media, Entertainment and Technology
(55 min.)
PANELISTS: Fernanda Merodio (Moderator), Director, Business Development, Netflix, Maria Sanchez, SVP, Television Licensing, Paramount, Maria Soares, SVP, Production Support & Enhancement, ESPN
Across media, entertainment and technology, Hispanic leaders are making significant impacts that reflect the complexity, creativity and diversity of their communities. As content creation and innovation converge, their influence is redefining representation on screen, behind the scenes and across digital platforms.
In this powerful conversation, we explore how Hispanic leaders have shaped the cultural narrative by challenging stereotypes, driving inclusion and leading with authenticity. From streaming giants to media and programming leaders, their voices help build a more equitable and compelling future for all.
Whether you’re a content provider, technologist, executive or advocate, this session offers inspiration and practical insights on how Hispanic voices make their mark, and why it matters.
This virtual session is part of The WICT Network’s #BeyondTheHashtag Series. The series was established as part of our programming in the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, which ignited a global campaign concerning the obstacles women encounter routinely in their professional lives. The series has evolved to support additional causes and present real-world solutions to build more inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace cultures.
From Apology to Authority: Unlock Your Remarkable Potential
(56 min.)
SPEAKER: Shira Miller, Chief Communications Officer, National DCP
Have you ever wondered why some of the most accomplished people you know — and that probably includes yourself — sometimes self-sabotage? Research shows that about 70% of professionals have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. It’s especially common in high-pressure or competitive environments, where feelings of not belonging or not being capable can persist despite clear evidence of competence and success. Self-defeating beliefs, perfectionism and the tendency to over-apologize can hold talented individuals back from realizing their full potential. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this webinar, award-winning keynote speaker and C-Suite executive Shira Miller shares a powerful framework for shifting from apology to authority.
Empowering Caregivers: Balancing Work and Family
(58 min.)
SPEAKER: Liz O’Donnell, Founder of Working Daughter
This insightful and empowering webinar features Liz O’Donnell, founder of Working Daughter and a leading voice in the caregiving community. In this session, Liz shares practical strategies and personal insights for navigating the complex and often overwhelming journey of caregiving while balancing work and personal life. In addition to supporting caregivers directly, Liz discusses how organizations can be proactive in supporting their leaders and employees who are also caring for loved ones.
This session is designed for anyone who cares for aging parents or loved ones while managing a career, as well as leaders and HR professionals looking to create a more caregiver-friendly workplace.
