Beyond the Hashtag: #LoveisLove

Beyond the Hashtag: #LoveisLove

From enacting comprehensive policies to redesigning outdated systems that perpetuate bias, leading organizations have prioritized creating an accessible and human-centered work environment. Presented in partnership with the Walter Kaitz Foundation, the session goal is to help our members create an environment where people can show up to their workplaces as their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging, both personally and professionally. This thought-provoking session will delve into the practices that successful companies have established to foster safe, welcoming and empowering environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and beyond.


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February 21, 2024

Mind Skills: Unleash Your Potential to Lead in the Big Leagues

(55 min)

SPEAKER: Stephanie Mitchko-Beale, EVP, Global Media Operations & Technology, AMC Networks

OVERVIEW: Navigating the brave new world of business requires a radically new set of skills. Stephanie Mitchko will delve into the intersection of leadership and mindfulness, and the surprising elements of creating a significant impact. In this time of change and innovation, Stephanie offers valuable perspectives for successful leaders, by helping balance their technological skills with an understanding of self and the ability to connect with others.

Touching upon key lessons in her co-authored book, “Mind Skills,” she will highlight tools to develop your mind, and will share insights from her career in technology about building strong teams, emphasizing interconnection, energy and abundance thinking.

You may find more information about “Mind Skills” here.

January 31, 2024

Webinar: Vying for a Promotion — How to Raise Your Profile (And Your Pay)

(57 min)

SPEAKERS: Ann Carlsen, Executive Recruiter, HR Consultant and authority in strategic workforce planning in the media and telecommunications industries; and McKenna Cyphers, SVP, Candidate Development and Strategy.

OVERVIEW: Positioning yourself for a job promotion is an essential skill to help you advance in your career. We invite you to participate in the next webinar of our two-part series, to prepare you for the next step in your professional journey. Led by Ann Carlsen and McKenna Cyphers, you will learn strategies for:

-Excelling in your current position;

-Advancing in a new role; and

-Negotiating for better pay.

View our webinar to learn more!

November 30, 2023

Surviving Disruption – How to Stay Marketable

(56 min.)

SPEAKER: Ann Carlsen, Executive Recruiter, HR Consultant and authority in strategic workforce planning in the media and telecommunications industries.

OVERVIEW: This training is your essential guide to navigating the ever-evolving marketplace and ensuring your personal brand remains resilient and relevant. In an age of unprecedented change and transformation, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of disruption is the key to long-term success. In this informative conversation, equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies you need to not only survive but thrive in times of disruption.

September 19, 2023

LC 2023: Beyond the Hashtag: #Sustainability

(49 min)

MODERATOR: Crystal Barnes, EVP, Corporate Social Responsibility & Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG), Paramount

SPEAKERS: Sara Cronenwett, SVP, Corporate Strategy & Environmental Sustainability, Comcast; Kevin Martinez, VP, Corporate Citizenship, ESPN; Shobha Meera, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer & Member of the Group Executive Committee, Capgemini

OVERVIEW: This session will delve into the critical topic of corporate ESG and sustainability. From reducing carbon footprints to fostering inclusive cultures, our panel of industry leaders will share their insights, experiences and best practices in integrating sustainability into corporate strategies. They will discuss the challenges, opportunities and innovative solutions that can empower organizations to become drivers of positive environmental and social change. Together, let’s shape a sustainable tomorrow!

Brought to The WICT Network Online Learning Library thanks to the Walter Kaitz Foundation and the series sponsor, Cox Communications.

September 19, 2023

2023 Pearls of Wisdom: Amber Rae

(12 min.)

Brought to The WICT Network Online Learning Library thanks to the Walter Kaitz Foundation.

SPEAKER: Amber Rae, Best-Selling Author, Artist & Global Advocate for Creativity, Self-Discovery & Emotional Wellness

OVERVIEW: Pearls of Wisdom, styled after the famed TED Talks, brings together dynamic and innovative thought leaders to impart their wisdom in a series of high impact keynotes. Speakers will share the journeys and transformational moments that have shaped their lives and careers, which will motivate you to take their teachings and turn them into an action plan.

September 18, 2023

The Power of Reinvention in Life & Work

(54 min.)

Brought to The WICT Network Online Learning Library thanks to the Walter Kaitz Foundation.

SPEAKER: Joanne Lipman, Bestselling Author, CNBC Contributor, Former Chief Editor of USA Today & Lecturer, Yale University

OVERVIEW: The profound disruptions of recent years have prompted us to reprioritize how we live, work and lead. But what’s next—and how do we get there? In this lively session, Joanne Lipman walks us through the steps of successful reinventions, drawn from the hundreds of personal interviews and scientific research papers that inform her powerhouse new book, NEXT! The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work. She will explain the four steps of every transformation and explore the three myths that can derail progress. Participants will leave with a toolkit of actions they can take right now, to change lives and workplaces—and to inspire innovation in others.

August 10, 2023

Function at Full Capacity: Creating Energy, Connection & Courage

(55 min.)

SPEAKER: Natalie Johnson, Co-Founder and CVO of ViDL 

OVERVIEW: This training focuses on the three most significant elements of organizational well-being that allow organizations to function at full capacity: energy, connection and courage. Read the below attributes to learn more about what we’ll be covering in this insightful webinar!

Energy is one of our most valuable resources yet most of us fail to manage it effectively. This workshop will focus on how we can connect to a valuable motivator that will help us to change and sustain behaviors that support physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy.

Connection: Many teams struggle with ego, ineffective communication, and a lack of trust. We’ll introduce a foundational skill that will elevate team performance through better trust, communication, and collaboration.

Courage: Command and control leadership still exists in most organizations because you can scare people into doing what you want. However, it’s not sustainable and the consequence is burnout, lack of organizational trust and wasted resources. This workshop will define what it means to be a courageous leader and introduce a sustainable way of leading effectively.

June 22, 2023

DEI Metrics: How Our Industry Measures Up

(1 hour, 8 min)

SPEAKERS: Moderator, Shebani Patel, Partner at PwC, Loren Hudson, SVP & Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast Cable; and Aisha Thomas-Petit, Chief People & Diversity Officer at AMC Networks

OVERVIEW: Our panel of experts took a deep dive into the results of the 2022 PAR Workplace Diversity Survey. Together, we explored:

  • How our industry compares to national benchmarks.
  • The status of women and women of color with regard to recruitment and retention.
  • Strategies to improve results and proven practices that lead to better representation of women at all levels.

By sharing best practices and benchmarking progress through the PAR Survey and PAR at Work webinars, we help companies strengthen their workplace diversity and inclusion tactics. We know this leads to improved company performance, more innovation and higher profitability, ultimately moving our industry forward for the benefit of all.

March 30, 2023

Beyond the Hashtag: Inclusion Means Action

(56 min.)

MODERATOR: Crosby Cromwell, Chief Partnerships Officer, The Valuable 500

PANELISTS: Dr. Joanna Abeyie, MBE, Head of Creative Diversity, BBC; Jennifer Earnest, Director of Diversity Products, Cox Communications; Dominic King, Senior Principal, Accenture Research; and Jessie Wusthoff, DEI Consultant, New Perspectives

Disability is broadly intersectional, crossing all boundaries of gender identity, race, ethnicity and more. In this program, part of The WICT Network’s Beyond the Hashtag series (sponsored by Cox Communications), gain insights from the experts into actions and best practices that ensure your organization is taking the right steps to safeguard the inclusion of people with differing abilities.

 

January 26, 2023

Webinar: Rocket Your Potential

(56 min.)

SPEAKERS: Phyllis Ehrlich, GVP, Client Success, Spectrum Reach; Beth Plummer, SVP & Chief Revenue Officer, Spectrum Reach

OVERVIEW: Our career stories and lessons learned prepare us for the continuing journey ahead. In this virtual session, Phyllis Ehrlich, author of Rocket Your Potential: A Career Handbook for Rising Stars & Future Women Leaders, and Beth Plummer will share their experiences and insights to help you define and fuel your unlimited potential.

January 11, 2023

Bold, New Space and Courageous Dialogue

(1 hr. 15 min.)

Brought to The WICT Network Online Learning Library thanks to the Walter Kaitz Foundation.

SPEAKERS: Nilda Gumbs, Chief of Staff, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association; Deepa Purushothaman, DEI Leader, Former Senior Partner at Deloitte, and Author

OVERVIEW: Most companies aren’t currently creating the kind of spaces we need to grow and thrive—spaces that celebrate courage and vulnerability and encourage authentic employee connection. As current and prospective leaders in our organizations, we have a key role to play in helping workers feel connected to one another, encouraging productive dialogue, and propelling diverse corporations to reach their full potential. In this insightful and engaging fireside chat, Deepa Purushothaman will share practical steps for creating bold, new spaces in our organizations.

December 14, 2022

Beyond the Hashtag: #InvisibleLoad

(53 min)

MODERATOR: Maryann Balbo, Group Vice President, Cox Media

SPEAKER: Eve Rodsky, Bestselling Author of Fair Play and Unicorn Space

OVERVIEW: In this Beyond the Hashtag series webinar, Rodsky will discuss the invisible load and cover how to:

  1. Set boundaries and implement systems to create a more equitable environment.
  2. Use creativity to avoid burnout .
  3. Restore work/life balance.

We thank our Platinum sponsor, Cox Communications, for this wonderful series.

October 11, 2022

LC2022: Brighter by the Day – A Fireside Chat with Robin Roberts

(36 min)

MODERATOR: Maria E. Brennan, CAE, President & CEO, The WICT Network

SPEAKER: Robin Roberts, Journalist & Best-selling Author

We are thrilled to welcome journalist and best-selling author Robin Roberts for a keynote address. Robin’s remarkable career spans more than three decades as one of America’s most renowned and trusted journalists. Her award-winning work and powerful personal story inspire millions across the globe. In addition to her work as co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, Robin leads Rock’n Robin Productions, an independent production company creating original broadcast and digital programming.

She is the author of From the Heart: 7 Rules to Live By and Everybody’s Got Something. Her third book, Brighter by the Day: Waking Up to New Hopes and Dreams, debuted in April 2022. In this illuminating conversation with Maria Brennan, Robin will impart to attendees the value of an optimistic outlook. She will unpack how, especially in trying times, shifting our mindsets to focus on our true intentions can put us on the path to achieving our life and career goals.

October 11, 2022

Vivian Kaye from The WICT Network’s LC2022 “Pearls of Wisdom”

(10 min.)

SPEAKER: Vivian Kaye, Founder & CEO of KinkyCurlyYaki

OVERVIEW: Vivian Kaye is the Founder & CEO of KinkyCurlyYaki, a premium textured hair extension brand for Black women that she bootstrapped to over $6 million in revenue as an immigrant, college dropout, and single mom. Her presence and genuine desire to continuously learn and grow while keeping it REAL quickly made her a personality who transcended the title of Founder and CEO.

Ultimately, she organically grew her personal platform by exchanging tips and tricks that she learned on her personal entrepreneurial journey. As a self-proclaimed Gary Vee meets Oprah remix, Vivian acts as the bridge between big and small businesses. is a business and empowerment expert, as well as a TV, radio, and podcast personality. Through her magnetic energy, Vivian empowers, uplifts, and educates her audience into taking action.

Along with her philanthropic efforts through mentorship, she has worked with many notable brands such as Shopify, Porsche Canada, Desjardins, LG Canada, RBC, Fairmont Hotels, BMO, Samsung, and American Express Canada to name a few.

October 11, 2022

LC2022: Pearls of Wisdom: Scaling New Heights

(1 hr.)

Brought to The WICT Network Online Learning Library thanks to the Walter Kaitz Foundation.

SPEAKERS: Vivian Kaye, Founder and CEO, KinkyCurlyYaki; Detavio Samuels, CEO, REVOLT; Brianna Wiest, Author, Thought Catalog; Steve White, President & Special Counsel to CEO, Comcast Cable

OVERVIEW: This inspirational capstone session, styled after the famed TED Talks, brings together dynamic and innovative thought leaders to impart their wisdom in a series of high-impact keynotes. Speakers share the journeys and transformational moments that have shaped their lives and careers, which will motivate you to take their teachings and turn them into an action plan!

October 10, 2022

LC2022: Profiles of Champions – Delivering Peak Performance

(56 min.)

MODERATOR: Molly Qerim, Host, First Take, ESPN

SPEAKERS: Katrina Adams, Executive, Author, TV Analyst and Former Pro Tennis Player; Maia Chaka, Educator, NFL Official, Founder of Making Meaningful Change; Stefanie Dolson, Center, New York Liberty, WNBA; Summer Sanders, Former Olympic Swimmer, Gold Medalist, TV Commentator and Author

OVERVIEW: World-class athletes competing at an elite level cultivate endurance, strength, flexibility and focus — traits that also provide a competitive edge in the workplace. As one of the conference’s highest-rated sessions, this encore panel discussion returns with a fresh lineup of leading athletes and sports personalities to break down the strategies that deliver peak performance under pressure. These top players will share their personal stories and empower you to write your own winning playbook for thriving as a corporate athlete.

October 10, 2022

LC2022: Reimagination – The Future Workplace

(57 min.)

MODERATOR: Lorraine Hack, Senior Client Partner, Korn Ferry

SPEAKERS: Samira Panah Bakhtiar, Director, Global Media & Entertainment, Amazon Web Services; Karen Dougherty Buchholz, EVP, Administration, Comcast; Soraya Loerts, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Liberty Global

OVERVIEW: As businesses emerge from the extended pandemic, there are greater workforce expectations and demands. Luckily for those in our industry, rapid change has long been the norm, making us nimble and accustomed to adopting new innovations and processes. In this focused panel discussion, we will explore work trends relevant to our industry and big picture concepts shaping our future workplace—from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to flexible work schedules, and more. How can we design our work environments to meet our employees where they are, both now and in the future?

November 11, 2021

2021 Leadership Conference: Stronger Together

(1 hr 15 min)

MODERATOR: Joiava Philpott, SVP & General Counsel, Law & Policy, Cox Communications

SPEAKERS: Pat Esser, President & CEO, Cox Communications; Dexter Goei, CEO, Altice USA; Alfred C. Liggins, III, CEO, Urban One; Christopher Winfrey, CFO, Charter Communications

OVERVIEW: With nearly 3 million women leaving the workforce as a result of the COVID pandemic, a major course correction is imperative for companies to get back on track. Research shows us that one way to help that effort is through male allyship in the workplace. Women will progress toward gender parity exponentially faster when men are part of the solution. Join us and this panel of leading presidents and C Suite executives who walk the walk – advocating for women within their workplace and in the industry at large – during this influential discussion about creating a culture of inclusion in the workplace.

November 8, 2021

The Power of a Woman’s Voice

(55 min)

SPEAKER: Paula Hamilton, Senior Vice President, Speakeasy

OVERVIEW: Women often face unique communication challenges in the corporate setting. In this executive level webinar, Speakeasy Inc. will delve into executive presence, body language and non-verbal communication in a way that allows you to participate with, be heard by, and ultimately influence others.

Participants will leave with an increased awareness of how to:

  • Be seen as a leader and have a stronger executive presence.
  • Appear calm and confident when you are nervous or stressed out.
  • Be more intentional about how you are perceived by others.
  • Use your body and voice to connect with your listener(s).

Founded in 1974, Speakeasy Inc. is a global consultancy that provides coaching and instruction to teams and individuals on the the communication competencies they need to drive success.

October 20, 2021

2021 Leadership Conference – Fireside Chat with Christiane Amanpour & Johnita Due

(28 min)

SPEAKERS: Christiane Amanpour, CBE, Chief International Anchor – CNN; Johnita Due, SVP & Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer – WarnerMedia News and Sports

OVERVIEW: We were thrilled to welcome award-winning journalist Christiane Amanpour for an intimate fireside chat with The WICT Network’s global board member Johnita Due of WarnerMedia. During Christiane’s unparalleled career at CNN, she has brought in-depth and exclusive coverage of the world’s news to audiences around the globe. Her fearless and uncompromising approach has made her popular with audiences and a force to be reckoned with by global influencers. She has earned every major television journalism award, including eleven News and Documentary Emmy Awards, four Peabody Awards, two George Polk Awards, three duPont-Columbia Awards and the Courage in Journalism Award. In addition to her work as an anchor and reporter, Christiane is an active rights campaigner. A board member of the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Centre for Public Integrity and the International Women’s Media Foundation, she uses her profile to raise awareness about key global issues and journalists’ rights.

This session was sponsored by WarnerMedia.