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WICT > Member & Chapter Services > WICT Chapters > WICT Northern California > WICT NorCal Newsletter - September 2010

WICT NorCal Newsletter - September 2010

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WICT Northern California Chapter Newsletter #3, Sept. 2010

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Welcome to our September 2010 NorCal Newsletter! To provide feedback, suggest topics, or submit an article, contact Lorraine Lewis, Newsletter Editor.

In This Issue

Save the Date

Managing Change

Members in the Spotlight

Jan Root, AETN

Scholarship Winner

Moving on Up

Power of Magical Thinking

Tips to Wellness

Quick Links

WICT NorCal Chapter Site

WICT National Site

The Bookshelf

Our reading recommendations for this quarter:

In Lincoln's Hand by Harold Holzer & Joshua Wolf Shenk.

Call Me Ted by Bill Burke and Ted Turner.

Soar With Your Strengths by Donald O. Clifton and Paula Nelson.

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

If you have a book, article or blog that you would like to share, please send your
recommendation to Lorraine Lewis.

"Lasting change is a series of compromises. And compromise is all right, as long as your values don't change."
                       ~ Jane Goodall

"There go my people. I must follow them, for I am their leader."
                ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"The most effective leaders find a way to mix some patience with their Patton, to persuade rather than intimidate, to convince people that their goals are the same as the boss."
                    ~ Benedict Carey

"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it."

                    ~ Harvey MacKay

"There is no failure except in no longer trying."
                     ~Elbert Hubbard

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."
             ~ John Quincy Adams

"You see things that are and say 'Why?' But I dream of things that never were and say 'Why not?'"
           ~ George Bernard Shaw

President's Corner

Bev Wilmore
WICT Northern California Chapter President 2010

Hello Fellow Members of
WICT Northern California:

We are in the third quarter of the year and I am sure by now that you have experienced some level of personal and professional greatness! How could you not with all the wonderful WICT national and local chapter programs geared just for you? No worries, however, if your experience isn't where you want it to be. WICT has more exciting programs scheduled for the rest of the year!

I recently read Oprah's June edition of O Magazine titled, "Say Yes to Life!" I was drawn to the article, "28 Genius Ways to Get Unstuck and Make Your Dreams Real!"

What a wonderful and timely article to offer at the midpoint of a year. If you are like most people, you set realistic and attainable goals at the beginning of every year. However, it is important to take a moment to reflect, examine and if necessary redesign your strategy. It amazes me how many restrictions we place on ourselves, which often get us STUCK and in a routine. Give yourself permission to get UNSTUCK and live your life in greatness!

The magazine offered the following six steps to taking a big step in getting UNSTUCK:
Step 1: Get your bearings.
Step 2: Visualize, visualize, visualize.
Step 3: Consult the masters...
Step 4: ...and ask for blessings.
Step 5: Think holistically.
Step 6: Find comfort in discomfort.

WICT Northern California Chapter is proud to present custom-designed programs for our members who are at various phases within their personal and professional development (see the events listed below).

I invite you to get UNSTUCK and to say "YES" to life by taking full advantage of all of WICT's programs for your continued growth.

For more information on upcoming events and programs, visit www.wict.org.

Be well,
Bev
Bev Wilmore

Save the Date
Your Event Snapshot
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WICT NorCal
Managing Change Coaching Clinic II, Sacramento
September 29, 2010, 10:30am - 5pm

This event provides a valuable forum for sharing professional strategies and best practices in the midst of change. Attendees will learn how to work through change in order to:

overcome fear
maintain self-control and accountability - in your current position and with customers
demonstrate responsible and effective leadership

WICT NorCal
Executive Leadership Development Symposium, Walnut Creek
October 7, 2010, 6pm - 9pm

The Executive Leadership Development Symposium - designed for executive and rising leaders - presents strategies for becoming a powerful and authentic leader. Panelists will discuss:

how to establish your personal brand as an executive leader;
effective techniques to align your financial priorities with your leadership goals;
using online communities as a strategic tool to successfully develop your career;
and more.

WICT NorCal
Recognition and Awards Ceremony, Alamo
December 8, 2010, 6pm - 9pm
Mark your calendars for Northern California's signature and most popular event, attended by top industry cable operators, programmers and new technology professionals. Includes mentoring awards, acknowledgments and a holiday charity partnership.

WICT National

WICT Leadership Conference
September 13-14, 2010 - New York, NY
This is the preeminent conference for educating women in the industry. Through inspiring keynote sessions, such as Suze Orman, innovative workshops and interfacing with industry colleagues, attendees will be immersed in leadership activities that will help to impact their bottom line. Registration includes a ticket to the WICT Touchstones Luncheon where Ruby Gettinger will give opening remarks, and the Woman of the Year and Woman to Watch awards will be presented.

Cable Boot Camp and Beyond
September 28, 2010, The Cable Center, Denver, CO
A comprehensive two-day program that sharpens cable business knowledge, reviews the journey of cable - from its beginnings to the current marketplace - and highlights the players and key issues facing the cable industry today.

For more information about upcoming 2010 events, visit www.wict.org.

Managing Change Coaching Clinic
Thursday August 12, 2010

Hosted by WICT Northern California Chapter and Ingrid Nelson, Regional VP, Comcast Spotlight, CA

L-R: Bev Wilmore, WICT NorCal President with Managing Change Panel Members: Michael E. Parker, Ingrid Nelson, Lynne Simon and Sylvia Wilkins-High

More than 100 WICT members attended WICT NorCal's successful Managing Change Coaching Clinic - held on site at Comcast Spotlight, San Francisco, and broadcast via live video conference to Comcast's Sacramento and Fresno offices. This well-attended event offered strategies and best practices to facilitate change in the workplace, including how to: work through change and overcome fear, maintain focus and be accountable, and demonstrate effective leadership.

Lead by moderator Lynne Simon (Director of Regional/National Sales, Comcast Spotlight, San Francisco), this lively program featured valuable insight and best practices from panel coaches Ingrid Nelson (Regional Vice President, Comcast Spotlight, California) Sylvia Wilkins-High (internationally-recognized Author, Trainer and Coach, Aiming High) and Michael E. Parker (President, CEO and Author, Value-Centered Solutions, Inc.).

WICT NorCal would like to extend a special thank you to Comcast California (our 2010 Presenting Sponsor), and Comcast Spotlight California (our Managing Change Coaching Clinic Breakfast Sponsor).

For more information on Managing Change, below are some suggested resources/tools:

"Leading Change" by John Kotter
"Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson
"Be the Change" by Kat Edmonsons
"Give Change a Chance" by Rob Fazio
"Ten Tips on Managing Change"

-- Lorraine Lewis

WICT Members in the Spotlight

Beth Knutsen Main

An Interview with Beth Knutsen Main
Director, Affiliate Sales - HBO

Betsy Magness Leadership Institute Alum, Class XXI

Congratulations on becoming one of WICT's newest "Betsies," and thank you for sharing your experience with WICT NorCal members.

Q: First, can you tell us what the BMLI experience means to you?

"I see it first as a vote of confidence from HBO, and an investment that inspires me to 'kick it up a notch.' Secondly, I see it as a program for the mature person -- someone who has already lived a life with a variety of personal and professional experiences, and wants to make sense of that experience with new eyes -- to craft new goals, objectives and strategies for moving forward more effectively."

Q: What resonates with you about this program?

"It's a uniquely intimate and comprehensive experience, made possible by the amount of time put aside for it. Seven months with the same classmates and leaders allows for a deep dive. Fellows complete many preparation assessments and exercises. These force you to sit back and assess where you've been, and how you've gotten from point to point. What you value, what you're good at, where you're stuck, and what you'd like to be different; this was intimidating and energizing. It primes you to think about the whole person and the big picture. And you couldn't find a more supportive environment for taking all this on."

Q: How has the program changed you as a leader?

"By developing a growth in confidence -- spending less time in deliberation and second guessing, and more time in action mode. Learning to trust my judgment and experience, and move forward more quickly, with belief in what I know."

Q: How has this experience changed you in the workplace?

"Since graduating in April, I've had unsolicited feedback from my team members commenting on my new decisiveness!"

Q: How about personally?

"My husband has commented on the difference. I take more risks, whether it's taking an unpopular view and being better at weathering the storm, or doing a better job of establishing boundaries in my personal life."

Q: The BLMI program is designed to transition effective managers into enduring leaders. What does this mean to you?

"There are different ways to contribute in organizations, which distinguish the "super doer" from the "strategic visionary." Everyone starts in a new role by taking direction from another, moving towards less supervision and dependency on others as we grow in competencies and confidence. Ultimately, the 'enduring leader' sets a vision for the future and inspires others to embrace it, too. Benedict Carey wrote:

'The most effective leaders find a way to mix some patience with their Patton, to persuade rather than intimidate, to convince people that their goals are the same as the boss'.' *

I love that way of articulating leadership. It requires self-awareness, confidence and a degree of humility."

Q: Finally, for fellow leaders in the cable telecommunications industry who might be interested in this program, what would you advise them?

"If you're not put off by an introspective, under- the-microscope approach, this program is rewarding in surprising ways. Applicants are invited to participate by their organizations. Talk to your boss about the possibility, and don't skimp on the application process. It's daunting, but an important part of the experience."


For more information about the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute, visit www.wict.org.

                                                                           -- Lorraine Lewis

*Carey, Benedict. "Steinbrenner: The Boss Unbound." NY Times 18 Jul, 2010: #33. Online

Congratulations and Farewell to Jan Root, AETN

Jan Root

After 16 years of service with AETN, Jan Root, Regional Account Manager, retired on September 2, 2010.

The WICT NorCal Chapter has been fortunate to have Jan as a board member for the last 10 years. In addition to serving as President, Vice President, Secretary and chairing many events, Jan has completed WICT programs, such as the Executive Development Seminar, Rising Leaders' Program (Class of 2007), and the Leadership Conference, and launched WICT NorCal's Rising Star Award.

Jan, popular amongst her colleagues and cable affiliates, and well known for her dynamic energy and passion for her work commented:

"WICT has been a vital part of my success in the cable industry. I'm looking forward to being a more "present" grandma to my four wonderful grandchildren, and putting the brand new set of golf clubs vegging in my garage to the test! It has been a wonderful 16 years. I take with me many friendships and memories, and feel blessed this opportunity came my way!"

On behalf of all WICT NorCal members, your cable friends and colleagues, congratulations and best of luck in your next chapter, Jan!

-- Lorraine Lewis

Maryanna Gripe, Winner of WICT NorCal's 2010 Scholarship!

WICT NorCal congratulates Maryanna Gripe, Developer, Application Development, Comcast, and WICT member - on winning this year's scholarship (valued at $1,500, covering transportation, hotel and registration) to Cable Boot Camp and Beyond, September 28-29, 2010, at The Cable Center in Denver, Colorado).

WICT Cable Boot Camp and Beyond provides the perfect training ground for new industry professionals needing a comprehensive introduction to the business, or those needing a refresher! This two-day program runs the gamut -- from how cable came about to what the current marketplace looks like, and highlights current players and key issues facing the cable industry.

Attendees will hear from experts, including Dick Clark and industry veterans, Bill Dorman of The Cable Center, and Dr. Ron Rizzuto of the University of Denver, on all aspects of the cable industry, and will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues with these experts and their peers.

Congratulations again, Maryanna. Look for our special story about Maryanna's experience at Cable Boot Camp and Beyond in our December Newsletter!

-- Lorraine Lewis

Moving on Up: Women in Sales and Marketing

Semoine Sykes

Semoine Sykes, Regional Product Marketing Specialist, Comcast California, was promoted to her current role in December 2009, and assists in the launch of new channels throughout California, such as Hallmark in HD, and HSN in HD.

Once the channels are selected by Comcast corporate, Semoine secures a channel location and creates a Channel Change Request (CCR), which includes the launch date, location and service level. Semoine then coordinates with Engineering and Serviceability to ensure the launch date is accommodated, and has responsibility for creating CCRs for up to 130 channel line ups at any given time.

Semoine is motivated by the end result of her work -- a positive customer experience -- because increasing video channel selections in this competitive environment keeps the company responsive to customers' needs.

Semoine shared three lessons she learned on her way to her current position:

1. Keep Your Word. Our bond is our word, and honoring commitments is top of Semoine's list in order to build relationships and trust.

2. Don't Burn Bridges. The cable industry is small, and the colleague you didn't get along with may one day become your boss. Always treat other employees with courtesy and respect so that you are not passed over for opportunities because of personal differences.

3. Be Accountable. Accepting that sometimes mistakes happen, no matter how hard we work, is a valuable lesson. Recognizing that we are human, and that mistakes are opportunities for growth, has allowed Semoine to take responsibility and restrategize, refocus, and meet targeted goals.

When asked what brought her joy outside of work she replied, "Oh, my son, Darius!" Semoine shared that Darius continues to amaze her, and that she has learned some of her biggest lessons from watching him. In Semoine's spare time, she is passionate about music, singing and performing. Next time you're at an A's game, listen carefully. You might catch Semoine singing the national anthem at the Oakland Coliseum, where she has performed for two years straight.

-- Katrina Hammonds

The Power of Magical Thinking

Imagine the Possibilities in the Decade of Teens Ahead

Bob Gold

Maybe you haven't noticed, but the Cable TV industry is aggressively re-inventing and re-imagining itself. To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what my multi-platform video provider can do for me, but what I can do for them?" Or more to the point, what should I expect when this business is changing so rapidly?

As we've just entered the teen years of this century, I wonder if our development and adoption of new cable TV technology during this decade will parallel the awkward teen years of my three sons. As we see innovations of the anywhere, anytime, any place and on any platform pervade and influence human behavior, I wonder if it can't make our lives as parents easier and turn our teenagers into better citizens.

Right now, my boys are battling pimples and personal hygiene, learning to drive (giving their father a heart attack), and discovering that girls are rather ... interesting. I've imagined a few possibilities and put together a short M2M* application wish list for all you engineering types out there to make my life as a parent easier during these difficult and awkward teen years:

1. M2M-enabled personal hygiene products. From the toothbrush to the deodorant stick, I want to know if my kids are taking care of themselves. And my wife would appreciate if you would also throw an embedded module into the toilet seat, so we can track who left it up.

2. Dating sensor (similar to carbon dating, but more M2M-focused) that lets parents know when a daughter is kissing her date a little too long. This sensor could also tell the father where his daughter is currently located so he can show up and...well, we'll just be glad that we aren't the boyfriend, and it isn't my daughter. As punishment, instead of grounding the kid, my M2M device would regulate my teen's iPod music choices. Imagine if every time an expletive rap song was downloaded or played, it instantly switched to Mozart! That might be a tad punitive, but it wouldn't get me reported to family services, right?

3. Mobile "experimental" breathalyzer that detects alcohol and any substances a teen might want to "experiment" with. I can call and tell my teenager to breathe into the breathalyzer and it will automatically recognize him, and email me the results. If he's been drinking, I can remotely disable the starter in his car, go pick him up, and ground him for life.

And speaking of driving...while there are already several excellent tracking and tracing applications that can monitor where and how well my sons are driving, I need an application for me! As the father/instructor in the passenger's seat teaching his teen how to drive, no matter how hard I slam on that imaginary brake in the car, nothing happens!

4. The Robo Rooter Video Game Shooter. I wish there was a device that would give me remotely controlled access to my sons' consumer electronics games. This includes the Xbox (hello Microsoft, are you reading?), so at 4 a.m. when my teen is still playing Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty 5, I can simply use my one-button control to turn the darn thing off, while still in my warm bed, and not have to get up and go to his room and ask, innocently of course, "What in blue blazes are you doing up this late on a school night?"

Of course, while these applications might all seem as wishful thinking and only slightly overbearing, I seriously expect M2M to play a significant role in the parenting of teenagers in our future. As M2M is already proving in several industries, people make positive behavioral changes when they are aware of their own habits and offered economic incentives. In the case of teenagers, the economic incentive could be their weekly allowance.

The teen years are meant to be fun, full of exploration and yes, even challenging. During the teen years of this century, I expect M2M to spread throughout every vein of our society and become an everyday part of my corporate and personal life - although my teenage sons might wish otherwise!

*Machine-to-Machine (M2M) refers to technologies that allow both wireless and wired systems to communicate with other devices of the same ability.

Special thanks to Bob Gold - WICT NorCal's Guest Writer for our September 2010 Newsletter.

Bob Gold is President & Founder of Bob Gold & Associates, www.bobgoldpr.com

                                                                                                                                                         -- Bob Gold

Tips to Wellness

My sister was one of the "1 in 8"

pink ribbon

I recently read that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. This number was startling to me, but not nearly as startling as when my older sister told me that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer last year. When given the news, our family went through the first four of the five stages of emotions -- Shock, Disbelief/Denial, Anger and Depression -- while my sister, facing her diagnosis of breast cancer, was at the fifth stage -- Acceptance.

My sister was unbelievably calm throughout the entire ordeal, including two lumpectomies, four intravenous chemo treatments, six and a half weeks of radiation and chemo pills, and loss of hair and other side effects of cancer treatments. She was actually the calming agent to our family because she quietly did her research, embraced the news and was focused on living! And, while her lifestyle would need to change, her outlook become even more purposeful.

My dear sister learned that diet, exercise and stress levels were important factors in the success of her treatments. She also discovered that her mental outlook was the most important factor, surrounding herself with positive people, going on power walks and giving out love everywhere she traveled. She sported her baldness boldly and passed along her message of hope to all who would listen.

My sister who is also a powerful wife, mother, aunt, daughter, granddaughter, friend and professional executive, became empowered last year. She serves as a true role model to everyone out there who has been or will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

As my dear sister would say:

             "Life is meant to be lived, and to be lived well...
              ain't nothin' to it but to do it!"

In closing, I urge all women to schedule their mammograms, and take two girlfriends along with them.

For more information on breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society's web site at www.cancer.org.

-- Bev Wilmore

Thank you for joining us this quarter. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events!

Sincerely,

Women in Cable Telecommunications -
Northern California Chapter Board

Newsletter Editor: Lorraine Lewis
Contributing Writers: Beverly Wilmore, Katrina Hammonds and Lorraine Lewis
Special Guest Writer: Bob Gold

WICT Northern California values your input. Please send your comments to: Lorraine Lewis.

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