Education and Awards

I have walked in flats, pumps, stilettos, boots, and sneakers—whatever was needed for the job or opportunity. I have led conference calls with a sick baby on my shoulder, relied on my support system when needed, and have been my own advocate to move my executive leadership career forward.

At a critical time in my career, I enlisted the insights of an executive coach to help define my path forward and assist me in unloading the internal narratives and habits that held me back. This decision transformed my career. It also inspired me to create and lead The Ascendancy Group—an executive coaching and leadership development firm.

I can relate to the increasing number of challenges that executives face today. I put this first-hand experience—and a sense of humor—to work to navigate through times of complexity, ambiguity, change, opportunity, and growth. The events of my own life taught me how to find my voice and discover my leadership potential.

Among these events is my journey from one of the first 35 employees at Discovery Communications to a senior sales role, then to AMC Networks where I ultimately became President of WE tv. I went on to serve as the Chief Strategy Officer for the Meredith Corporation. I have been named one of the top 30 most powerful women in cable by Cablefax (five consecutive years) and a Multichannel News Wonder Woman. I am energized by both individual and corporate engagements (such as Coca-Cola, IBM, Conde Nast, Charter Communications, Warner Media, NFL Players Association, and Tone Networks) and I have been selected to speak at both industry association and company events.

A small-town-turned-big-city gal, I am married to an artsy New England guy. Together, we are the parents of two accomplished young women. I hold an M.B.A. from Georgia State University and a B.S. in political science from Georgia College and State University, and I am a graduate of Standford's Graduate Program, Center for Creative Leadership.