Category: Career Development, Gender Equality, Media Industry, Professional Growth,Workplace Challenges, Diversity and Inclusion,Broadcasting, Innovation, Personal Development, Breaking Barriers

AI, Best Practices, Career, Career Development, Gender Equality, Media Industry, Professional Growth,Workplace Challenges, Diversity and Inclusion,Broadcasting, Innovation, Personal Development, Breaking Barriers, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward

The Only Girl in the Room Gets a Chance

I’m so amazed, transformed that this has changed. At least I truly hope it has.

I was working “on the road”, a 63 person crew, mostly men and me. That lasted for 85% of the events I traveled and worked on. Every so often there where other women there.

As the sole woman, I had to be better, quicker, more knowledgeable than the men, work harder and longer, and way back in 1989 I took the off-color jokes with a “grain of salt”, and a bit of harassment too. It was the “norm”, certainly not from everyone, but it existed, I never complained. I brushed it off, and learned to have – “selective hearing”.

After coming off the road, I worked for the Technical Managers for Studio and Field (I had worked with many in the field and they gave me great training). Now, I was in NYC working at a major network with them, and all levels of studio and field personnel for Sports and News. Wow what a change! It was thrilling.

I was able to goto technical meetings and take notes for Myself, or choose to stay at my desk and answer the phones. No competition there, I grabbed my pen and paper, and took as many notes as I could, and then asked questions later. Another great training ground. Again, I was the only woman in the room though (the sole female technical manager was on leave).

Luckily there were other women in the huge street long broadcasting facility, that had many different control rooms that were used for very different capacities.

One was older, used for presets, and figuring out layouts, but at that time was also a back-up studio. There was the main News “fishbowl” studio, where I could stand a couple flights above and watch the nightly newscast live.

There were break studios that did timings and aired commercials to every time zone for all network programming. There were Edit Control rooms (EC) that aired live and pre-recorded sporting events.

Next there were tape and digital recording and playback rooms. EVS was one of the first truly forward inventions for playback. With 6 servers, we could stop up to 3 of them to playback for the different time zones, doing away with the tape playbacks of short (first 20 minutes of an hour show) and longs (full hour of the show record to sync to the short), and syncing timecode in-time for pb.

It was a new world. I always wanted to learn more, and it was the perfect training ground. So, I would spend my off time learning from the operators.

There were job shifts, promotions, I left the company, and came back to a great job in commercial operations. I helped build the billboard library for shows, kept and aided advertisers with the changing tech specs when new technology evolved. Then, I was given Monday Night Football. It had a book (literally) of rules to follow.

The manager working on the season suddenly went out sick. My manager handed me the rule book (luckily I had worked MNF in-person on and off-site for years early in my career), so I knew the rules of the game. But, the scheduling rules were a different story. I was handed the book on Friday afternoon, and the season started on that coming Monday. Ok! Dig In! And, I did it, all season long, and proud to say without a mistake. I also give great credit to my co-managers and commercial integration managers for all their help and guidance to pull off a flawless season.

Were there “fires” absolutely. Was there doubt, absolutely. Where there commercials, billboards, vignettes coming in late, absolutely. Did I complain, Absolutely Not once! I loved the challenge, I loved making the departments a team, and I even loved being nervous about air – every single game. I wanted it to be clean and perfect, and we did it. Team effort.

So remember there’s always something to learn. Intricacies, broad strokes, complete pivots.

I now work in the digital streaming world in many capacities, cloud workflows, integrating AI. Writing about technology, streaming, engineering in-studio and fully remotely. On prem, cloud production, live and hybrid events from car shows, theatrical shows, music events, and enterprise. It a whole new huge world that has cracked open.

Go Get It for yourself too – it’s a big world out there!

Career Development, Gender Equality, Media Industry, Professional Growth,Workplace Challenges, Diversity and Inclusion,Broadcasting, Innovation, Personal Development, Breaking Barriers, events, Golf, Tournament Preparation, Mental Toughness, Physical Fitness, Skill Development, Strategy, Nutrition, Hydration, Pre-Tournament Routine, Life Choices

The Mental and Physical Preparation Before the First Tee

Stepping onto the first tee of a golf tournament may seem like a singular moment, but the truth is that the mental and physical preparation required for success begins long before that initial swing. While some may believe that golfing prowess is an innate quality, the reality is that mental and physical skills can be honed and trained to harness peak performance. In this article, we will explore the vital role that preparation plays in a golfer’s journey, both on and off the course.

  1. Cultivating a Strong Mindset:
    The foundation of success in golf lies within the mind. Golfers must develop mental toughness, resilience, and focus to overcome the challenges that arise during a tournament. Mental preparation involves visualization, positive self-talk, and the ability to stay present in the moment. Techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and goal setting can help golfers train their minds to maintain composure and handle pressure effectively.
  2. Physical Conditioning:
    Golf is physically demanding despite how it may appear to some. It requires a high level of fitness and conditioning. Golfers need to develop strength, flexibility, and endurance to execute consistent swings throughout a tournament. Regular exercise, including cardio workouts, strength training, and flexibility exercises, helps improve overall physical fitness and reduces the risk of injury.
  3. Technical Skill Development:
    Mastering the technical aspects of golf is crucial for consistent performance. Golfers must dedicate countless hours to practicing their swings, honing their putting skills, and developing a reliable short game. Working with a golf coach or instructor can provide valuable feedback and guidance to refine technique and address weaknesses. Regular practice sessions, both on the driving range and on the course, allow golfers to fine-tune their skills and build muscle memory.
  4. Course Management and Strategy:
    Successful golfers understand that strategy and course management are as important as technical skill. They study the layout of the course, analyze hazards, and develop a game plan to navigate each hole effectively. By evaluating risk versus reward and making smart decisions, golfers can optimize their chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
  5. Nutrition and Hydration:
    Proper nutrition and hydration play a significant role in a golfer’s performance. Golf tournaments can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring sustained energy levels throughout the day. Golfers should focus on a well-balanced diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Staying hydrated is equally important, as dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased focus.
  6. Pre-Tournament Routine:
    Establishing a pre-tournament routine helps golfers prepare mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. This routine may include warm-up exercises, stretching, visualization, and mental relaxation techniques. Engaging in a consistent routine helps create a sense of familiarity and confidence, enabling golfers to enter the first tee with a clear mind and a focused approach.
  7. The journey towards success in golf extends far beyond the first tee of a tournament. Mental and physical preparation, honed through disciplined training, is the key to unlocking a golfer’s potential. By cultivating a strong mindset, maintaining physical fitness, refining technical skills, strategizing effectively, and prioritizing nutrition, golfers can enhance their performance and maximize their chances of achieving their goals. Remember, it’s not an innate quality but a trainable attribute that can be harnessed to rise above challenges and achieve greatness on the course.
Career Development, Gender Equality, Media Industry, Professional Growth,Workplace Challenges, Diversity and Inclusion,Broadcasting, Innovation, Personal Development, Breaking Barriers, Life Choices

Beyond the Lines: Breaking Free from Conformity in Media Careers

Throughout our lives, we are often told to “color inside the lines” as a metaphor for staying within the boundaries of societal norms. This notion of conformity extends into our careers, particularly in the media industry. However, it is important to recognize the ways in which metaphorically “coloring” inside these lines can hold us back from reaching our full potential. In this article, we will explore how conforming to expectations can hinder personal growth, limit opportunities for learning and advancement, silence important discussions about inequality, and impede career progression for women in broadcasting.

1. Restricting Learning and Personal Growth:
By adhering strictly to the established norms and practices of the media industry, we may inadvertently limit our capacity to learn and grow as professionals. Sticking to familiar routines and avoiding risks can prevent us from exploring new ideas, technologies, and innovative approaches. Embracing creativity and stepping outside the lines allows us to expand our horizons, acquire new skills, and foster personal development.

2. Silencing Inequalities in Broadcasting:
The media industry, like many others, struggles with gender inequalities. By conforming to traditional roles and expectations, we may inadvertently perpetuate these disparities. Women in broadcasting often face challenges in being heard, respected, and promoted. By coloring inside the lines, we may miss opportunities to speak up about gender inequality and advocate for change. It is crucial to step outside the boundaries and use our platform to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote equal opportunities for women in the industry.

3. Limiting Opportunities for Advancement:
Following the conventional path may provide a sense of security, but it can also hinder career advancement. By conforming to expectations, we may miss out on chances to take calculated risks, showcase our unique talents, and pursue new opportunities. Stepping outside the lines allows us to challenge the status quo, demonstrate our capabilities, and differentiate ourselves from the crowd, ultimately increasing our chances of promotion and professional growth.

4. Embracing Change and Adaptability:
The media industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends reshaping the way we consume and produce content. By coloring inside the lines, we may resist change and overlook valuable opportunities for adaptation. Embracing change, taking risks, and thinking outside the box are essential for staying relevant in a rapidly transforming industry. By doing so, we can contribute to driving innovation.