The WICT Atlanta chapter is filled with inspiring, talented and successful women that make an impact on our organization. Their career paths sometimes take them on journeys that lead them away from Atlanta and we began to wonder "what they are doing now?" We were curious to discover how the Atlanta chapter shaped the lives and careers of its alumni, and to learn how the WICT Atlanta chapter influenced them. Jerilyn Bliss is Vice President, Corporate Communications for Scripps Networks and Wonya Lucas is Chief Marketing Officer, Discovery Communications. Both are past Red Letter Award winners and Wonya is a former WICT Atlanta board member.  They recently agreed to chat with newsletter contributor Natalie Taylor and share their knowledge about the cable industry, their involvement in WICT, and how the organization has affected their lives.

Why did you join WICT?
Jerilyn: I had been in cable previously and then left the industry to pursue a different career path. I knew that it would be important to join a strong organization and reconnect with old friends while meeting new ones.

Wonya: I was new to the industry and wanted to learn more so I felt that it would be good for me to join. I also felt that it would be beneficial for my personal development and I knew that a lot of the women in the organization were in high ranking positions and I wanted to be exposed to them.

Both Jerilyn and Wonya felt that the members of the organization were very welcoming and it met all of their expectations. The friendships they formed and bonds they established have lasted until today and Wonya mentioned that the women she connected with through her BMLI class are her “board of advisors.” She shared that she never makes a career move without consulting them!

What advice do you have for women entering the industry today?
Jerilyn: I think women entering the industry today are in a great position because
the opportunities are broad and the industry is changing so much. This leads to a need for new skill sets and viewpoints so I don’t think it’s as difficult to enter the industry now as it once was.

Wonya: Good question! For those entering the industry today, I think they should take the time to get to know the business well. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Unlike other industries, this is an industry with associations that provide many opportunities for professional development. It is important to take advantage of those opportunities. Finally, they should form relationships with as many people throughout their organization as possible.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Jerilyn: “Balance” is a myth and to believe that we can achieve balance in our lives is hard. I believe in managing my energy, not my time. A book that really helped me is The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. It helps you find the best ways to manage your day by focusing on your energy and engagement, instead of time. It also says you NEED to build in downtime to recharge and energize; something that we all need to remind ourselves and give ourselves permission to do.

Wonya: This is easy for me because I know my priorities and my number one priority is family; therefore, I am never conflicted. I also have an amazing partnership with my husband and family. We do it together. I’ve been very lucky to work in environments and for bosses that also make family a priority. It helps as I strive to live my best life and do my best work.

Was there a person in the industry that influenced you and how?
Jerilyn: When I started in cable at Turner in the mid 90s, I worked with two wonderful supportive women who ran our department (Turner Original Productions.) Pat Mitchell was the head of the group and I reported directly to her. I learned many things from her and she was always willing to give me new opportunities and listen to my ideas. She is the current President and Chief Executive Officer of The Paley Center for Media (formerly the Museum of Television and Radio). Now at Scripps Networks, there are scores of women in senior roles who serve as role models for all of us, including two network heads - Kathleen Finch, GM of DIY Network, and Brooke Johnson, President of Food Network. I report to Cindy McConkey, SVP of Corporate Communications. Earlier in her career, Cindy was one of the first women print reporters to cover sports. She definitely embraces the WICT touchstone of "Be Fearless" and encourages me to push my boundaries as well.

Wonya: There have been so many people that influenced me that it’s hard to name them all!! The one person that was a huge influence on my life is my mother. She showed me what it means to be a strong woman and the importance of giving back to your community. She was also in the business and served on the Board of Directors for Turner Broadcasting. Another person that was an influence is Decker Anstrom, President and CEO, Landmark Communications. He is a “rock star” in the business and I truly admire his intelligence, genuine concern for people, his love of this business and his commitment to diversity.

What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
Jerilyn: Good question! I wish I learned to trust myself earlier and know it’s all going to be okay. I think everyone should learn how to trust yourself, speak up and believe in yourself.

Wonya: Patience! I was very impatient at the beginning of my career with everything- getting ahead, understanding everything, making changes. Then my mentor, Julia Sprunt, said that I couldn’t plan and plot every step of my career and she was right! If you said to me at this time last year that I would be working for Discovery, living in D.C., I never would have imagined it. But I am here, loving every moment!

What’s next in life both professionally and personally?
Jerilyn: Personally, my goal is to finally complete my MBA. I started many years ago in Chicago and moved to Knoxville with only three classes to go so I hope to finish very soon! Professionally, I want to grow the WICT Atlanta/Knoxville connection. We hosted the first WICT Atlanta event in Knoxville this past May and I want to continue to develop this relationship.

Wonya: Personally, I want to move my family to D.C. so we can all be together again as a family and professionally I want to have a long career with Discovery and contribute to the growth of this company. I see this as a place that I will work forever and I am so excited to be a part of the team and to help move our business forward.

The two concluding questions for Jerilyn and Wonya were different but both centered on the WICT touchstones. I asked Jerilyn if she has a personal motto that she lives by and her answer was: “I wish I was the person my dog thinks I am! He thinks I am the sun and the moon and I wish I could be that to everyone.”

She shared a story of the Princess cone hat she got on a recent trip to Disney World. “When you wear the pink princess cone hat, everyone in the park addresses you as “Princess” and I just loved that. I shared this story with everyone at EDS to illustrate that it’s okay to be a princess sometimes and celebrate ourselves as women.”

Wonya was asked how she applies the WICT Touchstones to what she does. Here is what she shared: “The touchstones of communicate, listen and connect are what you do on a daily basis. They are basic skills that everyone should be mindful of in their daily roles. The touchstones of know yourself, be a catalyst, be fearless and inspire are leadership qualities and signify not being afraid to go out and be a leader and create a legacy. It means so much to me when the people who work for me excel because that means that I connected with them and touched them in some way and that’s what really matters.”