Carol Melton
EVP, Time Warner Inc.
In your opinion, what qualities make a “Power Woman”?
Resilience; focus; attitude; generosity of spirit.
With all the different issues one could focus on, how do you balance your efforts in pursuit of gender equality? Is it a global approach or a specific issue that you are passionate about?
Gender equality is a way of life and approach, where it is important to look for ways to support and lift up other women, whether in business or other arenas.
If you could have someone else’s job for a day, who and what would it be? Why?
Serena Willliams. It would be exhilarating to experience the mental and physical strength she has demonstrated with such class on and off the court, again and again, throughout her life and career.
Why do you think women's reproductive rights are under attack? Globally it seems women's health and security are under such attack; from religion, to cultural attitudes, to lax government protection, women are more vulnerable than ever. What policies would you propose that he US government pursue (or change) to alter this.
Are you involved in politics at the local or national level? No Why or why not?
My key political priority is to represent Time Warner’s interests. Among other things, I am a co-founder of WE Capital, a consortium of leading businesswomen, deploying capital to empower the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
What issues in the workplace contribute most to the gender pay gap: accessibility? unconscious biast (including questions about previous salary requirements)? economic? reproductive? or some other nefarious reason. Why do you think these are still challenges we face?
Can you tell us a short story in which you encountered a block in the work place and what you did about it?
I don’t have one specific story, but rather many instances in which I had to stand up for myself, or my team, by confronting a challenge with a confident response that provided a reasonable, well-considered plan to achieve a business or other goal.
Do you think that asking previous salary requirements in job interviews contributes to the pay gap between women and men? NY State recently outlawed this practice. Should we push for a nationwide ban?
Have you seen any changes in the political landscape for women over the past few years? If so, what are they?
While we should still see additional women at every level of local, state, and national governments, many more women seem to be inspired to run for political office. That is important not only to have increased female representation, but also to inspire other women to follow that path.
Was there a defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today? What was it?
I had the chance at a young age to work directly with the CEO on a significant
company transaction. That successful work led to a series of opportunities that I happily embraced, ultimately leading to senior executive officer roles at two major media and entertainment companies that have defined my career.
Do you believe that open access to porn (including violent video games, social media etc.) contributes to gender inequality and violence against women?
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
While it seems a cliché, believe in yourself and work hard. Think big, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
There are many studies that support the idea that a female presence in the board room increases the bottom line and leads to healthier work environments. What can we do to continue to support and enhance the growth and presence of women in high profile positions.
Women need to build their business and personal networks and use them to advance not only their own interests, but put them to use for the benefit of other women as well, be they those who work alongside us or those that are coming behind. And, men need to be actively brought into the conversation and engaged in these efforts.
Whom do you most admire? Why?
My (now deceased) parents, who gave me the gifts of confidence, kindness, and their unwavering support.
What is your favorite book (fiction or non-fiction)?
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett.
What is your favorite place on earth? Why?
I’ve been able to travel all over the world in my career, as well as in my personal life, and I am lucky to have experienced many many places that have brought happiness and incredible learning opportunities. But, to my great good fortune, I am always happy to return “home,” wherever that has been.
