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When Kim heard about the opening for General Manger with Women's Entertainment Television (WE tv), she went straight to the CEO and pleaded with him to consider her. At the time, she was VP of Affiliate Sales for Rainbow Media Holdings (WE's parent company), and was itching for a more creative-minded position. "He told me that they needed me in sales and that I didn't have the experience to run a network," she says. Despite his opinion, Kim set out to prove that she was the best person for the job. She became an expert on the channel, watching it religiously and chatting up employees to learn the ins and outs in order to determine areas of improvement. She even hired a consultant to help with a business plan. Six months later, she got the job. "I don't know if I sold my ideas to the CEO or if he was just tired of me pitching him. But, he realized that no one else was going to be as passionate as I am," she says. Kim was not always so definitive about her career path. As a child she wanted to be a lawyer but changed her mind after working at a law firm during college. Then, with a degree in political science and no passion for law, she decided to get an MBA. But upon graduating, Kim was stuck once again. "My friends and I started interviewing with financial firms. After my first round I knew it wasn't for me." Luckily, a conversation with a saleswoman at MTV steered her in a different direction. "She scheduled an interview for me with Discovery Channel, which was brand new at the time. My friends thought I was crazy, but it paid off in the end. In fact, it was the opportunity of a lifetime--to get in on the ground floor of a start-up in an industry that I could be passionate about." Since Kim took over in December 2004, WE tv has seen tremendous growth. She attributes their success to a "commitment to original programming," as demonstrated by hit shows like Bridezillas, High School Confidential, and Platinum Weddings. Her staff mirrors their audience--about 80% women. "We make sure we incorporate the issues our viewers care about into the office, like going green and eating healthy," says Kim. They also have picnics, karaoke nights, and once a year they have "WE Time" when everyone can take 15 minute breaks throughout the day for massages, tarot card readings, or manicures. It's no surprise that her employees aren't clock-watchers. "I leave at 7:00 to have dinner with my family, and I have to tell everyone on my way out, 'Go home!" Serving as a role model for young professionals is a source of joy for Kim. Early on in her career she was turned down by a woman she'd asked to be her mentor. "I was really upset. So, now I make sure I give back. We're launching a program at the office where groups of women will be matched with a mentor and they'll meet once a week." Kim tries to involve her family in her work as much as possible. Her husband, Marty, provides immense support and is "committed to being a great husband and dad." When she can't make it home for dinner, she invites them to the events she must attend. As one might imagine, it's not a difficult task persuading her 13- and 11-year old daughters, Savannah and Madison, to come to the red carpet premieres. "Savannah asked me what college she can go to in order to become a celebrity. And, Madison wants me to stay [with WE tv] until she graduates from college, and then hand over my job to her. I don't think she understands how business works yet," Kim chuckles. If you'd like to ask Kim a question, send it to Helene@womenworking.com, and we'll see if we can get you an answer. |
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