Inspiring inclusion in live broadcasting: International Women’s Day 2024
International Women’s Day marks an important milestone in the calendar as organizations around the world celebrate the outstanding women who drive business success. It’s a special moment for us at LTN, where women hold key positions across various departments, from engineering to executive leadership, fueling innovation and shaping the future of media technology. This rich diversity of perspectives and expertise not only strengthens our company's foundation but also mirrors the changing dynamics within the global media industry.
Like many others, our industry has historically been male-dominated, with women often fighting uphill battles for recognition, equality, and respect. However, the status quo has been shifting — slowly but surely.
Women's presence in a wide range of roles at LTN underscores the broader evolution within the media tech industry, where gender diversity is gradually but noticeably improving. Research from McKinsey found that organizations with strong gender diversity are 25% more likely to outperform competitors. This shift towards a more inclusive and equitable industry landscape is not just about filling quotas or meeting diversity targets; it's about recognizing and harnessing the unique insights, creativity, and resilience that women bring to the table.
Taking action to forge new opportunities in live broadcasting
One piece of advice I always share with members of my team is to remember that you are in the driver's seat of your own career. As individuals, we must create the change we want to see in the industry and open the doors previously shut to us. How does that look in day-to-day scenarios? Early on in my career working at a prominent media company, I decided I wanted to learn more about a sports programming team within my organization. This was an area I had no previous exposure to but was very interested in. Despite having no direct connection or experience in that area, I offered my time on days off to learn and contribute in any way possible. This proactive step meant that when a position opened up, I was the first person they called to take that role, which elevated me to the next step of my career. Let’s be clear: being proactive doesn’t mean working on your days off — it’s about taking pride in self-development, learning, and fine-tuning your skillset to unlock new career opportunities.
Working hard to get into positions of authority is something that all women in media and technology can relate to. When I first stepped into this arena, it was rare to see women in leadership positions or technical roles, reflecting a broader industry-wide challenge of gender diversity. Today, more women are not just participating but leading and shaping the future of these sectors.
Inspiring inclusion: The women of LTN leading the charge
At LTN, inclusion is not just a marketing buzzword — it is reflected in the leadership teams across our organization, with women heading up a number of critical business departments. Director of Human Resources, General Counsel & GM EMEA, Chief Marketing Officer, and EVP of Development are ALL women, symbolizing a powerful message for what women can achieve in the technology space.
The presence of women in these key leadership roles at LTN reflects a broader commitment to fostering an inclusive work culture. It's a culture that values diversity of thought, experience, and background, recognizing that it is this diversity that fuels innovation and drives success.
Paving the road ahead
Media and technology companies need to take a decisive role in improving inclusion within the industry. The call to action is clear: we must open more doors through mentorship and the active support of junior team members. Mentorship is not just about guiding the next generation through the complexities of career pathways and professional development, it's about inspiring them to be more ambitious, confident, and passionate about achieving success in a tough but exciting industry. By sharing our experiences, challenges, and triumphs, women in technology today can help open the path for a new generation of female leaders.
Mentorship is also key to fostering an inclusive and sustainable work environment. By supporting and uplifting junior colleagues, businesses are not just investing in individuals; they’re investing in their company’s future and supporting the wider industry through ongoing talent shortages. This means creating opportunities for growth, offering guidance and feedback, and, most importantly, listening — listening to the aspirations, concerns, and ideas of the next generation is crucial in building a workplace that is more inclusive, innovative, and resilient. With the right strategies in place, we can build the roadmap for women to progress in their careers and help them define their success.
As we celebrate International Women's Day and the remarkable contributions of women across the media and technology sectors, it’s vital to show our commitment to driving change. The future of our industry depends on our ability to embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
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