Chicago – January Member of the Month, Kerry Mysliwiec, Viacom

Hometown?

Naperville, Illinois.  Currently residing in Chicago, Illinois.

Current job title and company?

Director, Partner Solutions at Viacom

Describe your career journey.

I started my career right out of college at E! as an Ad Sales Assistant, and I was promoted to Sales Planner a few years later.  After 4.5 years at E!, I moved to Viacom and was a Nickelodeon Sales Service Executive for a little over 3 years.  I left Nick for an Account Executive role at BBC America but ended up leaving within the year to return to my team at Nick as an Account Executive.  The opportunity to represent a brand that touched consumers’ lives in so many different ways – TV, digital, experiential, consumer products, retail, and more – was a learning experience I couldn’t turn down.  Also, I loved working within the kids marketplace.  It’s a pretty nuanced market, so representing Nick gave me the opportunity to offer clients consultative support for their brands, beyond just selling airtime.

In my current role, I primarily support clients and media agency strategy teams.  I represent all of Viacom’s brands (Nick, MTV, Comedy Central, and more) and create solutions for partners across all Viacom platforms including TV, digital, influencer, experiential, branded programming, shopper marketing, and data.  My responsibilities have expanded dramatically since I returned to Viacom 7 years ago, and I’m grateful for the continued opportunities Viacom offers to grow and learn.

Which three words would you use to describe your personality?

Conscientious, determined, funny.

What committees/programs are you involved in with She Runs It?

Mentoring Committee and Mentoring program.

How has participating on the mentoring committee helped with your own personal and career development?

I enjoy contributing to the Mentoring Committee and am so glad I joined!  I’ve met several smart women who are truly committed to creating resources and experiences that foster career growth among our younger members and continued growth among our established leaders.  The committee’s passion for this work is contagious and has inspired me to up my “game” by putting the lessons I’ve learned from the Mentoring program materials into practice with my “mini” team at Viacom.  Additionally, I can’t say enough about the group’s thoughtful approach to pairing mentors/ mentees.  If you’re not already part of the program, please consider applying in February!  The program offers opportunities to expand your network, goal setting guidance/ accountability, and a chance to give back to the community by sharing your experiences – a perfect way to start working on those new year’s resolutions!

Name a woman who inspires you and why.

It’s impossible to pick just one woman!  Professionally, I’m inspired by the many women I’ve had the opportunity to work for over the years.  Each of them taught me lessons that have helped me grow – how to think BIG, persist in the face of adversity, and be empathetic to name a few.  Overall, I’ve been lucky to work for women who value inclusivity and transparency.  Their authenticity in the workplace has given me the confidence to take chances that have accelerated my career.  It’s important to me to “pay it forward” – passing along these important lessons to the next group of leaders, especially my “mini” team at Viacom.  I think about how being open and honest about my experiences can make a difference for them, as others did for me, daily.

What does the words “She Runs It” mean to you?

For me, “She Runs It” is a phrase that represents a woman who is in control and manages “it” – work, family, friends, and more – to the best of her ability.  Whatever comes her way, she has the confidence and the resources to take “it” on.