February Member of the Month: Kayla Weatherman, Manager, Digital Sales and Programmatic, ABC National Sales

Hometown? Brighton, MI

Current job title and company? Manager, Digital Sales and Programmatic, ABC National Sales

Describe your career journey. I am currently the Manager of Digital Sales and Programmatic at ABC National Sales where I do direct digital sales and manage programmatic for ABC Owned Stations. I am very grateful for all of my previous roles in helping me get to where I am. I got my start in digital media as the Digital Sales Manager at WCBS/CBS New York and then I joined TubeMogul in client services in order to learn about programmatic. That experience is what ultimately landed me in my current role.

Which three words would you use to describe your personality? Outgoing, Critical Thinker, Dependable

What committees/programs are you involved in with She Runs It? I have been actively involved with She Runs It, particularly the Young Executives committee, for the past several years. I have been one of the chairs of the Young Executives committee for about two years and I am excited to be transitioning to the Leadership Development committee as one of the chairs over the next few months.

How has participating on committees helped with your own personal and career development? Not only has leading a committee been a great forum in cultivating my leadership skills but it has also been a great way to make connections and expand my overall network. I have met so many amazing people that inspire me and offer great, applicable advice as I continue to grow in my career.

Name a woman who inspires you and why. Shelley Zalis. I won time with Shelley at one of the Young Executive’s largest annual events, the VIP Silent Auction where I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon with her. Shelley is the CEO of The Female Quotient and the Founder of The Girls’ Lounge and I’m in awe of everything she does as a successful businesswoman and mom. She brings women together and offers a safe space encouraging women to speak up and have difficult conversations and empower one another. I appreciate everything she is doing in the space and I admire the gracefulness in which she goes about her busy schedule from one big meeting or event to the next all while being calm and composed, nice and welcoming.

What do you think is the best kept secret of She Runs It? It’s not really a secret but I strongly feel that you get in return what you put in. When you commit and become actively involved in a committee and regularly attend events, faces start becoming more familiar and it’s a great way to meet new people, increase your network, and create a community. I am also a huge fan on the Mentoring program. This will be my 5th year participating in the program as a mentee. I have had amazing mentors that have helped me in all different stages of my career thus far and I still keep in touch with all of them. I hope to pay it back and be a mentor soon.

What are the top 3 member benefits that you feel are important for someone considering joining the organization?

1. Network – It’s a great way to meet new people in the industry
2. Events – She Runs It offers an array of relevant events for members at all levels and there is a wide selection of committees to become even more involved
3. Mentoring program – There is an entire committee dedicated to the free mentoring program that does an excellent job of pairing mentees with mentors

Connect with Kayla on Twitter: @klafata Instagram: @kaylafata