Paula Madison is a leader to emulate. When the GE and NBC Universal executive started her career as a print journalist, she had her heart set on a career as a reporter until her mentor and good friend encouraged her to reconsider that goal.
“I loved being a reporter and an editor,” offers Madison, who after three months of putting off a move into broadcast journalism, decided to join a TV studio in Dallas. “Once I crossed over into television news management, I knew I’d found my place. Then, I went into station management … this was my first corporate role.” Madison’s expressed deep appreciation for every job she’s held since she’s been climbing the corporate ladder.
Madison is currently the executive vice president of diversity and chief diversity officer for NBC Universal and the company officer for General Electric. To put it simply, she’s the diversity leader and spokesperson for the entire corporation. “In my role, I make sure that the content that we create is a good and fair representation in front of and behind the camera as well as making sure management is focused on diversity throughout the whole company,” she shares. The “whole” company includes NBC Universal’s television and film divisions, theme parks, online production and businesses that are based in the United Kingdom, Asia, Africa and parts of Europe.
The accomplished executive’s philosophy extends to three aspects of leadership: integrity, inclusion and passion. “You have many people who are looking at you to be a decision maker and for guidance. You must have integrity and operate at a certain level of trust, morality, and principle. A leader must be inclusive by seeking opinions and involvement by soliciting ideas and have an overwhelming passion for doing the right thing,” explains the Vassar College graduate.
Madison is avidly comitted to journalism. She’s actively involved in the National Association of Black Journalists where she serves on the Integrity and Advisory Board. Also, she serves on University of Southern California’s (USC) board. “Education is very important to me,” she says. “I am the newly appointed Los Angeles Public Library Commissioner, the second largest in the country. I agreed to serve [in this capacity] because education is a bridge out of poverty; you have to get a good education. That’s one of the only things that no one can take away from you.” –yvette caslin
