Linda Yaccarino

While hosting an event launching The98, an early-stage fund designed to provide resources for technology startups led by women, Yaccarino calls for the broadcast industry to build a culture of service. Yaccarino says service was ingrained in her early by her parents, who were both public servants.

As a mother and — I know this is very hard to believe — as a brand new grandmother, my job is to serve my family,“ she said. ”As an employee, my job is to serve the company and all of the people who depend on me. And as a leader, it’s easy to think that you’re now the person being served. But if you are lucky enough to be in a position of leadership, you’re actually in a better position to serve — your employees, your colleagues, your clients, your partners, your community…No matter who you are, or where you sit, it’s up to us to build this culture of service together.

On empathy:

I remember when empathy was considered a personality trait solely ascribed to female leaders — one that, I was told, more than once, ‘Linda, it’s going to hold you back. But now? It’s become one of the most sought-after traits for all leaders, because to really serve someone, you must understand what they are going through. And that takes work.

She says creating a culture of service requires the courage to act, even if it means personal and professional risk:

It takes courage to ask others to brave. Brave enough to extend your hand across the aisle, especially when everybody’s got their arms crossed. Because they can’t keep their arms crossed if they’re shaking your hand.