Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
NBCUniversal Vice Chairman, Bonnie Hammer: Breaking Myths About Climbing to the Top | E111
10 Jun 2025
Bonnie Hammer’s passion for photography and storytelling led her to an internship on a TV production set, but instead of a glamorous role, her first job involved cleaning up dog poop. Despite these humble beginnings, Bonnie’s curiosity, strong work ethic, and willingness to tackle any task helped her rise through the ranks at NBC Universal, eventually becoming vice chairman and a powerhouse in the cable industry In this episode, Bonnie shares how her ability to learn, embrace opportunities, and adapt to change shaped her success, and how tough mentors and tough love played crucial roles in her career growth. Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the company’s cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits. In this episode, Ilana and Bonnie will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:58) From Photography Passion to TV Career Launch (10:11) Embracing Career Growth Opportunities (16:46) The Impact of Mentorship on Her Career (22:06) Tough Love as a Driver for Success (29:44) Bonnie’s Key to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (31:52) How to Thrive During Organizational Changes (34:29) Transforming Career Setbacks into Opportunities (40:16) How to Communicate Your Professional Value (43:16) The Power of Hunger and Resilience (46:34) Turning Small Opportunities into Big Breaks (51:05) Redefining Success on Your Own Terms Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the company’s cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits. Bonnie was named “the Queen of Cable” by The New York Times and hailed as “the most powerful woman in entertainment” by The Hollywood Reporter. Resources Mentioned: Bonnie’s Book, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: …And the Truth We Need to Succeed: https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Are-Told-Work/dp/1668027615 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other episodes from Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
Transcribed and ready to explore now
Gretchen Carlson: The Journalist Who Defied Fox News and Exposed Workplace Abuse | E110
03 Jun 2025
Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
From $500 Startup to Open Source Pioneer: How Tim O’Reilly Built a Media and Tech Legacy | E109
29 May 2025
Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: How Adva Amir Became One of the Few Female Airline Captains | E108
27 May 2025
Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
From School Teacher to Fitness Icon: What I Wish I Knew Before Quitting My Job | Brian Keane | E107
22 May 2025
Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
Tony Khan: Building AEW into a Billion-Dollar Brand and Competing with Wrestling Giants | E106
20 May 2025
Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
Tim Storey: Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks and Achieving Unstoppable Success | E105
15 May 2025
Leap Academy with Ilana Golan