NBCUniversal’s Vice Chair Bonnie Hammer Shares Career Advice For Women

May 09, 2024

If you could go back to your first day walking into any of your roles, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

First of all, an optimistic attitude is everything. It allows you to realize that every new job offers an opportunity to learn and grow, even if it’s not immediately apparent. There were times when I took jobs that seemed crappy – literally, in the case of my first TV assignment, which involved cleaning up after the canine star of a kids’ show. Instead of complaining about the lowly gig, I adopted a positive attitude, which made the production team want to have me around and give me more and more responsibility. 

Later in my career, I was assigned the task of overseeing the WWE (then WWF). It couldn’t be farther out of my comfort zone – I felt miscast, misunderstood, and mismanaged -- and I fought pretty hard against it. But after my husband, who wrestled in high school, convinced me to give it a shot, I helped the WWF supercharge their franchise into a top-rated pop culture phenomenon by turning it into a male soap opera. It was one of the best decisions – and most fun experiences -- of my life. If I hadn’t embraced the opportunity with the right attitude, I would have missed out on an incredible chance to see what I was truly capable of.

From the NBCUniversal Internship Program to the legendary Page Program, what stands out to you in young professionals just starting off?

Actually, there are two things. The first is that, unfortunately, too many young people conflate personal worth, which we’re all entitled to, with professional worth, which must be earned. Professional worth comes from proving yourself – raising your hand, staying late if needed, saying yes to every opportunity -- and staying positive through it all, which makes people happy to have you around.

The second is all about presence. Research tells us it takes seven seconds to make a first impression, so you want to make that impression count. It’s got nothing to do with beauty or attractiveness – it is not superficial, it’s fundamental. It’s about putting your best self forward with confidence and authenticity, establishing a presence that makes people want to learn what’s inside you. A positive presence not only helps you stand out in a room, it resonates your potential way after you leave. You’ve got to strive to be your best self, inside and out, on and off the clock.

For professionals who are seeking mentorship, what have you found to be the most successful in asking for and cultivating these relationships?

There’s a misconception that the best mentors are essentially friends in high places at work—powerful, well-connected allies who root for us at every step and help us move up the ranks. They’re what I call supportive mentors, and they do exist. But in my experience, cheerleading doesn’t really help on the hard climb to success.

What you need are challenging mentors, truth-tellers who put the tough in tough love. They give us feedback that’s often hard to hear. They critique and oppose us like sparring partners. And they constantly push us because they know what we’re capable of -- even when we don’t.

The best of these mentorships are organic, based on a genuine connection with people we meet in the course of our daily lives. To find them, think outside the box and seek out the people who challenge you, impress you, make you think differently, tell you the truth and most importantly, take an interest in teaching you. It's worked for me – throughout my life and career, I’ve sought out and relied upon truth-tellers.

What are the top 3 most important skills someone can bring to the workplace?

Learn to listen. If you want to be seen and appreciated, make sure those around you feel the same way. Active listening builds rapport, reduces misunderstanding, encourages collaboration, and increases empathy. And truly engage; don’t focus on preparing your next point while others are making theirs.

Use your voice. Talk isn’t cheap; it’s our most valuable currency. Words carry weight and when used right – with kindness and confidence, as opposed to arrogance or entitlement – they can get us anything, from raises to reservations to access to important people. 

Sweat the small stuff because guess what -- it’s not small stuff. To really get ahead, we’ve got to put care into all our work, interactions, and ideas. Focusing on the “small” stuff – things that could too easily be taken for granted – can make huge differences in your career and your life. After all, both God and the Devil are in the details.

What inspired you to write “15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: …And the Truth We Need to Succeed”?

At this point in my career, I’m completely agenda-free, which lets me see things with a new sense of purity and clarity. I’ve come to understand the many misconceptions we have about work, the mistakes that hold us back, and the kind of mentorship we need to succeed.

 I wouldn’t be where I am today without the many mentors I’ve had along the way. That’s why I’ve spent decades trying to pay forward what I’ve learned—from them and from my own experiences—as a mentor to women in my industry. Now, I’d love to share my insights with everyone looking to get ahead. I hope this book can help me do the job: to advise, push back, challenge, and ultimately inspire working women. In my mind, I see it as a kind of mentor in your pocket.

What is your favorite quote or mantra?

Something my father taught me early on: “There’s no such word as can’t. If you can’t do something, you’re simply not trying hard enough.”

Who do you look up to the most and why?

The truth-tellers in my life. They got me where I am today.

What are you watching right now?

Forgive my bias, but it comes from the heart -- I’m celebrating the return of Universal TV’s own Hacks, which is not only hilarious but incredibly insightful about issues concerning women and aging in our industry.

If you could guest star on any NBCUniversal show, which would it be and why?

Why not go for the ultimate guest star gig -- SNL?

Lorne, it’s in your court. I dare ya.