Senior Executive Spotlight: Emily Ingram, VP of HR at Golf Channel
Emily Ingram now calls Orlando home, after living in cities like San Francisco and Seattle. She loves to travel and will be going to the Galapagos Islands this year. When she’s not enjoying family time with her spouse of 15 years and her son, she is working at the Golf Channel. She will soon celebrate her 1 year anniversary as Vice President of Human Resources in Golf Channel. Even though she has been at the channel for a short period of time, she has already made an impact in the workplace and among her coworkers, which is why she was selected by Simeon Hardy, Sr. Director of Human Resources, to be featured as this quarter’s executive spotlight.
Question 1 — What role have coaches and mentors played in your life, and how did you go about choosing your coaches and mentors?
I’ve had coaches and mentors, both formal and informal. They have been extremely valuable as sounding boards and trusted confidants. The best coaches and mentors I’ve had asked questions which really challenged me and helped “reframe” the way I was looking at a situation. I think it’s important to have chemistry with your mentor and of course, trust and respect. I like to choose mentors who work in functions other than Human Resources to broaden my experience.
Question 2 — How has networking impacted your career path?
It’s played an important role in many ways. As I’ve met people from different industries, I’ve learned about what’s happening in the business world which has improved my business acumen. It’s also been useful in getting the “inside scoop” on specific organizations I was interested in working for. Networking has also led to opportunities to speak and volunteer in the community which has increased my exposure. I’ve also had the chance to assist others who needed advice or support and in the process, I’ve also made new friends.
Question 3 — What involvement have you engaged in the local community that you found helpful for self-development or helping others grow?
I believe that we can all learn anywhere doing anything. And for me, the process of learning is invigorating. I sit on the advisory board for Human Resources People and Strategy (HRPS) and I’m a member of the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign. Through these types of organizations, I have met so many people with different backgrounds and experiences. Along the way, I’ve discovered things I’m passionate about and been able to challenge myself in new ways. For example, I recently signed on to help raise $25,000 for the American Heart Association. I have no fundraising experience, but I’ve seen firsthand how heart disease impacts people and I wanted to help in some way. It’s been a fun personal challenge and many of us on the leadership team have rallied together to help one another and share best practices, all for a great cause!
Question 4 — What is the most valuable piece of advice you would like to share with individuals who are trying to advance into a position like the one you currently hold?
Be authentic. We all admire someone or want to emulate a role model. That’s wonderful because each of us can find ways to improve. However, at the end of the day, we need to be authentic and real. Embrace your true self and reflect that to others in your behavior every day.
