Courteney Monroe

Monroe has been sitting atop the Nat Geo food chain for more than a year, and the results of her leadership are marked. Nat Geo Wild built on its banner 2014, the channel’s most-watched and highest-rated year ever. On National Geographic Channel, she served up the latest franchise installment “Killing Jesus,” which garnered the network’s highest total audience. Next year look for Monroe to seek out programming aimed at a broader, more upscale audience and more closely aligned with National Geographic Society’s mission. Her favorite trick for unwinding? Malbec and “The Real Housewives.”

What’s the most important aspect of mentoring?

Recognizing that mentoring is a two-way street and that there is as much to be learned and gained from being a mentor as from being a mentee — sometimes more.

What/who inspires you at work? What/who inspires you outside the office?

It sounds cliché, but inside work, I am inspired by my incredible team at National Geographic Channels. They make me want to swing for the fences. I’m also inspired by National Geographic’s mission, which is to use storytelling to change the world. Outside of work I am inspired by my amazing husband and two wonderful children, and by how grateful I am for all the health, good fortune and opportunity in my life.

Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

Recognize that you can’t possibly do it all but try never to miss the really important moments at home and, in general, hope that your ability to give 80% of yourself to everything you do is better than most people’s 110%. And when in doubt, family first—always!

Your favorite trick for unwinding?

Malbec and “The Real Housewives.”