Ellen Schned

President, EJS Media

As a media consultant, Schned advises clients about distribution—across all platforms—in the U.S. and abroad. She also offers vital services spanning marketing, strategy, public, and government affairs. Despite progress in gender equality, she’d like to see more women in decision-making capacities. “While there are incredible women in senior positions in our industry, there is a shameful lack of women owners and in board seats of media companies,” she says. Schned says she and her client Daphna Ziman, who as president of Cinemoi is one of only a few women owners of a network, “have been active advocating for greater gender diversity.”

Which sector of the cable industry best demonstrates gender equality? 

While there are incredible women in senior positions in our industry, there is a shameful lack of women owners and in Board seats of media companies.  My client Daphna Ziman, President of Cinemoi, is one of the few women owners of a network and we have been active in Washington, D.C., at the FCC and Congress, advocating for greater gender diversity.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?

Do what you love and love what you do, but be flexible when starting out. I started as an FCC lawyer, knowing it’d be a great learning experience and springboard. My next job was Viacom. It worked. The industry is evolving daily, so young people need to throw their net wide, just get that foot in the door and go from there.