With nearly 30 years at ESPN, Thornton oversees all its marketing efforts and is an established staple within the senior leadership team. She has spearheaded numerous efforts to allow women to leave their mark on the media industry, including the ESPN Next Program, which focuses on nurturing and advocating for early-career talent.
“I like to explore new opportunities when I’m happiest in my current role. It gives you space to evaluate a risk while you’re in a positive place and allows you to make informed decisions about your career without jumping blindly into the unknown.”
What inspired you to pursue a leadership role? My inspiration to pursue leadership came from seeing the impact leaders could make on a team. I watched successful leaders communicate decisive vision, solve complex problems and motivate their teams to reach new heights. They made a difference with both the end product, and of equal importance, their people. That inspired me to want to do the same.