AWM Office Hours Spotlight: Ann Hailer on Career Growth, Leadership, and Thriving Through Change
The August AWM Office Hours session offered members an engaging and candid conversation with Ann Hailer, President of Broadcast at Locality, who shared insights from a career spanning more than three decades in media.
Reflecting on a professional journey that began unexpectedly after studying Soviet foreign politics, Ms. Hailer emphasized that career success is rarely linear. Instead, she encouraged members to embrace change, noting that growth often comes from being willing to take on new challenges before feeling fully prepared. As she reminded attendees, “We are never going to be 100% ready,” and some of the most valuable opportunities come from leaning into roles that stretch us beyond our comfort zones.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of building a strong personal brand and investing in relationships. Ms. Hailer encouraged members at every career stage to focus on integrity, trust, and reputation, describing these qualities as the foundation of long-term success. “A big part of that is your reputation,” she said, emphasizing that the way people treat others and build trust becomes a professional asset that endures through career changes, promotions, and industry shifts. She also highlighted the value of stepping outside formal job responsibilities, explaining that many of her greatest leadership lessons came from cross-functional projects, volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that weren’t part of her official role.
The conversation also explored the future of media in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. While acknowledging the uncertainty many professionals feel, Ms. Hailer encouraged members to focus on the skills that remain timeless. “It’s understanding audiences, it’s good storytelling, it is good customer service, it is understanding client needs,” she explained, stressing that while platforms and technology will continue to evolve, the human elements that create meaningful media experiences will remain essential. She urged attendees to think not only about today’s jobs, but about how their expertise can add value to the industries and opportunities that are still emerging.
The session concluded with a powerful reminder of why AWM’s Office Hours series exists: community. Ms. Hailer reflected on the importance of having a trusted network to navigate career pivots, leadership challenges, industry transformation, and life’s many transitions. “What it takes to be successful is to have a community like this,” she shared. These member-exclusive conversations continue to provide a unique opportunity to connect with accomplished media leaders, gain practical career advice, and build meaningful relationships with peers across the industry. If you’re looking for the kind of support, insight, and connection that can help shape your next chapter, AWM membership puts you in the room for conversations like these.
For more information about the AWM Office Hours program, please email amy.burton@allwomeninmedia.org.