Bonnie Hammer shares her experiences navigating the entertainment sector through various mergers, along with her insights on salary negotiations and the pitfalls of pretending to know it all.
As a prominent figure in entertainment, Hammer has made a mark during her time at NBCUniversal, where she led multiple cable networks, including USA, Syfy, and Bravo, and was instrumental in launching acclaimed shows like Suits, Monk, Psych, Battlestar Galactica, and Mr. Robot. Recently, she stepped down from her role as Vice Chair at NBCUniversal and is now developing a business incubator named BONKARS, aimed at supporting women's ideas, both practical and innovative.
She’s also penned the New York Times bestselling book: “15 Lies Women Are Told at Work and the Truth We Need to Succeed.” In this book, Hammer offers valuable career insights, including her ABCs of decision-making (Analyze, Brainstorm, Compare, and don’t forget your Gut!).
In an episode of How She Does It, she imparts her hard-earned knowledge to Karen Finerman, discussing how to navigate corporate transitions, recognize your value, and make thoughtful career choices.
Mastering the Room Dynamics
Hammer attributes her success during numerous corporate shifts to her honed skill in reading the atmosphere of any room. “I learned to assess the new leadership and culture with each change I faced,” she explains, emphasizing the need to understand whether a new leader values creativity or profits. “Comparing Jeff Zucker and Barry Diller? They’re completely different. And Comcast? Not at all like GE,” she observes. While her commitment to quality content remains, she adapts how she communicates based on each leader's focus.
Say No to “Fake It Till You Make It”
One of Hammer’s key beliefs is to reject the notion of “fake it till you make it.” Rather, she encourages honesty about your knowledge and limitations. “If you lie or pretend to know something, and it's discovered, trust is lost immediately and regaining it is tough,” she cautions.
Being open about what you don’t know not only fosters trust but also invites mentorship opportunities.
Negotiating Your Salary: Requesting a Raise
Hammer champions empowering women during salary discussions. Once, she had her lawyer disclose her compensation to assist a colleague facing a significant promotion.
While not everyone has a Bonnie Hammer to support them, she shares effective strategies: “Research your facts, and remember, it’s not just about asking; it’s about how you ask. Being demanding or rude won’t help. Instead, approach the conversation confidently and respectfully.”
If the answer is still negative, she suggests asking follow-up questions like:
- Can we revisit this in a year instead of three?
- What steps should I take to progress towards a raise?
- What additional responsibilities can I assume to demonstrate my value?
Understanding Your Professional Value
In today's job market, some younger workers might shy away from foundational roles in pursuit of their self-worth. Hammer believes this is misguided, emphasizing the difference between personal and professional value. “When starting out, proving your professional worth is crucial,” she insists. This means tackling all tasks, even the less glamorous ones, with a positive mindset.
She recalls her own early days, where an internship required her to care for a dog on set, a role that included cleaning up after it—essentially doing the “dirty work.”
Instead of grumbling, she embraced the responsibility. “Just complete the task and make yourself visible,” she advises.
“While personal worth is inherent, professional worth must be cultivated,” she concludes. Bonnie Hammer has undoubtedly established her professional value, and we eagerly anticipate her next venture.
