I consider myself a public media "Lifer." This is what a previous general manager labeled me in my second year with PBS, and I admit I didn't see this as a compliment. At such an early time in my career, I couldn't imagine committing to one organization for the rest of my life. Nearly a decade later, I find comfort knowing that wherever my personal life takes me, there is a public media station in almost every community. I am a PBS nerd, proud public media donor, PBS parent, and true believer. I am a "Lifer."
WUCF is the third public media station I have called home. To make a long story short, I started at PBS Utah leading the community engagement efforts before transitioning over to member services. Life took me north to Idaho Public Television, where I supported the station's grants and foundation giving as well as corporate sponsorship. Then I traded snow for sunshine to join WUCF in Orlando, Florida. I always made an effort to listen to my colleagues and learn the scope and function of their roles. It was vital that I understood how we all connected and why.
All of my public media experiences are connected to leaders that have inspired or believed in my work ethic. Now, given the opportunity to be a senior leader at a station, I can't help but reflect on moments and experiences that have led me to this point in my public media career.
I believe most of the young professionals who find success as "doers" are often sought out and given opportunities to become "leaders." This was me, and WUCF was my opportunity to step into a senior leadership role for the first time. I was excited for the opportunity to build and grow a development department. Working at stations like PBS Utah and Idaho Public Television gave me clear insight into what tools I needed, the type of people who make a successful team, and how to amplify the core values and mission of PBS.
I came into my role with WUCF right before the pandemic pushed the country into quarantine. Coming into my first senior leadership role during such challenging times presented the greatest and most rewarding question I would ask myself as a public media professional.
What does it mean to be a leader?
I didn't focus on my leadership knowledge or growth right away. I didn't know I needed to. There was no manual on "how to be a successful senior leader" provided on my first day. My experience in successfully implementing strategies and passion for public media was all I thought I needed. I was wrong.
I have spent this last year listening more than ever and growing as a leader. This has been my greatest challenge as well as my greatest reward. I have been able to discover that I can be an inspiring leader and a respected manager, but it takes time and dedication.
Part of my leadership growth and discovery involved creating a leadership philosophy. This philosophy serves as my true north, keeping me grounded in who I am as a leader and how I want to serve. I share this with all of those I lead, so they understand my expectations and hold me accountable.
I believe in leading both life and work with a clear, well-defined purpose. I believe consistency leads to trust. I will commit to leading with integrity in my thoughts, words, and actions. I believe in speaking when it matters. My words will be motivating and thought provoking, and my responses will lead with empathy and encouragement. I will lead believing that my team comes before results, working hard to make sure those around me are happy, healthy, and thriving. I will lead with an open mind. I will listen, be considerate, and welcome all ideas, recommendations, and feedback. I will encourage data-driven strategies, reminding my team that "worrying is not a fundraising strategy." I will pursue innovation, and look for the opportunities in mistakes or failures, and I expect to always focus on the opportunities in challenging situations. I will commit to giving my attention, resources, time, and help to my team. And through the best days or the worst days, I will stay true to my values leading with honesty and integrity, trust, respect, empathy, and happiness.
My leadership philosophy will undoubtedly evolve as I continue to grow as a leader.
I have the privilege to learn from amazing colleagues at WUCF and brilliant mentors across the public media system. I have surrounded myself with those who understand the struggles of transitioning into leadership and want to help me navigate towards success as a young leader in the system.
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to encourage more young professionals to look for mentors and start building a leadership mindset.
WUCF is a young station, and it's potential for impact in Central Florida is great. In less than two years, we will celebrate our station's 10-year anniversary. Coming from two stations which have celebrated 50 years in their community, I understand the importance of a long-standing public media station. I am excited to be at WUCF at this time and in this moment, and most of all, I am honored to be a leader in building what I know will become a legacy station.
Looking to connect with Rachelle Anderson to learn more about her experience or obtain additional career advice? Email her today at: Rachelle.Anderson@wucf.org.
