#WomensHistoryMonth at Cox Enterprises: Get to Know Amy Glennon

In celebration of Women's History Month, female leaders from across Cox Enterprises are sharing insights from their experience throughout the month of March. Amy Glennon is Cox Media Group’s publisher of vertical businesses.

What women inspire you and why?

I’m inspired by many, many women and for different reasons. But what they all seem to share is a steady personal foundation: they believe in what they are doing, they believe in who they are as people and they stay true to that.

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

I still think women often are their own worst critics. Research seems to back this up: women can be the last ones to believe they deserve to be promoted or be in a leadership role. I also think women’s management styles can vary from men and sometimes that stylistic difference can create a barrier. That said, one of my mentors here at Cox – a man – was the first to tell me very early on to be myself and to trust my style.

What will be the biggest challenge and opportunity for the generation of women behind you?

I think the biggest challenge for the generation to come – women or men – will be the speed of change and the need to stay focused on what is important in both personal and professional lives. Separating the shiny objects from the meaningful developments is very difficult amid such rapid innovation. Everyone will have to continuously refine her or his ability to absorb and interpret so much information and then know when to act. 

What are the best and worst decisions you've ever made?

Best decision: Hands-down it was staying with Cox. I had a job opportunity somewhere else early in my career.  The editor at the AJC at the time, Ron Martin, encouraged me to think about all that Cox is on a broader scale – my perspective was limited at the time. He was right. And as the years progressed, the uniqueness of Cox became more and more apparent. This is a special place.

Worst decision:  When I was a very young manager, I criticized one of my staff member’s work in front of a group of her peers.  That still makes my stomach churn when I think about it. Later that day, she let me have it – privately, to her credit. She was right. Praise in public, offer constructive criticism in private. It’s simple, smart management 101, and I screwed it up. It might not sound like a huge thing in the world of “worst decisions” but there is a reason I can’t forget it. These things matter, a lot.

What is your perspective on work/life balance? 

I think of it more as work-life “navigation” rather than “balance.” I’m not sure anyone ever feels completely balanced. On any given day or month, something takes priority in the moment – sometimes it’s work, sometimes it’s family. I try to listen and watch closely for signals from my kids or my husband as to when they need me most. I can’t say I always get it right, but I try. I also try to be very upfront with my family about what’s going on with work and when I need their support most.  As my daughters get older, they seem to get this – it’s their normal. I also try to make sure I am there for my family when it counts – the big moments, yes, but I am also deliberate about trying to have the just-hanging-out-together moments with no agenda, so we can just be. These are the hardest to find. I’m also blessed with a husband who is truly a partner – willing to divide and conquer anything we have to get done from carpools to doctor appointments. And he’s always wanted me to be the best I can be. I would never have had the opportunities I’ve had without his support.

About Cox Enterprises

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues exceeding $20 billion and approximately 60,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms).

The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim. Through Cox Automotive, the company's international operations stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.