#WomensHistoryMonth at Cox Enterprises: Get to Know Jill Campbell
Jill Campbell is chief operations officer at Cox Communications.
In celebration of Women's History Month, female leaders from across Cox Enterprises are sharing insights from their experience throughout the month of March. Jill Campbell is chief operations officer at Cox Communications.
What women inspire you and why?
I am inspired by so many women. Every day women are juggling many things – taking care of their families, their work, and often they’re involved in their communities --- and they just get it done. If I had to call out one woman though, I’d say I am inspired by Oprah. She has been a trail blazer in terms of her career and inspires so many people, while having to overcome so much in her life personally to do it. She’s strong, yet feminine and never afraid to show who she is.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
I often hear women say that they need to choose between being a mother and having a career. I’ve done both, and I think women can make it work successfully -- it’s not easy, but it can be done. It takes a strong support system and the ability to manage time, but it shouldn’t have to be a choice.
What will be the biggest challenge and opportunity for the generation of women behind you?
It’s important for women to be confident in doing things the way they want to do them. In my role and throughout my career, I haven’t compromised the typically more feminine side of myself, but I also make sure I show up for work well-prepared, knowing my business and confident in my abilities. I also compartmentalize very well to ensure I’m focused on what’s at hand. I think for women this will always be our challenge and opportunity – staying true to what makes us unique as women and using our abilities to inspire others to do their best.
What are the best and worst decisions you've ever made?
The hands down best decision I ever made was coming to work at Cox. Actually, it was really great timing and luck that brought me here but it has shaped everything else that transpired in my life. I have made some bad decisions – large and small, but I find that those are the times I grow and learn the most so they end up being good decisions in the end.
What is your perspective on work/life balance?
Work and life have become so integrated that I think this is our new normal. I’m not so sure it’s a balance anymore (smile). Managing this new normal can be tricky. I think the key is to always be present in what you’re doing; anything less and something will get short-changed.
About Cox Enterprises:
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 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, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.
