Cynthia Hudson-Fernández’s career has taken her down many roads and perhaps it is her beginning as a television reporter for Univision that shaped her intrepid spirit to explore new paths because her next gig took her from journalist to cosmo girl.
At Hearst entertainment she helped lead the 2002 launch of the Cosmopolitan TV Network as senior vice president and director of editorial. This meant she was in charge of the planning and creation of Cosmo TV, supervising original production design, promo packages and programming acquisition. Some of us may see this as an overwhelming endeavor but to Cynthia it’s just another challenge met and if there’s something this mujer loves it's a good challenge.
She has also produced shows like “TV Mujer” which earned Univision its first continuous programming Emmy Award and also was the force behind the first novella in English “Miami Sands”.
Today, Cynthia is the Chief Creative Officer and Executive Vice President at SBS (Spanish Broadcasting System) a position she’s held since 2006. Cynthia is responsible for expansion into Television and New Media, directly overseeing flagship TV station MEGA TV, as well as the companies’ internet site www.lamusica.com and other new media developments. So what is the secret of this trailblazer's success? MCAE wanted to know and she kindly responded to our questions via email. Here’s how this power player does it.
MCAE: Working so closely with media icon Raul Alarcon how do you maintain your identity and your own voice?
CHF:I have had a long career in which I have been able to work closely with very powerful media personalities such as Raul Alarcon or Helen Gurley Brown of Cosmopolitan Magazine and I believe that the key is mutual respect. I admire Raul for his great vision and his courage to forge ahead on the projects he believes in. Smart people like to be surrounded by smart people knowing that they ultimately make the decision but they will have a good sounding board. I like to be a sounding board and use intellect to approach hard decisions.
I like to evaluate all decisions from a long and short-term strategic result and we have been able to find a good balance in our working environment. In the end, strength and respect are earned.
Over the last decade or so the world of Hispanic media has been very male dominated. How do you see that changing today?
It is still a male-dominated business although many women have made in-roads into upper management. There are onlytwo Hispanic females running Hispanic TV networks, yet the sweet spot for advertisers is the Hispanic Female 25-54. However, I do see us making in-roads in areas that were traditionally male-dominated like sales and finance and that should bode well for future top executives.
On a professional level, what is your greatest fear?
I have faced my career with the idea that no challenge is too great and all changes are welcome. We need to be ahead of the curve on change and that means being in tune with alternate media uses and applications. Finding innovation and cost-savings in every project we approach. Looking at the business from a 360 degree perspective and never settling for mediocrity. My fear is that to find myself unable to take on these challenges or to miss opportunities for innovation.
In the early days of you career, what are some strategies that helped you get ahead?
a. I am not afraid of hard work and long hours- and I always thought there would be time to rest later. It reminds me of a phrase from Ben Franklin about people who count hours and how they never become leaders.
b. Another strategy was to always try to find the positive side of every situation
c. And finally, being honest and straightforward. You can’t go wrong if you keep your nose clean and your head above water.
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and what would you talk about?
Henry Kissinger- I’d discuss politics and the world today. I’d love to hear his take on our world changes and what I call the new “ Latin Political Novela”.
What books would you recommend to Latinas looking to advance their career?
Basic Black – by Cathy Black of Hearst Magazines- it gives great advice to women who need to make a name and place for themselves in the media business; Machiavelli’s THE PRINCE so that we understand how the macho men think and how they read situations and finally I would recommend THE INNOVATOR’s SOLUTION to understand how smart business people understand CHANGE in any business and how to capitalize on this inevitable factor of all business.
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