244. Why Risk-Taking and Adaptability Fuel Bold Leadership with Gemma Toner

R.O.G. Return on Generosity

“Take more risks. Take them early and often.”

“I think a generous leader is someone that looks at you for the long view and they see you.”

“Generosity is having the courage to also have that moment when you have to deliver that moment that isn’t inspiring, the honest truth that we all sometimes need to hear as well… and encourage them along the way.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of ROG, Shannon Cassidy speaks with Gemma Toner, founder and CEO of Tone Networks, about her journey from being an immigrant in the U.S. to becoming a leader in the tech and media industries. They discuss the importance of generosity in leadership, the need for accessible personal development, and the role of feedback in growth. Gemma shares her insights on navigating competition, daily acts of kindness, and the necessity of adaptability in a rapidly changing world. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions that reveal Gemma's personal philosophies and favorite resources.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

• Generosity in leadership is about seeing potential in others.
• Feedback is a gift that can lead to personal growth.
• Taking risks early in your career can open new doors.
• Learning should be a continuous and enjoyable process.
• Not everyone has access to mentorship; we must create opportunities.
• Daily acts of kindness can have a ripple effect on others.
• Embracing change and adaptability is crucial in today's world.
• Collaboration can lead to unexpected friendships and opportunities.
• Curiosity drives innovation and personal development.
• You don't have to know everything; asking for help is key.

Chapters |

00:00 Introduction and Farewell to ROG

05:04 Career Journey: From Media to Technology

10:51 Understanding the Needs of Leaders

16:37 Generosity in Leadership

27:15 The Power of Generosity in Community

32:23 Embracing Risks and Learning Opportunities

38:49 The Importance of Feedback and Continuous Growth

Guest Bio |

Gemma Toner is a media and telecommunications leader known for driving innovation at the intersection of big data and digital media. As a senior executive in the cable industry for more than 20 years, Gemma experienced firsthand the transformative power of executive coaching and mentoring. With an eye toward helping others advance in the workplace, Gemma therefore created TONE Networks, an award-winning video content platform empowering diverse employees to reach their full potential through virtual, on-demand personal and professional development.

Before founding TONE Networks, Toner was SVP of Business Insights and Strategy at Cablevision, where she also held roles in Marketing, Business Development, and Product Management. She led the launch of award-winning, first-to-market products including Optimum Online, Wifi, Rewards, Voice, and Select (interactive ads).

Before Cablevision, Toner rose through the ranks at AMC Networks to become SVP, New Media Development. While there, she led the development of new media and interactive opportunities for AMC Networks, positioning the company to capitalize on emerging entertainment platforms.
Her entrepreneurial spirit has awarded her a patent for The System and Method for Set Top Box Viewing Data, which enables the use of set top box data to measure audience viewing patterns.
Currently, Toner is an active Advisory Council member for the Women’s Business Collaborative and also serves on the Board of Concern Worldwide, an international humanitarian organization. She has also served on the board of publicly traded companies including Sandvine and Engagement Labs, chairperson for CTAM and board member of multiple women’s organizations such as WICT (Women in Cable Television).

Guest Resources:

• TONE Network: www.tonenetworks.com
• Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Bridge Between Resources:

• 5 Degree Change Course
• Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
• Free Generosity Quiz

Credits: Gemma Toner, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 245, Special Guest, Shayna Goodworth.