Women to Watch: Courteney Monroe, Nat Geo Channels

Courteney Monroe has gone from Satriale's Pork Store to a bluefin boat. The former marketer at HBO, home of the "Sopranos," is now guiding National Geographic as it moves beyond nature, animal and history documentaries, infusing programming with more series-driven choices with shows like "Wicked Tuna" and "Brain Games." Ms. Monroe joined NatGeo in January 2012 and launched the channel's first brand campaign in more than four years in May. She's reinvigorating the network as an immersive experience that takes viewers to places that "aren't just on the map." To do so, she's tapping into her experience from marketing roles at HBO, where she spearheaded campaigns for "Sex and the City" and the first season of "Game of Thrones." She also worked on the rollout of streaming-video service HBO Go. Ms. Monroe received her best business advice the day before she started her first job as an account executive at BBDO. It was from her father, and written on yellow legal paper. Among other things, he told her that the latest you should be to a meeting is on time, and to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. She said she still (tries to) follow both rules. Did you know? Her first paid job was in retail at Laura Ashley. Employees had to wear the clothing and even though they received a 20% discount, she ended up losing money that summer. College: Williams College, MBA from Wharton Kids: Miles, 8; Lola, 6 Home: Bethesda, Md. Pets: While never a pet person, her family got a dog, named Blaze, last year. Now she considers him family.

Women to Watch: Courteney Monroe, Nat Geo Channels

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