Our Meet the... series goes up to executive level with Barbara Spicek, CEO, GatesAir
By TVBEurope Staff
Published: July 17, 2023 Updated: July 18, 2023
Our Meet the series goes up to executive level with Barbara Spicek, CEO, GatesAir
target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class=share-linkedin>
Talk us through an average day in your role
The concept of an average day in the business world does not exist. There are several dynamics in the mix that make each day at least somewhat different. These include internal operations as well as external events, from customer-facing responsibilities to fluctuations in the global economy. We see new challenges and opportunities arise daily that bring unique characteristics to each business day.
There is consistency in how I approach the changing business dynamics of each new day. I am based in California and am an early riser, and begin each day with two cups of cappuccino. My mornings focus on EMEA and the east coast of the United States, and my afternoons shift to western US time zones and Asia as the business day progresses. As CEO, I am tasked with global responsibility, and carefully adjust my calendar to appropriately manage time zones.
Throughout each day, I maintain the knowledge that I am now the face of the company. Externally, it's about strengthening business credibility and visibility for the company, communicating with key customers and vendors, and being prepared to react accordingly when emergencies arise. Internally, I emphasise creating and maintaining a corporate culture for GatesAir that inspires commitment. That includes conducting leadership calls, piloting town halls and arranging think tanks to strengthen internal communications, drive group discussions, and ensure that all within the company are working toward a common mission.
My approach also boils down from these larger group-focused activities to more personalised outreach. I wish every one of our employees a happy birthday, for example, and I make sure to connect with sales teams, product managers, engineers and assembly floor personnel through regional office and factory visits. Many CEOs prefer to establish more distance, but my preference has always been team engagement and an emphasis on inclusion.
How did you get started in the media industry?
My executive experience spans nearly three decades, including positions at Fortune 500 companies with versatile responsibilities across sales, marketing, regional management and global leadership. I have spent much of my career on the IT side, spanning a variety of technologies across software, hardware, networking, storage and computing. Some of these products, including storage media and asset management, reached into the media and entertainment space.
My official introduction to the broadcast and professional AV industries came through my appointment to the Vizrt Group in 2020, when I accepted the role of president and general manager for NewTek. There, I led the company's live production business for three years. Now, I have an opportunity to make a difference at GatesAir, which is on the completely opposite side of the broadcast spectrum as the leader in TV and radio transmission and IP transport.
What training did you have before entering the industry?
I hold a track record over 25 years in executive roles with larger manufacturers across multiple industries. Over my career I have touched all business units in companies from sales, marketing, product, services, finance and HR, which enables me to be an inclusive, proactive and innovative leader. I have experience in accelerating business revenues and defining the direction and culture of large global companies.
My educational background is diverse, having studied business administration and foreign languages, with strong fluency in English and German. My understanding of international cultures is strong given my depth of experience working across many regions. This provides me with a deep understanding of global markets and trends, both of which are essential to being a successful CEO.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry?
The media and entertainment industry represents a fascinating fusion of creativity and technology. One side of the industry is responsible for content creation, and the other side develops and supplies the technology that takes this content to the audience for consumption. That fusion is particularly exciting to me, and GatesAir is at the centre of this technology foundation to support global content delivery. We are also a key element of the broader digital transformation that's accelerating worldwide.
With this exciting fusion of creativity and technology comes the incredible people and brilliant minds behind the execution. I have the opportunity to work with dedicated innovators that are fun to be around. This is an industry of collaboration, and it remains fun, exciting and surprising.
What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours?
My advice would go for any role you take in your life: be dedicated, focused and truly engaged. Trust in your own capacities but also entrust and involve your teams. I am strong in my belief that people make a company, so I drive think tanks and team workshops to encourage collective knowledge and ideas. There is exceptional power when more brains come together to collaborate.
CEOs are responsible for the internal and external culture and image of the company. Remember that fact, and always strive to live up to the highest standards. You owe it to your people to be your best.
Perhaps most of all, enjoy what you do. We spend half of our lives working, and if you don't enjoy your work, find something that motivates you and brings you happiness.
Most recent headlines
17/02/2025
TVBEurope talks to the team who brought a piece of broadcasting history back to life on BBC Wales last night
By Jenny Priestley
Published: February 14, 2025 ...
17/02/2025
Eligible studios will receive the relief directly from their local authorities, with no need to submit a claim
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 17, 20...
17/02/2025
As DEI initiatives come under pressure in the USA, supporters of Rise, which promotes diversity in the media and entertainment sector, discuss the continuing im...
17/02/2025
EIB Global loan will partially fund SES's continued O3b mPOWER medium earth orbit (MEO) fleet expansion enabling additional capacity worldwide. O3b mPOWER s...
15/02/2025
At Nielsen, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) play a critical role in nurturing a ...
15/02/2025
Innovation to empower creativity: Explore the latest in Lightroom
Rob Christensen February 15, 2025
0 Comments
Whether you want to remove distracting ...
15/02/2025
Wisycom, a worldwide leader in RF technology and provider of wireless solutions, announces a new distribution agreement with EQUAPHON. An Argentinian profession...
15/02/2025
DPA Microphones, the leading manufacturer of high-quality microphone solutions, is pleased to welcome Nicholas Nick Mariano and Vincent Vince Divine to the ...
15/02/2025
Tuxera, a leading provider of quality-assured file systems and networking solutions, will showcase how Tuxera Fusion SMB enables unprecedented performance for m...
15/02/2025
Bitmovin's latest Video Developer Report indicates an increasing role of AI, the slow adoption of next-generation codecs, and continuing challenges when it ...
15/02/2025
When Michelin Enterprises set out to promote its prestigious Hotel Guide in the new Sleepless in the Kitchen , campaign, veteran German/Slovenian gaffer Robert...
15/02/2025
Formula E, the world's first all-electric racing series, revolutionizing motorsport with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability has sele...
15/02/2025
Agile Content, a global leader in TV and video technology solutions, announces its rebranding to AgileTV.
The transition to AgileTV stems from a commitment to ...
15/02/2025
Hiltron Communications will promote the latest additions to its range of satellite communication products, systems and supporting services at GovSatCom 2025. Th...
15/02/2025
Following the success of the original Airglow Booklight, DoPchoice debuts a new addition to their inflatable line the Float. This lightweight, inflatable, round...
15/02/2025
LAS VEGAS Marshall Electronics has announced that it will debut its newest camera controller, the RCP Plus, at the 2025 NAB Show at Booth N2649 between April 5 ...
15/02/2025
ATLANTA Gray Media has named Blake Sebo as the next general manager of KTUU and KYES, Gray's NBC and CBS affiliates in Anchorage, Alaska....
15/02/2025
KOKKEDAL, Denmark DPA Microphones will feature its new CORE+ technology for distortion-free microphone sound at the 2025 NAB Show, April 5-9, in Las Vegas....
15/02/2025
SWANSEA, U.K. QuickLink will launch StudioPro-NDI and StudioPro-3, two new models of its QuickLine StudioPro video production platform, at the 2025 NAB Show, Ap...
15/02/2025
Live From 2025 NBA All-Star Game Weekend: After 25 Years, Turner Sports All-In F...
15/02/2025
NASCAR Driver Cam on Max Embraces Cloud-Based Workflow for 2025 Season Chris Brown of WBD Sports says Mobii will play key part in delivering signals from the tr...
14/02/2025
Last month, we officially launched the Spotify Partner Program, a powerful new m...
14/02/2025
From an island off the coast of Lutruwita to the global stage in France SBS & ...
14/02/2025
The future of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) land systems is evolving so that ...
14/02/2025
Here are 5 reasons why you should attend ISE 2025
Discover more about Calrec: Learn more about Calrec's legacy of innovation in broadcast audio solutions ...
14/02/2025
World Radio Day: On the same wavelength
By Graham Murray, International Sales Manager at Calrec
To mark World Radio Day, Calrec's International Sales Ma...
14/02/2025
DALLAS and TYSONS, Va. Tegna has concluded a broadcast rights agreement that makes Tegna's KFAA in Dallas the exclusive local television partner of the Dall...
14/02/2025
Amazon's Prime Video has released a new app for Apple TV that the streamer said delivers an improved streaming experiences with faster scrolling, improved s...
14/02/2025
CLEVELAND Telos Alliance announced a software update for its Axia Quasar XR and SR line of audio-over-IP (AoIP) mixing consoles and will show the offering at th...
14/02/2025
Puget Systems Returns to HPA Tech Retreat 2025 with New Analysis Tools for Puge...
14/02/2025
Glass Animals: Tour of Earth Uses Blackmagic Live Production Workflow
Brie Clayton February 14, 2025
0 Comments
80six deploys Blackmagic URSA Broadcas...
14/02/2025
A dispute between Paramount and Youtube TV that would have pulled CBS stations and Paramount's cable channels from the streaming service has been temporaril...
14/02/2025
Colourist Deidre (Dee) McClelland details how she helped shape the distinct look and feel of whimsical Oscar-nominated stop-motion film, Memoir of a Snail
By C...
14/02/2025
BitFire said it intends to introduce forward-looking services that simplify the launch of live production workflows, and enhance real-time collaboration
By Jen...
14/02/2025
The claim by the liquidators is the latest twist in the ongoing saga of the companys collapse at the end of 2021
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 14, ...
14/02/2025
A carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount could come to a head today (Feb. 13), with the virtual pay TV provider threatening to pull all of the progra...
14/02/2025
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. LG Electronics USA has opened a new in-house, state-of-the-art virtual production studio at its 360,000-square-foot North American headqu...
14/02/2025
NEW YORK In a bid to help local broadcasters find new ways of monetizing their content, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) and TVB have relea...
14/02/2025
WASHINGTON Three Democratic U.S. Senators have sent a stern letter blasting FCC Chair Brendan Carr for the weaponization of the agency for attacking broadcast...
14/02/2025
Years after launching the streaming service Apple TV+ in November of 2019, Apple has finally released a version of its steaming app for Android devices....
14/02/2025
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. Red Digital Cinema will make its V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X camera systems available with Nikon's premier Z Mount, providing filmmaker...
14/02/2025
DAYTONA, Fla. The Fox Sports production of this year's Daytona 500 will see the addition of a few new tech elements and the continued unfolding of the broad...
14/02/2025
Watch Bryson Battles Blind Audition on The Voice Get a Four-Chair Turn Michael Bubl said the Boston Conservatory at Berklee musical theater senior might have...
14/02/2025
2025 Daytona 500: FOX Sports Looks To Ride Super Bowl LIX Momentum Into NASCAR S...
14/02/2025
14 Feb 2025
VEON's Kyivstar and the Come Back Alive Foundation Raise USD 2....
14/02/2025
Max Renews THE PITT, Starring Noah Wyle, For A Second Season
Max
Warner Bros. Television Group
The Pitt
New Episodes Of The Medical Drama From John...
14/02/2025
This year, Technicolor proudly celebrates 110 years of shaping the magic of cinema pioneering color, visual effects, and innovation that bring unforgettable l...
14/02/2025
NBA All-Star: More Games, More Teams, More Music, More Sound From the Court Turner Sports' team will deploy familiar tech to capture all the audio By Dan D...
14/02/2025
LIV Golf Continues To Innovate With Drones, Data-Driven Graphics, and All-Access...
Our Meet the... series goes up to executive level with Barbara Spicek, CEO, GatesAir
