How media shapes the way we work

In this episode of Breaking with Tradition, we sit down with Charlene Polite Corley, VP of Inclusive Insights at Nielsen, to explore the powerful feedback loop between media and the workplace. We’ll unpack how media influences everything from the culture we work in, to the managers we emulate, to the leaders we aspire to become.   

Charlene brings fresh data and cultural insight to the conversation, helping us understand how Gen Z’s media diet is reshaping how a new generation sees leadership, labor, and inclusion. We’ll also reflect on key cultural moments that have shifted the narrative around women in leadership and what their popularity reveals about our collective expectations. 

Whether you’re a pop culture junkie or a workplace changemaker, this episode will challenge you to rethink the stories we consume—and the ones we live out at work. 

The views expressed by our guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Catalyst. 

Host and guests 

Charlene Polite Corley, VP, Inclusive Insights, Nielsen   

Charlene Polite Corley is a researcher, thought leader and speaker that’s passionate about representation in media. She combines data and storytelling to amplify the power of historically excluded audiences. Her work showcases media trends and the influence of Black culture to highlight opportunities for brands and programmers to connect through inclusion. 

She is a graduate of Florida A&M University and has over 15 years of experience across multiple media, sales and market research roles. As VP, Inclusive Insights at Nielsen, Charlene is the lead researcher for Black/African American audiences on the Business Impact, Inclusion & Belonging Thought Leadership Team. Charlene’s work has been featured on Good Morning America, Essence, eMarketer, Cannes Lions, SXSW and more. 

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Victoria Kuketz, Director, Corporate Engagement, Canada, Catalyst 

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Tara Van Bommel, Senior Director, Head of Research, Catalyst 

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In this episode 

• 1:10 | Trends in women behind & on the screen. Tara, Victoria, and Charlene break down the latest data. 
• 4:32 | Where's the best representation on TV? Charlene shares her favorite shows where women get to lead and break the...