Celebrating Black History Month with Team TEGNA’s Best

Since joining TEGNA in 2017, Tripp has been an integral part of the company’s people and culture strategy. As Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at TEGNA, Grady Tripp oversees all aspects of TEGNA’s diversity strategy, including attracting, retaining, and growing diverse talent at all levels of the company, developing training programs to enhance awareness and accountability in diversity issues, and facilitating the company’s racial diversity and inclusion employee working group.

To kick off Black History Month, we’re celebrating Grady and all of his accomplishments by sharing his TEGNA journey, from his favorite projects to reflections on what Black History Month means to him. 

Good Company: What does being in good company mean to you?
It means being in an environment of both excellence and emotional safety, where your entire being is celebrated, and in return, everyone at every level operates from a position of truth and respect.   

Note to Self: What advice would you give yourself looking back on earlier days in your career?
Take on the projects people say “no” to, learn how to work with the people that others avoid, and have two mentors: one to cultivate your professional career and one to cultivate you beyond your career.  

Tangible & Emotional Intelligence: What advice would you give to someone looking to work in media/sales/marketing?
Tangible: Earnestly seek feedback – early and often. No one likes feedback – and run from anyone that says they love to receive it. But feedback is incredibly valuable, so while receiving it can sometimes be painful, solicit it as much as possible and do something about it. If it has been a long time since someone told you something you didn’t want to hear, you should probably make adjustments to your network (sorry, not sorry 😊). Always have someone in your network that will speak the truth with love to you.  

Emotional: Be slow to speak and quick to listen. You don’t have to say something for the sake of saying something in every meeting. Focus on substance over style. Even though some people value style points, I promise substance will win the day. Also, watch what communication styles resonate with the most important people you work with on an individual level. Some people want direct conversations. Others need time to process information, and it is better to send ideas and thoughts in advance. Some hate PowerPoint slides, some can’t function without them. Some people prefer hard data, others prefer helpful anecdotes. The faster you can understand how people like to communicate, the faster you can build connections with them.

Why is Black History Month important to you?
Throughout American history and currently, there have been a multitude of people, processes, and policies designed to marginalize people of color – and Black people in particular. In February, the nation takes a moment to reflect on the progress and pride that rose through and continues to rise through it all. While I don’t limit the celebration to one month, it is good for everyone to have an opportunity to intentionally acknowledge the foundational contributions Black Americans have made to our country, in hopes that each year we get closer to real justice for all.  

Since joining TEGNA in 2020, Melanie Webb has been a valued member of TEGNA, working to build strategic and tactical leadership and utilize business intelligence to analyze and predict revenue trends. To celebrate Black History Month, we’re celebrating Melanie and all of her accomplishments by sharing her professional and TEGNA journey, from her favorite projects to reflections on what Black History Month means to her.   

Good Company: What does being in good company mean to you? 
For me, being in good company means showing up, striving for excellence each day, and knowing that my teammates are doing the same thing. It’s being a part of an inclusive culture with good people and high standards – a place where everyone is working together to serve our communities and each other.   

Note to Self: What advice would you give yourself looking back on earlier days in your career?  
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know something. Many times, there are others in the room who have the same question but are afraid to ask. 

Tangible & Emotional Intelligence: What advice would you give to someone looking to work in media/sales/marketing?  
Media Sales and Marketing is a rewarding career opportunity that many people aren’t aware of. I would give the following advice to anyone looking to get into media sales:
Tangible: Reach out and make connections. Talk to hiring managers about your skillset, the value you bring, and ways to get your foot in the door. You’ll find that many are eager and willing to help you.
Emotional Intelligence: Be authentic. Bring your true self to every situation. There’s only one you and you bring unique value and perspective. No one else can be better at being you than you! 

Why is Black History Month important to you?  
Black History Month is important to me because there are so many amazing accomplishments and advancements made by Black people that deserve honor and recognition. Black History Month shines a light on those accomplishments and gives us an opportunity to recognize, reflect and celebrate that success. As a Black woman, I am humbled and grateful for all the trailblazers who paved the way for me to have the opportunities I have today. 

Since joining TEGNA in 2019, Pat Sullivan, Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships at WUSA9, has made a big impact on Team TEGNA as she works to create innovative and effective marketing campaigns as a process-driven leader on both the local and national levels. To celebrate Black History Month, we’re celebrating Pat and all of her accomplishments by sharing her professional and TEGNA journey, from her favorite projects to reflections on what Black History Month means to her.   

Good Company: What does being in good company mean to you?  
Good Company means working alongside open-minded folks who can communicate, are looking to achieve mutual goals, and exhibit integrity, honesty, and transparency while doing so. And also enjoying the ride! 

Note to Self: What advice would you give yourself looking back on earlier days in your career?   That you really can change the world or at least a piece of it if you try.

Tangible & Emotional Intelligence: What advice would you give to someone looking to work in media/sales/marketing?  
Breathe! It’s a great business. Be fearless. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Own your actions.  

Why is Black History Month important to you?  
Celebrating our heritage and traditions, as well as our current and future contributions, are stories that need to be told and recognized. I’m especially proud to work in broadcast, which serves as a powerful vehicle of enlightenment and learning. I’m proud that February is the designated month of the year to celebrate Black Excellence, but our history is vast, and there’s enough there for the remaining eleven.   

Since joining TEGNA in 2018, Jesse Wilson has been a valued member of KING 5, working to build and maintain client relationships and helping them exceed their revenue goals. To celebrate Black History Month, we’re celebrating Jesse and all of his accomplishments by sharing his professional and TEGNA journey, from his favorite projects to reflections on what Black History Month means to him.     

Good Company: What does being in good company mean to you?  
Being in good company means bringing my most authentic self to work every day and cultivating an environment where my co-workers feel they can do the same. It also means genuinely partnering with our clients and helping them achieve their desired results. 

Note to Self: What advice would you give yourself looking back on earlier days in your career?  
Go for it. Fear has never stopped you before, don’t let now. You can achieve big things. But remember to set goals and to make a plan to achieve them. Focus on creating small habits that will continually move you towards your goal. Learn to enjoy the word “no” because each one moves you closer to a “yes.” 

Tangible & Emotional Intelligence: What advice would you give to someone looking to work in media/sales/marketing?  
I would tell anyone interested in working in this field that it can be a gratifying career. You get out of it what you put into it. You have an opportunity to build connections and impact your community by making businesses successful.  

Tangible: Don’t wait. Start applying for jobs. Do not be discouraged if you do not land one right away. You will. I applied to more than 45 stations before landing my first job in media. 

Emotional: It’s okay to be invested in your clients and the work you do. The most successful sellers I’ve met advise their clients the same way they speak to a family member or close friend. They ride highs and lows with their clients. But remember to invest in yourself at the same time. Find balance and engage in activities outside of work that recharge you. Without it, you won’t have the energy to continue to excel.

Why is Black History Month important to you? 
My color, culture, and background have helped define who I am. As a black man, I have had great experiences and less desirable experiences because of my skin color. However, I am still very proud of who I am and my/our history. I am not alone in the way I feel. Black history is part of American history. Black History Month is an important reminder and celebration of who we are, what we’ve overcome, and the greatness we can achieve.   

Since joining TEGNA in 2021, Talaya Biddle, Account Executive at WBNS in Columbus, Ohio has made a splash on Team TEGNA as she works with clients to reach the best audiences for their brands, with customer service that few can replicate. To celebrate Black History Month, we’re celebrating Talaya and all of her accomplishments by sharing her professional and TEGNA journey, from her favorite projects to reflections on what Black History Month means to her.    

Good Company: What does being in good company mean to you? 
Working with an awesome WBNS team and our clients every day is good company for me. 

Note to Self: What advice would you give yourself looking back on earlier days in your career?  
My advice would be “put your happiness first and don’t sweat the small stuff.” No one has life figured out. Keep living and always work hard. 

Tangible & Emotional Intelligence: What advice would you give to someone looking to work in media/sales/marketing?  
You must decide today is the day to be successful in your sales career. Never give up on meeting new people and building relationships. Sales can be very exciting and rewarding. 

Why is Black History Month important to you? 
I am proud to be a Black woman raised in the Black community and I’m very thankful for the opportunities I’ve received over the years. My culture and background have shaped me into the person I am today. Black History Month is an opportunity to learn the history and events of important people that have worked hard for many years. My family tradition has taught me the importance of maintaining family relationships and leading by example.