Bridget Naso
We asked KUSI Anchor and Reporter Bridget Naso, how she got started in her industry, what her big achievements have been, advice she has on how women can take the lead in a male corporate world, advice for women interested in climbing the corporate ladder and how she defines happiness. Scroll down for the full interview.
Who is Bridget Naso?
Bridget Naso is an Emmy nominated television journalist and anchor for Good Morning San Diego on KUSI-TV. During her career in news she has covered many major stories including the San Diego Wildfires of 2003 and 2007, the Northridge earthquake, the Santana High School Shooting, and the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to San Diego. She has also covered a number of political events including the California Recall Election and the visits of several U.S. Presidents to California. She has been named “One of San Diego’s 50 People to Watch,” and received a “Health Hero” award for her work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She has served as host for the MDA Telethon, the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, and the Helen Woodward Animal Telethon, and donates much of her time to various charities across the county. Bridget also enjoys hiking, yoga, writing, and travel, especially to America’s National Parks.
How did you get started in your industry?
I have always been interested in writing about the human spirit. That coupled with my love of history, truth and justice motivated me to pursue my passion for reporting. I had already graduated from college and spent a number of successful years in business when I decided to go back to college to expand my education. As part of that education I interned at a television station in California’s Central Valley and fell in love with television news right away. And it was at that very station that I got my first big break as a reporter and anchor.
What do you feel are your biggest achievements?
It is difficult to measure my biggest career achievements, because my hope is that my biggest achievements are yet to come. But I suppose being recognized with four Emmy nominations is certainly one of my biggest achievements. Reporting during major disasters including the Northridge Earthquake and the San Diego Wildfires in 2003 and 2007 is certainly another, because it is my opinion that during a time of crisis the media plays an important role to communicate vital information and help people come together to help each other. And with people in crisis in our communities everyday, achieving my personal mission to use my role in television to call attention to the work of local charities across San Diego County could certainly be considered another important career achievement for me.
Do you have any advice on how women can take lead in a male corporate world without alienating male employees?
The good news for women is that today, it appears, the corporate world is becoming more female friendly. That said, it can still be a challenge for women to get the opportunity to lead. I have always tried to lead by example. I was taught to work hard and do my research to achieve results. People tend to trust people who are proven. And if you communicate that the goal is for the team to succeed, and acknowledge the important contributions of the entire staff, then leadership is not so much about pulling people behind you, as it is lifting people up.
What advice would you give women interested in climbing the corporate ladder?
Find a career you are passionate about. Then find successful people in that industry to help guide you along the way. To survive in a highly competitive field you must have determination and skill. You must be at the top of your game in the job you are doing, while at the same time creating a path to your next opportunity. Remember sometimes climbing straight up that ladder won’t get you where you want to go, so don’t be afraid to leap over to another ladder nearby to make it to the top!
Finally, happiness is…
Sleeping in! I had to say that because I have been getting up before four in the morning for more than a decade. In reality happiness is being surrounded by people you love. My family and friends are the most important thing my life. They are a constant reminder of what life is all about to me – relationships. There is nothing better than sitting around a table laughing about the silly things that happen to us. Or being able to be there for someone who needs a little extra support – that is happiness!