For the month of June, we are spotlighting WICT Member Nicholas Ybarra! We asked Nikk some fun questions to get to know him better!
W: What is your current role in your company?
N: Enterprise Project Manager
W: How long have you been a member of WICT?
N: 2 Years
W: What word or quote best describes you at work?
N: “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward, there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” – Hebrews 12:11-13
W: What word or quote best describes you at home?
N: “Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” – Michael Scott
W: What’s one thing you cannot live without?
N: Community – time with family and friends is an important part of my life. Having a solid family culture and community of friends that look out for each other has gotten me through a lot of the tough times in life. It takes work to build community, but it is well worth it.
W: What do you love about WICT?
N: Resources, Resources, RESOURCES! WICT wants its members to succeed and connect. There are so many helpful articles and virtual learning sessions that have helped me in my career. Not to mention the networking. I have met people in so many different roles and it’s nice to have those connections both in Comcast and other companies within the industry.
W: How has being a man in WICT affected you and your outlook on women in leadership?
N: I still chuckle about being a “Man in Women in Cable Telecommunication” – but I joined at the recommendation of my boss and have not regretted it. My last 3 bosses have been strong women that I have admired and learned from. They are leaders that are worth imitating. I grew up in a home where Dad made all the decisions, and Mom said “yes, dear”. Not knocking my parents, they have a great relationship and that was just the culture at the time. But I believe we need both sexes in leadership, making decisions, deferring to one another, and sharing perspectives. I follow that thought process not only in the workplace but also at home with my wife – and I believe it yields a fuller, more enriched workplace/lifestyle. I’m happy to support and be a part of organizations like WICT that empower women and breakthrough any stigma of women in leadership.