Lawyer Annette Gozon-Valdes, senior vice president for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group at GMA Network, is thankful for the supportive environment women have experienced in broadcasting.
Annette believes this positive environment comes from the network's focus on diversity and inclusive leadership, allowing women to succeed and take on essential roles without facing the same barriers in other industries. For Women's Month, we are featuring how this very busy lady has influenced local broadcasting trends and still find time to talk to staff, talents and friends.
"We're lucky in the broadcast industry that any gender does not rule us. We respect all genders from the start. We have allowed everyone to shine. Everyone has unique abilities," said Annette during an interview for the podcast show "Meet The Press," now streaming on Spotify.
She added: "When you examine television viewership demographics, you'll find that most viewers are female. In that sense, the female has an advantage because we are more in touch with female inclinations on what people want to watch. And a lot of our viewers are mothers. So many people want to see family values and mothers as the light of the home."
As president of GMA Worldwide, Annette led the team that distributed GMA's shows to territories in Asia, North America, the Middle East, and Africa. She was also instrumental in pushing for partnerships with new global platforms and bringing some of the best foreign shows to the Filipinos, such as "Full House," "Stairway to Heaven," and "Jewel in the Palace."
Currently, she is the programming consultant to the Chairman/CEO of GMA Network, where she works with the Drama Group and drives synergy across departments. She was one of the brains behind the iconic series "Encantadia" and "Mulawin."
Annette was one of the first to push for local adaptations of iconic foreign materials such as "Marimar," "Stairway to Heaven," "Endless Love," and other Korean dramas, as well as the upcoming live-action drama "Voltes V Legacy."
She is also involved in various companies, a role that she has mastered – as consultant for Sparkle, GMA's talent management arm, and president of GMA Films, Inc., where she led the production of several blockbuster movies, such as "Let the Love Begin," "Lovestruck," and "Moments of Love."
Her educational background is impressive. In elementary and high school at the Colegio de San Agustin, Annette was the valedictorian. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Engineering from the Ateneo de Manila University. Thereafter, she obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines, where she graduated valedictorian and cum laude. She later received her Master of Laws from Harvard University.
Not bossy
When Annette assumed the role of SVP at GMA Network on Sept. 1, 2022, she didn't envision herself as a typical authoritative leader.
"I don't think of myself as a leader. I am collaborative. When we work in GMA, we look at ourselves as colleagues. We don't look at who's on top. We respect people's ideas; we build on ideas. So, it's leadership by being collaborative, open, and listening to what my colleagues say.
"I'm not bossy. I like listening to ideas. But when I believe in something, I also fight for it. But I love listening to all opinions. I am very open. Everyone has something to say. There are many big or little ideas that you can build on," she said.
Healthy competition
Annette is committed to fostering a spirit of healthy competition among the various television networks in the Philippine broadcast industry's ever-changing landscape.
"Competition exists in every industry, and it can often be healthy. It's not about wanting to harm others or wishing for their downfall; that's not the point.
"Given the trends now, entertainment is so global. So, we shouldn't be fighting among ourselves anymore. We can collaborate because we want to have healthy competition with other countries. We also want to compete in that sense," Annette said.
In November 2024, ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and GMA Pictures’ made their first film collaboration with "Hello, Love, Again" starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. The romance-drama movie has grossed over P1.6 billion in theatrical releases here and abroad.
GMA and ABS-CBN also collaborated for the Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition, which premiered on March 9.
No sacred cows
Annette is proud of how the Kapuso Network develops skilled individuals who demonstrate professionalism and humility.
"We look at the track record when we give projects or assignments. We do a bit of research. We also have an internal team to consult, and in terms of casting, the programming committee discusses it with my dad (GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon). Also, with (GMA president) Jimmy Duavit. They have the final say. They decide what's best for the network. There are no personal biases and no sacred cows," she said.
Annette often talks with artists, especially newcomers, to understand their goals and what they expect from the network.
"We have open communication and want them to be honest with us at Sparkle. So, our treatment of them is not just between boss and artist. They know that we care for them, not just their careers but also their well-being. So that's our style," she added.
Annette is married to actor Shintaro Valdes since July 14, 2016. When she has some free time, the female network executive enjoys cooking."I enjoy cooking and feeding my friends and family, but I no longer have time to exercise. I don't have a specialty, but when I taste something, I want to imitate it. So, I copy the taste," she said.
A woman will always find time to do other things, despite her many functions at the workplace.