Gilt Groupe CEO Susan Lyne on Taking Career Risks

Susan Lyne is CEO of Gilt Groupe. Susan spent more than two decades as a media executive before joining Gilt Groupe in September 2008. Most recently, she served as president and CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO), where she led the company's recovery and return to profitability. During her tenure, MSLO significantly expanded its merchandising business, launched a successful new content website, and diversified its brand portfolio with the acquisition of chef Emeril Lagasse's company. Before joining MSLO, Susan spent eight years at Disney/ABC, rising to president of ABC Entertainment, where she oversaw the development of shows such as Desperate Housewives, Lost, and Grey's Anatomy. Prior to her role as president, she ran the network's longform division, fielding a schedule of original movies and miniseries that regularly dominated the ratings and earned numerous awards, including a Peabody, Golden Globe, Humanitas and multiple Emmys. Susan's early career was spent in the magazine industry. She was managing editor of New Times and the Village Voice and, in 1987, created and launched Premiere magazine. The Wall Street Journal named Susan one of its "50 Women to Watch" in 2006. Susan serves as a Board of Director for AOL and the New School.