[Media] Detroit News 3.29.07 Q and A with Linda McMahon: The woman behind WWE
- From: "Evad Seltzer" <stolenfromthenet@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 31 Mar 2007 13:50:06 -0700
http://www.detnews.com
Q and A with Linda McMahon: The woman behind WWE
Eric Morath / The Detroit News
As CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, Linda McMahon is the woman
behind one of the most macho businesses in the world: professional
wresting.
McMahon has been a WWE executive since she and her husband, Vince
McMahon, founded the company in the early 1980s. As CEO since 2000,
she oversees day-to-day operations of the $400-million-a-year,
publicly traded global company.
Her husband serves as chairman of the board; her daughter, Stephanie
McMahon-Helmsley, is vice president of creative writing; and her son,
Shane McMahon, is executive vice president for global media. All four
have made several in-ring appearances.
As the company gears up for its premier event, WrestleMania 23 at Ford
Field on Sunday, Linda McMahon talked to us about what it means to be
the matriarch of pro wrestling.
Q : What's it like to be a CEO in what some would call a testosterone-
charged industry?
A : Fun. It's lots of fun. I'm an only child, so I grew up as my
father's son and mother's daughter. I was quite a jock. I played
baseball, basketball -- I think that background made Vince and I very
compatible.
I really have a very good understanding of the male psyche -- I'm very
comfortable in a guy environment. I have to say that there are very
strong women in this company as well. Our human resources division and
our consumer goods division are headed by women -- It's still a
testosterone business, and I like it.
Q : You've made several appearances in the ring, including getting
physical with your daughter. How does controlling the ring compare to
controlling the boardroom?
A : I don't really control the ring. I pretty much do as I'm asked in
the ring. If I had control, I'd never let Stephanie slap me and knock
me down. It's fun to go out and preform -- (but) I must say I'm more
comfortable in the boardroom.
Q : How do you feel about working so closely with your family?
A : Most of the time it's fantastic, it's really fun. We all have
different opinions and sometimes we don't agree, but that's what makes
the business special and fun. Vince and I both feel very lucky that
our children now comprise the fourth generation of McMahons in this
business.
Q : When and how did you and Vince meet?
A : We met in church, so it must have been destiny. We dated in high
school, we were married in college and the rest has been history.
Q : Did you ever envision when you met Vince that you'd be leading an
organization the size and scope of WWE?
A : No. I was an education major, primary concentration in French, so
I intended to be a teacher. My thought was not one of having an
extensive career. I've been incredibly fortunate and privileged to
work with Vince to build this business and take it from a northeastern
regional, small, family business to a global, public company.
Q : How does Vince's at-home personality compare to what we see on
television?
A : There's a little bit of the real Vince that you see on television.
He's funny; he's very passionate about what he does. What's different
about Vince's private persona is he's actually a bit shy -- he tends
to be more quiet. He's always energetic, always upbeat, always looking
for that next project.
Q : What's your proudest accomplishment as a WWE executive?
A : When we bought Vince's father's company in 1982 -- I've had a
great deal of opportunity in growing it. It's not one thing, unless
you look at overall expansion. I was very integral in starting the
licensing division, the publishing division -- I first wrote the
magazine under a pseudonym. I guess my greatest accomplishment is
watching this company grow from two employees to almost 500.
Q : Are you concerned about your husband's head of hair? (The loser of
his match with Donald Trump must have his head shaved.)
A : I think bald is probably sexy on him or Donald Trump. Either one
of them could look good bald. It will be very interesting on Sunday to
see what happens.
***
The Linda McMahon file
Age: 58
Residence: Greenwich, Conn.
Education: Bachelor's of science in education from East Carolina
University
Career: Worked as paralegal at a Washington law firm before talking
leadership roles with the predecessors to World Wrestling
Entertainment Inc. in 1980
Personal: Married Vince McMahon in 1966. Two children, Shane and
Stephanie
.
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