Brian Howard, Leading through Connection

As Technical Operations Manager for Comcast Cable’s Central Division, Brian Howard is a people leader invested in developing our workforce. He also serves as Co-Lead for VetNet, Comcast’s employee resource group (ERG) for Veterans and supporters. Read the interview below to learn more about Brian and what drives his work.

Q. You have been at Comcast for more than 15 years. What first brought you to the company, and what keeps you here?

“I joined Comcast in December 2008, right after I completed active duty in the U.S. Navy. It was during the recession, and I wasn’t sure of what my next step would be. My wife pointed me to a career fair at a local college, where I met an HR representative (rep) from Comcast – and we just connected. I hadn’t thought about working at Comcast prior to that, but when the HR rep told me about his work at the company and the culture, it piqued my interest.

“Where I’m from in Detroit, you can’t always show up and be accepted for who you are in a corporate environment. But that’s not the case at Comcast. It’s the people, the culture and the company’s commitment to finding diverse talent – and highlighting their experiences – that keeps me here.”

Q. You are also a Co-Lead for VetNet. Can you tell us more about why you took on this leadership role and what it means for you?

"I’m a Veteran – Chief Petty Officer for the U.S. Navy with 18 years of combined active and reserve Navy service. I understand the stress of having a dual career and showing up as both Brian and Chief Howard at Comcast.

“I first joined VetNet in 2016 for two reasons: 1) for exposure and 2) to grow my career. But as I became more involved, I wanted to expand the experience of the community by connecting Veterans, teammates serving in the National Guard and reserve, their families and supporters, to the programs and resources Comcast offers.

“I became a Co-Lead in 2020 to do just that. As well as focus on the history and the heritage of service, to show people why the military does things certain ways, the values, to break down the stigmas that exist and show others that we are all individuals.”

Q. How important is it for you to work somewhere that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion?

“I went to a Detroit public school in what would not be considered a good neighborhood. I don’t have the same lived experiences as many of my coworkers, and I am underrepresented in leadership.

“Working somewhere where that diversity is expected, and even encouraged, is really refreshing. It allows me to focus on the work instead of how I might be perceived – and it allows me to be successful.”

Q. How do you bring your authentic self to work? And how does that impact your leadership style?

“I’m very casual, which you might not expect from a military person. It’s in the small things: I wear slacks and a button-up every day, but on Friday I wear gym shoes. That might not seem like a big deal. But it’s important to me – being able to wear something that is culturally representative of me and to show others they can be themselves here.

“I’m also very authentic with how I speak at work and at home. I’ve been told this makes me more approachable. And I have good relationships with my direct employees. They know they can come to me, and that I will listen and strive to make changes based on their feedback. These casual conversations influence how I lead.”

Q. What are you passionate about at Comcast?

“Development. I mentor others and also seek out mentors for myself. Even when I’m good at my job, I never think of myself as a finished product. I love growing people and myself towards a shared goal of profitability, productivity and success. Through the ERGs at Comcast and the trainings and learnings offered here, I’m able to do that.”

Q. Is there anything else that you would like us to know?

“The thing about me is that I really enjoy working with people. I believe that if we get to know each other better, we’ll work together better. I make it a point to get to know everyone on my team – not just as an employee, but as a person. Find that one “fun fact” about them to connect.

“I also believe that everyone has the ability to lead.”