Ambassador William E. Kennard | Your First Job

Bill Kennard, former FCC Chairman, joins YFJ to reflect on his trailblazing career in law, policy, and business. He shares his experience leading the E-Rate program under the Clinton administration, tackling the challenge of expanding internet access to schools and libraries. Kennard discusses the ongoing digital divide, including the “homework gap” that left 17 million students without broadband during the pandemic. He also explores the impact of social media on society, the power of mentorship, and why young professionals should take a proactive approach to career growth while staying mission-driven.

ABOUT BILL

William E. Kennard has had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. He currently serves as a Co-Founding Partner of Astra Capital Management, a private equity firm. Before launching Astra, Kennard served as the US Ambassador to the European Union. Before serving as an Ambassador, Mr. Kennard was a Partner and Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, an asset management firm, where he led investments in the telecommunications and media sectors. Before joining The Carlyle Group, Mr. Kennard served as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). He began his public sector career as the FCC’s General Counsel.

As FCC Chairman, Kennard became well known for advancing policies to help people most at risk of being stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide. U.S. News & World Report dubbed Kennard a “consumer champion for the digital age.” He has received many honors and awards for his accomplishments, including honorary degrees from Howard University, Gallaudet University and Long Island University. 

Mr. Kennard currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of AT&T, Inc. He also serves on the boards of directors of Ford Motor Company and MetLife, Inc., and he is a trustee of Yale University.

Mr. Kennard is a graduate of Stanford University and Yale Law School. In 2021, Yale Law School awarded him its Award of Merit, the school’s highest honor.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Your First Job is a podcast hosted by Leilani M. Brown, CEO of Giant Steps, LLC, exploring the early career experiences of successful individuals across various industries.

Each episode features in-depth interviews with established professionals, executives, and thought leaders who share the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned in their first jobs.

By debunking myths about overnight success and showcasing diverse career paths, the podcast aims to inform and inspire the next generation of talent, encouraging them to embrace and learn from their own initial work roles and every step—and stepping stone—along the way.