2009: Aysu Basaran #LT30for30
Since 1992, Leadership Triangle has been a convener, educator, advocate, and amplifier for some of our region’s most engaged leaders and organizations. To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re telling the stories of 30 Fellows from 30 years of programs. Each Fellow highlighted will represent one year of impact: from 1992 to 2001 to 2022.
Aysu is an Ohio native who moved to North Carolina in 2007. Her background is in the news industry and she currently leads at WRAL-TV as the Assistant News Director. She is also the mother of three children, an avid runner, and a committed Buckeyes fan. Aysu is a 2009 Leadership Triangle Goodmon Fellow.
The most important skill I’ve developed over time is the ability to listen. It allows me to make thoughtful decisions. I could have this huge voice and talk all the time, but in my opinion, that has little value if I haven’t truly heard from the people in the room.
Owen Jordan: What is your story?
Aysu Basaran: I moved to this area in 2007 to take on a new role as assistant news director at WRAL News.
The Triangle was a huge draw for me. It’s close to the beach and the mountains. And WRAL is well respected in the industry for producing outstanding journalism.
Prior to WRAL, I had been working at WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio, as the executive producer of special projects.
I am from the Buckeye state. Go Bucks! I grew up in Warren, near Youngstown. I graduated from Otterbein University in Westerville with a BA in broadcast communication. Later, I received my MA in journalism from The Ohio State University.
Owen Jordan: What brought you to Leadership Triangle back in 2009?
Aysu Basaran: I came to Leadership Triangle because I was looking for a way to expand my personal leadership skills. In fast-paced newsrooms, leadership training can be an on-the-job thing. I was teaching myself what to do and what not to do by watching others. I wanted to be more effective, so I asked for feedback from my mentors and sought out opportunities to learn. Leadership Triangle was recommended to me. It seemed like a wonderful training opportunity and a way to collaborate with other leaders in the community outside of a busy newsroom.
Owen Jordan: What does leadership look like in your role as the Assistant News Director at WRAL-TV?
Aysu Basaran: I continue to grow in my leadership role in the newsroom all these years later. That’s because change is always the constant in this industry. From getting through a pandemic to learning about new technology, I find myself in new situations much of the time. For me, leadership is about being able to adapt to change and help others do the same in a team-focused environment. It’s about coaching, caring about, and connecting with team members while working toward a common goal. I recognize there isn’t just one way to do something. So, the most important skill I’ve developed over time is the ability to listen. It allows me to make thoughtful decisions. I could have this huge voice and talk all the time, but in my opinion, that has little value if I haven’t truly heard from the people in the room.
