Detroit, and the city’s powerful story and current revival, has been an integral part of Carol Cain’s life and career. Born in the Motor City, her connection began in high school when she worked as a summer tour guide at Ford’s sprawling Rouge Complex.

“Thousands of people showed up to take those tours each day. I learned then how important Detroit was on the world’s stage,” she explained. “History is unfolding before us again, and I love watching, writing and talking about what’s happening, and putting a focus on issues that are important.” 

 Like her connection to Detroit, Cain’s love for journalism also goes back to third grade, to be exact. She recalled being named editor of the class’s student-led newspaper and continued to be involved in various school newspapers, yearbooks and journalism opportunities throughout the years. Some people spend years trying to find their true calling. Luckily, Cain’s calling seemed to find her first and allowed her to excel in the communications field ever since.  She also has journalism in her DNA.

Experiences of a lifetime

Today, Cain lends her passions and talent as senior producer and host of “Michigan Matters” – a weekly TV show airing at 7:30 a.m. Sundays on CBS 62 in Detroit. She also produces and hosts its “Eye on the Future” specials examining important issues like technology and mobility, politics, health care and the environment.  Her work has been recognized with 12 Emmy  Awards, a Peabody Award nomination, awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, and more. 

She has deep roots in journalism, having worked as state editor at United Press International, columnist at the Detroit News, and business editor at the Toledo Blade.  She also worked as a business editor and a national editor at the Detroit Free Press, and continues to win accolades as a columnist at the Free Press today. 

Cain also commentated on issues for outlets like CNN, Fox News, C-SPAN, POTUS. She’s established herself as a much-in-demand moderator of marquee events for organizations like Voters, Inforum and the Detroit Economic Club.  Cain launched “The Breakfast Club” – the acclaimed speaker series – with the Detroit Free Press which features luminaries from business and politics. 

“Politics also has been a focus as it is so intertwined with business and impacts our communities in profound ways.  Among hundreds of interviews I’ve done, a few stand out including those with Joe Biden and Donald Trump during the 2020 election. I conducted a national digital debate with President Barack Obama and GOP Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney for CBS platforms in 2012, and I did a fascinating interview with Geraldine Ferraro as she talked about women in politics.”

“Yes, women have and are making gains in politics and business, and we should applaud that, never forgetting we do so on the shoulders of our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, fathers and others who helped break barriers.  We still have a long way to go, but, we should embrace those hard-fought gains.”

No stranger to interesting experiences and opportunities, while working on a CBS TV special on globalization, Cain got a chance to join the few dozen people on the planet who have sat with a giant panda while in China; she skydived out of a plane at 14,000 feet with U.S. Army Golden Knights (despite a fear of heights!), and she’s interviewed fascinating public figures like Mary Barra, Hank Aaron, Dr. Phil and Alice Cooper.

 

 Holding onto life lessons

Cain’s late mother, Ruth Cain, a journalist and communications specialist, also was the esteemed former president of the Association for Women in Communications Detroit Chapter.  Ruth raised Carol and her six siblings alongside her late husband, Charles C. Cain III (who spent his career at the Associated Press).  Interesting to note all but one of Carol’s siblings pursued careers in media and communications. Ruth blazed a trail and Carol learned much from her, things she keeps close to her heart.

“A key focus for me as been to embrace diversity and talk up the importance of inclusion. It’s something I’ve also made a priority in various management and leadership jobs I’ve held.  It’s also about paying it forward and helping those who will follow, while beating the drum and keeping a spotlight on important issues.”

Another lesson from Cain’s mother? To think big. “Don’t be afraid to blaze a trail no one else has traveled. It may feel unnerving at times, but, it can also be exciting,” said Cain. “And don’t always accept ‘no’ as a final answer to something you are pursuing. Sometimes, it’s worth retrenching and figuring out a plan B as you work to get to the promised land!”

Mentors, supporters and partners

Carol was honored to share her own pieces of advice for young women pursuing careers in the media or communications industries:

  1. Your heart has to be in it. “Love what you do, never lose your sense of curiosity, and be prepared to work twice as hard as you thought when you started out to achieve your goals.”
  2. Seek advice from your mentors. “Hopefully, they share the real deal on things and don’t just tell you what you want to hear. Also, look for people, employers and work situations that embrace you.”
  3. Practice work-life balance. “Keep your family on the front burner, which is always a juggling act. Find a partner to share your life who will support you through the ups and downs.  I’ve been blessed as Jim Stapleton, my significant other, has been a critical part of my life and success as he supported me in many ways.” 

Cain also mentioned the importance of mentors.  She pointed to Ben Burns, Neal Shine, Sam Logan and Bob McGruder as a few she’d learned from.  She has also been blessed to work for talented leaders – like Peter Bhatia, editor and vice president at the Detroit Free Press, and Brian Watson, vice president and general manager at CBS 62/CW50 – as well as alongside some incredible co-workers. 

“It takes a village to get things done.  No one can do it alone, and I have been so fortunate to work with some of the best in the business, which has helped inspire me to shoot for the stars.”

Ready for what’s next

Having seen so much evolution, Cain’s eagerly looking ahead.

“With so much change brought about by technology, add in this 100-year pandemic which turned things upside down, and I am fascinated to see how we rebound.  I know we’ll come out stronger when the dust settles,” she said.  “But, getting there is going to be a challenge.  And I’m so grateful to be in a position to help shine a spotlight on issues and things that matter along the way.”  

Congratulations to Carol on her Media Room Spotlight recognition!