THR's Women in Entertainment 2012: Power 100

Fresh from a sprawling reboot of NBCUniversal's decade-old Style brand, Smith, 42, is on track to finish her sixth year running the network by besting 2011's record ratings, accomplished largely through growing series like Giuliana & Bill and emulating sister nets E! and Bravo by building franchises with Jerseylicious and Big Rich Texas spinoffs.

Moment I knew I wanted to work in the business: When I stepped on an oil field, wearing a hard hat, for my first engineering internship. I just had this moment of "This was not what I was destined to do."

Who gave me my first big break: Cyma Zarghami. When I was in my 20s, she hired me to launch Nickelodeon in other countries. She kick-started my global adventure in children's television, and I've been able to parlay a lot of that into what I'm doing now.

Toughest decision I had to make this year: Letting go of the old Style logo.

Favorite way to unwind on the weekend: If I have time, I watch the same three chick flicks again and again: The Notebook, Love Actually and Pride and Prejudice.

One indulgence A dirty martini, daily.

Can't get through my workday without: Consuming something chocolate. I have a stash of Hershey's Kisses in my office.

Proudest moment this year: When my 5-year-old daughter [Smith is married with two children] declared that she no longer wants to be a princess or the tooth fairy: she wants to be a scientist.

Totally starstruck around: It doesn't happen often, but when I met [Luther star] Idris Elba and was rendered speechless.

Click here to read THR's complete Women in Entertainment list.