In this year-end wrap episode of Women Lead, Nadia Koski sits down with Verena Gründel, Host and Director of Brand & Communications, at DMEXCO, and one of Germany’s Top 100 Most Influential Women, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on where media, marketing, and communication are heading next going into 2026.

As the industry reflects on a year shaped by rapid innovation, awards season, and cultural shifts, Verena shares her perspective on the trends, tensions, and transformations that will define 2026. From standout purpose-driven campaigns and industry events to the real, practical role of AI beyond the hype, this conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what truly matters.

Together, they explore how generative AI is changing creativity, search, and shopping behavior, why ROI and brand visibility are becoming more critical as budgets tighten, and whether we’re already seeing signs of AI fatigue—or simply a recalibration toward more emotional, human storytelling.

Beyond industry trends, Verena opens up about her own personal branding journey: the habits, mindset shifts, and internal barriers she had to confront to show up consistently and authentically in a fast-moving, highly visible environment. She also shares why listening, asking better questions, and communicating with intention may be some of the most underrated leadership skills today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How AI is reshaping consumer behavior and what this means for creativity, search, ROI, and brand visibility in 2026.
• Why authenticity and consistency are becoming essential in personal branding, and how visibility can be approached as a service, not self-promotion.
• How curiosity, listening, and intentional communication can drive stronger insights, relationships, and business outcomes.

This is a forward-looking and future-proofing conversation with one of the industry’s most influential voices, perfect for understanding how to navigate the rapidly changing trends and workflows in media, marketing, and leadership.

LINKS & RECS

DMEXCO Podcast with Verena Gründel

Early Adoptr Podcast with Jess Carlin & Kyle Corliss

Connect with Verena on LinkedIn

Learn more about DMEXCO, Europe's leading digital marketing and tech event & trade fair

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this powerful episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski sits down with Shazia Ginai, Global VP of Consulting at Lumen Research and founder of Exhale Expand, to explore a career journey defined by courage, reinvention, and deep authenticity. Trained in science and shaped by lived experience, Shazia shares how she carved a path into global leadership while staying grounded in holistic wellbeing and purpose-driven growth.

Together, they unpack the realities of navigating toxic workplace cultures, the pivotal moments that pushed Shazia to define her work on her own terms, and how advocating for women’s health—especially endometriosis—became both a personal mission and a systemic call to action.

Shazia also opens up about the transformative power of yoga, breathwork, and nervous system regulation in leadership, and why building a supportive community of women has been essential to her resilience and confidence. Her mantra, “I am unapologetic about what I want,” becomes a throughline in this conversation, offering a roadmap for women who want to negotiate for more choice, freedom, autonomy, and balance in their careers.

Listeners will walk away with insights on how workplace culture shapes leadership, why self-trust and embodiment matter, and how to advocate for yourself and for others with clarity and courage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to recognize the impact of workplace culture on your personal and professional growth, and what authentic leadership can look like even in environments that don’t nurture it.
• Why holistic growth matters, and how practices like yoga, breathwork, and self-awareness can strengthen your leadership presence and decision-making.
• What it truly means to advocate—for yourself, for women’s health, and for your community—and how connection and support can empower you to be unapologetically confident.

This conversation is a reflection on self-trust, inner grounding, and the power of taking a breath—literally and figuratively.

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this special recap from The Digital Distillery Amsterdam edition, host Nadia Koski brings together insights from three industry leaders: Clemmentijn Treinen, Country Director, Microsoft Advertising NL; Katja Henneveld, Country Manager NL/BE/FR, Adform; Saskia Wagenmakers, CEO, IPG Mediabrands NL.

From the event discussions, Clemmentijn explains her view on how AI can foster hyper-personalization and the importance of transparency. Katja challenges the industry to rethink its dependency on Big Tech while considering the strength of European-owned media and ad tech alternatives. And finally, Saskia emphasizes that today’s media landscape rewards relevance over reach, and leaders must champion inclusivity and purposeful communication to stay ahead.

Each conversation offers a unique lens on leadership, innovation, gender diversity, and the evolving advertising landscape. Together, they deliver one powerful message: the future belongs to leaders who are authentic, connected, and unafraid to drive change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why authenticity is becoming a key leadership advantage, especially in the age of AI
• How Europe can strengthen its position by reducing dependency on Big Tech
• How clear communication and self-advocacy can transform careers and team culture

A must-listen for anyone shaping the future of advertising, tech, and leadership.

LINKS & RECS

Connect with Clemmentijn on LinkedIn
Connect with Katja on LinkedIn
Connect with Saskia on LinkedIn

The ROX Institute for Research and Training, a nonprofit focused on research and programming that studies girls’ unique experiences and captures the opinions, behaviors, and aspirations of thousands of U.S. girls, released its 2023 ROX Research Study, which uncovered many areas of adolescent girls’ well-being.

Takeaways:

• 57% of girls don’t think they are smart enough for their dream career.
• The more time girls spend using social media, the less likely they are to describe themselves as confident.
• 1 in 2 girls are afraid to be leaders because they don't want others to think they are “bossy”.
• Girls' confidence declines substantially between 5th and 9th grade, with a slight rebound in high school. Since the publication of the 2017 Girls' Index, girls' confidence is lower for every age up to 12th grade, where it is unchanged.

“The Confidence Code for Girls” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, notes a rapid confidence decline between the ages of 8 and 12, leading to self-doubt that can affect long-term goals.

Read this A Mighty Girl blog post with an interview with the authors, Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

What happens when a top ad executive decides to rewrite her story? After 27 years in advertising, working with global brands and creative icons, Haleh Shoa pivoted to launch Picturli, a business born from her love of photos and her own family history.

In this episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski sits down with Haleh as she shares how she transformed uncertainty into opportunity. They unpack the mindset shifts that carried Haleh from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and the importance of preserving both physical and digital family memories. She also opens up about leadership lessons, the impact of her personal history on her business vision, and navigating bias in the ad world. Haleh also addresses issues of gender and age discrimination in the advertising industry, the evolving workplace culture regarding parental leave, and her redefined view of success.

Tune in to learn:

• How to embrace big career pivots with courage and clarity
• Why storytelling and memory are powerful tools for legacy and connection
• What leadership looks like when you trade agency life with building your own company

If you’ve ever felt the pull to reinvent yourself or wondered how to trust the next step, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and inspiration.

Links and Recs

Connect with Haleh on LinkedIn

Learn more about Picturli
Follow Picturli on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube 

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski dives deep into the transformative power of sustainable development and gender equality with Lisa Smith, co-founder and executive director of the GIRL Institute. Lisa shares her journey from the challenges with political processes to founding a global initiative focused on empowering women through education and community building. Discover how gender equality is intricately linked to sustainable development goals, and why creating women's embassies worldwide can be a game-changer for global gender equality. Tune in as they explore the interconnectedness of climate justice, economic empowerment, and the role of women in shaping a sustainable future.

Links and Recs:

Learn more about the GIRL Institute
Attend the Women’s Equality Summit in Knoxville, TN October 24-26, 2025
Follow Lisa on LinkedIn

Books:
Equality within Our Lifetimes by Jody Heymann, Aleta Sprague, Amy Raub
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
Across That Bridge by John Lewis

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Donna Dupont, Founder and Chief Strategist, Foresight & Design, at Purple Compass. Donna brings her skills and insights developed over 25 years working with leaders in healthcare, emergency management, government public policy, strategic planning, and program design. She has facilitated a range of foresight and design activities for clients in healthcare, emergency management, and military sectors.

Donna shares why building futures literacy is essential for navigating today’s uncertainty and complexity. We discuss how leaders can move from reactive decision-making to proactive, strategic conversations that open new opportunities. Donna also explains how understanding your mindset—and your organization’s—can help shift from fear and control to adaptability and future-focused thinking.

Three things you'll learn:

• How to build future literacy skills to navigate uncertainty.
• The importance of strategic conversations in adapting to change.
• Ways to balance short-term actions with long-term foresight.

Tune in to explore the intersection of security, foresight, and design, and how these elements can better guide us through turbulent times.

Links and Recs

Connect with Donna on LinkedIn
Discover Purple Compass
Listen to Donna’s Podcast “The Futurist”

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski sits down with longtime friends turned business partners Michelle Wolber and Elena Klöser, the dynamic duo behind the wellness brand and podcast “zart und laut” (meaning “soft and loud”). Recorded during the midst of a major rebrand, this episode captures the behind-the-scenes energy of launching something bold and meaningful into the world.

Michelle and Elena open up about the evolution of their 14-year friendship into a business rooted in trust, the non-negotiables of good sleep and well-being practices, and their mission to build an authentic, multifaceted brand that speaks to different generations with equal clarity and care.

From podcasting strategy and social media struggles to redefining wellness and navigating imperfection, this conversation is filled with honesty, actionable insights, and a refreshing dose of the real-world scenarios that occur when launching a new business with your best friend.

Links and Recs

Connect with Michelle Wolber on LinkedIn

Connect with Elena Klöser on LinkedIn

Listen to Michelle and Elena’s podcast: “zart und laut” (in German)

Discover more about Die-schlafprofis (“The Sleep Professionals” )

Books:
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Mathew Walker, PhD
Atomic Habits (The 1% Method) by James Clear
The Red Bull Story: The Unbelievable Success of Dietrich Mateschitz and His Energy Drink Empire
The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner

Podcasts:
Diary of a CEO with Steve Bartlett
Lifestyle of Longevity (German)

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this very special episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski brings you the bold ideas, vibrant voices, and high energy straight from the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. Recorded live in Cannes, France, this episode features on-the-ground interviews with inspiring global leaders who are shaping the future of tech, AI, marketing, and inclusive leadership.

In collaboration with Microsoft Advertising, Nadia sat down with:

Sunita Richardson, Head of Brand & Campaign Strategy, Microsoft 
We explore the evolving relationship between AI and creativity, and how storytelling is being redefined in an age of disruption.

Ravleen Beeston, Regional Vice President, Microsoft Advertising UK
Ravleen shares what it takes to lead through rapid change with empathy, resilience, and purpose, and why advocacy is non-negotiable.

MJ DePalma, Head of Inclusive Business Impact, Microsoft Advertising
MJ takes us behind the scenes of one of Cannes’ most talked-about panels, “The Future of AI Personalization is Inclusive,” and the case for using inclusive data and neuroscience in advertising strategy. Plus, a quick insight from Pranav Yadav, CEO of Neuro-Insight, on the science behind creative messaging and subconscious influence.

We also had some fun on the Croisette with Stefanie Beach, Host of The Digital Marketeer podcast. Nadia and Stefanie talked about reinvention and leadership as Stefanie shared her journey from corporate to founder. Don’t miss her #Cannesversations podcast series over at The Digital Marketeer podcast.
Hit ‘play’ and let Cannes come to you.

Links & Mentions:

• The Digital Marketeer Podcast by Stefanie Beach: Listen on Spotify
• Learn more about Microsoft Advertising: microsoftadvertising.com
• More from The Digital Distillery: thedigitaldistillery.com

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this inspiring episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski is joined by Valarie Sandjivy, a Paris-based leadership mentor, business coach, and former mechanical engineer whose journey from Detroit’s automotive industry to high-level executive coaching is transformative.

Valarie works with CEOs, founders, and visionary leaders who are ready to evolve beyond the status quo. Her approach is rooted in embodied leadership, blending structure and intuition, logic and emotion, strategy and soul. Throughout the conversation, she shares how leadership must go beyond theory. It must be felt, lived, and expressed through self-leadership, emotional intelligence, soul care, and team guidance.

Listeners will gain powerful insights into what it means to lead with presence, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Valarie explains how emotional mastery is a critical leadership tool and why intuition often surfaces in moments of stillness. She unpacks the roles of masculine and feminine energy in leadership, revealing how structure and creativity can coexist to fuel growth and innovation.

Nadia and Valarie explore how real transformation requires more than change. It demands acceptance, understanding, and action. Valerie encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, let go of guilt and shame, and model the leadership they want to see in the world.

The episode offers a deeply human take on modern leadership, grounded in personal growth, emotional awareness, and the courage to trust one’s inner compass.

LINKS & RECS

Connect with Valarie Sandjivy on LinkedIn

Listen to Valarie’s new podcast: Higher Self Leadership – In Between

Take Valarie’s free leadership assessment: Assessment Quiz

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this special episode of Women Lead, recorded live at The Women’s Edition of The Digital Distillery Hamburg Vol.2  host Nadia Koski hops on the mic with three incredible leaders: Evangelia Mitoli, Sales & New Business Manager - DACH at DOUGLAS Marketing Solutions, Kim Dammann, Director Strategy & Brand Transformation at Odaline, and Sandra Krah-Schymetzki, Director Growth, Marketing & PR at VML.

Recorded at 4Walls Hamburg, a cozy, living room-style space in one of the city’s oldest buildings, the episode captures the warm, open atmosphere of the event, perfect for real talk and creative exchange. Together, they explore how to ask for meaningful, constructive feedback, advice they’d give their younger selves, letting go of self-doubt and trusting the process. They also discuss how we can support the next generation of female leaders.

Key takeaways:
Start before you're ready. Progress over perfection.
Use your voice! it matters more than you think
Dismantle stereotypes for the next generation

Tune in for fresh insights and inspiration from the heart of Hamburg.


Links and recs:

Connect with Evangelia Mitoli on LinkedIn
Connect with Kim Dammann on LinkedIn

Connect with Sandra Krah-Schymetzki on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this episode of Women Lead, Nadia Koski sits down with Katja Garff, an executive partner at makers and breakers, who shares her fascinating career journey from aspiring investigative journalist to a key player in the creative industry. 

Katja discusses her transition into marketing, the importance of networking, and her experiences at Cannes Lions. She also addresses the challenges women face in the workplace, including the glass ceiling, and offers advice on how to navigate these obstacles while building confidence as a leader. 

In this conversation, Katja shares her insights on leadership, the importance of creating safe spaces for expression, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to the next generation of female leaders. She emphasizes the significance of taking responsibility for one's actions, the role of male allies in supporting women's success, and the urgency of advocating for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Katja also discusses her inspirations and the impact she hopes to make in her industry, encouraging others to speak up, own their voice, and follow their passions.


Connect with Katja Garff on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this inspiring episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski sits down with Natalia Hilgers, Director of Demand Partnerships DACH at Equativ, to explore her journey in tech sales. Natalia opens up about the bold choices and mindset shifts that helped her thrive in a male-dominated space and why she believes women should stop over-proving and start owning their place at the table.

Natalia shares her experiences with impostor syndrome, the importance of recognizing one's strengths, and the boldness required to ask for career advancement. The discussion also touches on the challenges of transitioning into the corporate world, navigating office politics and cultural differences in the workplace. Whether you’re aiming to take a career leap, build authentic leadership habits, or navigate imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable advice.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Natalia handled bias, self-doubt, and a shocking interview comments early in her career
• Her approach to managing different communication styles as a leader
• Why she believes ambition is a strength, not a liability, for women
• Tips for networking authentically (even if you’re not an extrovert)
• How mentorship shaped her leadership—and why she pays it forward

They discuss the importance of mentorship, networking, and self-reflection in professional growth.  Natalia encourages others to take risks and highlights the interconnectedness of our decisions and their impact on humanity.

LINKS & RECS
Connect with Natalia on LinkedIn
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
Learn more about EQUATIV

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

Nadia Koski sits down with Dagmar Glow, ICF-certified Business and Mental Health Coach, in Part 2 of their interview talks that delves deeper into the critical topic of mental health, particularly in the workplace.

They discuss the stigma surrounding mental health, signs of burnout, and how leaders can balance their responsibilities while maintaining their mental well-being. The conversation also touches on the concept of mental load, personal boundaries, and the challenges women face in leadership roles. Dagmar emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of distress in colleagues and the need for self-awareness in managing one's own mental health. In this conversation, Dagmar Glow and Nadia explore the themes of perfectionism, unconscious bias, and the challenges women face in the workplace and during midlife transitions.

They discuss the impact of gender bias, the importance of recognizing and addressing unconscious biases, and how midlife can be a time for reflection and change. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to align with their core values and embrace authenticity to find fulfillment in their lives.

LINKS & RECS

Connect with Dagmar Glow

Listen to Part 1 of the Mental Health conversation with Dagmar.

Identify your Top 5 Personal Core Values (for free) with Dagmar’s online quiz:
The is fully anonymous, no personal data is collected: dagmarglow.com

Watch our “Mental Health in a Digital Space” series with Dagmar

Deloitte Mental Health Report 2024

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this special double-feature episode recorded amidst the alpine buzz in Lech Zürs, Austria, during The Digital Distillery: Mountain Edition and HORIZONT Snowmasters, host Nadia Koski sits down in the cozy Hotel Platinhoff for some fireside chats with two trailblazing women shaping innovation and leadership across industries.

You'll learn about: building internal and external mentorship networks, leadership styles for introverts vs. extroverts, sustainable design and local supply chain, what it takes to launch a startup, and the learned resilience to pivot into something new.

Alma Lipa, CDMO DACH L’Oréal,  shares her 20-year journey through the beauty industry, from launching Urban Decay in Germany to leading L’Oréal's digital marketing strategy across DACH. She opens up about mentorship, ambition, building strong teams, and why passion and people are at the heart of real success.

Alma's Top Takeaways:

• Loving the brands you work with makes the difference.
• Don’t wait to ask for mentorship—reach out early and often.
• True leadership is about generous guidance and collective growth.
• Identify your strengths and share those with your mentors.

Carolin Kunert, Innovation Manager HEAD, opens up about her career journey from welding her first product prototype as a design student to founding a successful (and sold) startup. Carolin’s story is one of rapid iteration, bold decisions, and learning through doing. Now leading innovation at HEAD, she’s implementing agile processes and fostering cross-team collaboration across the company.

Carolin's Startup Wisdom:

• “If everything is under control, you’re moving too slow.”
• Launch fast, learn fast—test your ideas and get to market.
• Think twice before taking VC money, it’s not the only path to growth.

DISCOVER & CONNECT

Connect with Alma Lipa on LinkedIn
Connect with Carolin Kunert on LinkedIn

Discover your strengths: CliftonStrengths Assessment

Learn more about the HORIZONT Snowmasters 2025 edition.
Learn more about upcoming The Digital Distillery Events.

Discover Lech Zürs, Austria
Discover Hotel Platinhoff

Get in touch with Obsession - Germany’s Top Event Agency

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this episode of Women Lead, Nadia Koski sits down with Gerry D'Angelo, Advisory Board Member and Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership and the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and mentorship in today's workplace.
Gerry shares insights from his extensive experience in global companies, highlighting how effective leadership has shifted towards a more empathetic approach. They discuss the critical role of listening and allyship in fostering inclusivity, as well as the tangible business benefits of a diverse workforce. Gerry also reflects on his own journey with mentorship and the impact it can have on emerging leaders. They explore the nuances of mentorship, the importance of serendipity in career development, male allyship in the workplace, and the significance of work-life balance in fostering inspiration and creativity.

LINKS
Connect with Gerry D'Angelo on LinkedIn
"The Rest Is" podcast series - The Rest is History

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this conversation, host Nadia Koski chats with Cristina Pitarch, General Manager EMEA, Google Cloud Security. Cristina shares her unconventional career journey from law to tech, emphasizing the importance of embracing opportunities and overcoming challenges. She discusses her experiences in a technical role at Google, the significance of mindset in navigating corporate politics, and the need for resilience in the face of setbacks. She also highlights the importance of allyship and encourages women to pursue careers in tech and cybersecurity, emphasizing that learning and creativity can thrive in these fields. In this engaging conversation, Nadia and Cristina explore the evolving landscape of AI and cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of integrating security into AI projects. They discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in tech, the significance of empowering the next generation, and the need for role models in the industry. Cristina shares personal insights on parenting and the importance of allowing children to be themselves while navigating societal expectations. The discussion also touches on the necessity of addressing gender dynamics in tech.

Links and recs:

Connect with Cristina on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

Nadia Koski sits down with Dagmar Glow, an ICF-certified Business and Mental Health Coach, to explore the intricate relationship between mental health and workplace dynamics. Dagmar emphasizes that mental health is not just the absence of illness but a dynamic state that affects learning, communication, emotional resilience, and adaptability.

The conversation highlights the growing need for organizations to support mental health, particularly as burnout rates rise and younger generations bring new expectations to the workforce. With burnout costing the global economy $323 billion annually and contributing to 50% of employee turnover, prioritizing mental well-being is both a moral and business imperative.

Nadia and Dagmar unpack the differences between stress, overwork, and burnout, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early signs and fostering open communication within teams. They explore the critical role of managers in creating a supportive environment and the necessity of ongoing dialogue about mental health resources. Dagmar also shares practical steps individuals and companies can take to integrate mental health awareness into daily workflows, ensuring a more resilient and productive workforce.

As Gen Z steps into leadership roles, their emphasis on work-life balance, emotional well-being, and transparent mental health discussions is reshaping workplace culture. Businesses that adapt to these evolving expectations will not only attract top talent but also create stronger, more engaged teams.

Join the conversation as Nadia and Dagmar challenge outdated workplace norms, break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and share actionable strategies to prevent burnout and promote well-being.

LINKS & RECS

Connect with Dagmar Glow

Identify your Top 5 Personal Core Values (for free) with Dagmar’s online quiz:
The is fully anonymous, no personal data is collected: dagmarglow.com

Watch our “Mental Health in a Digital Space” series with Dagmar

Deloitte Mental Health Report 2024

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this special episode of Women Lead, recorded live at our first Digital Distillery: Women’s Edition - Hamburg, host Nadia Koski hops on the mic with many incredible leaders who discussed bold ideas in candid conversations. There are so many powerful insights and takeaways from these top women in media, tech, and advertising. You don’t want to miss it!

Instead of traditional long-form interviews, Nadia hit the floor capturing quick, impactful conversations with our panelists and guests who discussed:
- Career advice they’d give their younger selves
- How they’ve tackled imposter syndrome & inner doubts
- Ways we can ALL build a more inclusive and diverse workplace… and much more.

You’ll hear from: Yasemin Efiloglu, Digital Strategist & AI Expert, Volt Europa, Julia Wittich Sauer, Head of News & Broadcast DACH, Google, Kathrin Franssen, CMO, OMD, Katharina Jäger, Head of Innovation & Technology, BVDW, Nathalia Hilgers, Director Demand Partnerships DACH, Equativ, Franziska Brückner, Group Lead Digital Media & Tech, Vodafone, Lena Schütze, Team Lead Client Services & Consulting, DOUGLAS, Sarah Kurzrock, Senior Client Partner DACH, Pinterest, Griselda Welsing, Lead Client Partner CPG, Pinterest, Antonia Breitenfellner, Executive Activation Search SEO, OMD, Daniela Grilnberger, Group Head Communications Design. Initiative, and Anika Stasch, Account Director, ShowHeroes.

Don’t miss our full Digital Distillery podcast with host Phil McDowell, where we’ll break down even more key insights from the event.

Links and recs:

Connect with
Yasemin Efiloglu
Julia Wittich Sauer
Kathrin Franssen
Katharina Jäger
Nathalia Hilgers
Franziska Brückner
Lena Schütze
Sarah Kurzrock
Griselda Welsing
Antonia Breitenfellner
Daniela Grilnberger
Anika Stasch

Tune in and follow THE DIGITAL DISTILLERY PODCAST.

McKinsey's 2023 Report on DE&I efforts and effect on revenue.
The likelihood of financial outperformance gap has grown with top-quartile companies having a 39% greater likelihood of financial outperformance versus their bottom-quartile peers.

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this episode of the Women Lead podcast, host Nadia Koski speaks with Mya Doelling, Senior Partnership Manager, Purpose Partnerships Lead at the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Maya shares her inspiring journey from a young athlete diagnosed with leukemia to her current role at the IOC, where she leads purpose-driven partnerships. The conversation explores the power of sports, the importance of mentorship, and how Maya aligns her personal and professional passions. They discuss the challenges of navigating leadership as a woman in the sports industry and the significant initiatives being implemented at the IOC, including gender parity and support for refugee athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

In this conversation, Mya and Nadia discuss the evolving landscape of sports, focusing on inclusivity, empowerment, and the challenges faced by women, particularly women of color, in leadership roles. They explore the importance of allyship, the balance between personal and professional life, and the vision for a purpose-driven future in sports. The dialogue emphasizes the need for mental health discussions, representation, and the impact of supportive partnerships in achieving gender parity and diversity in sports.

Links and recs:

Connect with Mya on LinkedIn

Podcast recs:

Esther Perel’s podcast “Where Should We Begin”

“Pivot” with Scott Galloway and Kara Swisher

Follow the International Olympic Committee across social media:

Twitter – @iocmedia

LinkedIn – @International Olympic Committee – IOC

Instagram –@iocmedia

YouTube – @IOC Media

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski interviews Daniela Grilnberger, a prominent young leader in the German media landscape. They discuss her journey into media and advertising, the importance of authenticity in the workplace, and the challenges women face in balancing their professional and personal lives. Daniela emphasizes the need for self-worth beyond work achievements and the significance of setting healthy boundaries to prevent burnout. The conversation also touches on the generational shift in attitudes towards work, particularly with Gen Z, who prioritize mental health and healthy work-life balance.

In this conversation, Daniela discusses the necessity of understanding the motivation behind tasks, particularly for Gen Z employees. She explains how leaders can empower their teams with responsibility and create a supportive work environment that prioritizes mental health. Daniela’s personal journey towards mindfulness and balance highlights the significance of yoga in her life. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by women in media and the importance of open communication within teams, especially in a post-COVID world.

Connect with Daniela on LinkedIn
Book rec: “The Power of Now” by  Eckhart Tolle

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski sits down with Jacqueline Boayke, Vice President Customer Success, EMEA at PubMatic, who shares her extensive career journey from marketing to programmatic advertising, highlighting the importance of authenticity and diversity in leadership roles. She discusses the challenges she faced as a black woman in a leadership position and emphasizes the significance of open communication and trust within teams.

Jackie also shares her make-or-break moment of launching Spotify in the UK and how she approached this challenge. She breaks down her approach to feedback and performance reviews, as well as her hiring practices that prioritize cultural fit and adaptability. In this conversation, you will learn more about her insights on team dynamics, the importance of self-awareness, the challenges of balancing parenthood with career growth, and the necessity of flexibility in the workplace. She opens up about how becoming a parent has shaped her leadership style, emphasizing the value of authentic communication and resilience in overcoming challenges and finding solutions. The discussion highlights the significance of nurturing relationships within teams and the transferable skills gained from parenting that enhance leadership capabilities.

Recs:
Netflix series “The Starting Five”

Connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this special episode of Women Lead, recorded live at The Digital Distillery Vienna: Disruptive Edition, host Nadia Koski hops on the mic for Part 2, with two incredible leaders: Doris Christina Steiner, Founder of neongreen, and Catharina Riess, Director Media House at the Vienna Tourism Board.

Doris shares how her innovative campaigns, like renaming weather events with migrant names to highlight societal shifts, redefine attention in advertising, while emphasizing the importance of balancing work and family life. Catharina discusses the transformative power of tourism, using authentic storytelling with her team to showcase Vienna's charm and inspire exploration. This episode highlights how bold ideas and small acts can create big change, all while embracing a healthy work-life balance. Grab a coffee—or a schnitzel and beer—and join us as we continue exploring the stories and insights from the inspiring women of The Digital Distillery Vienna.

Links and recs:

Connect with Doris Steiner on LinkedIn
Connect with Catharina Riess on LinkedIn

Check out Women Lead at The Digital Distillery Vienna Part 1.

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this special episode of Women Lead, recorded live at The Digital Distillery Vienna: Disruptive Edition, host Nadia Koski hops on the mic with three incredible leaders: Nicola Dietrich, CSO at COPE Content Performance Group; Carina Kaiser, COO of SlopeLift; and Viki Zischka, Marketing and Retail Media Expert at BILLA.

The event took place at the historic Ottakringer Brewery, the atmosphere was electric, with panel discussions and inspiring conversations that reflected the "disruptive" theme of the event. The industrial ambiance and vibrant energy set the perfect backdrop for powerful conversations with female leaders in media and marketing.

From unique career paths to powerful leadership insights, this episode dives into the journeys of these trailblazing women, exploring their perspectives on growth, resilience, and the courage to pivot. Nadia shares her love for Vienna, which has become a city close to her heart, and we get a glimpse into what made this live event so memorable.

Featured Interviews:

1. Nicola Dietrich, CSO at COPE Content Performance Group
   Nicola shares how her diverse career experiences led her into media, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and resilience. She discusses the value of failing fast, learning from it, and pivoting to try new strategies.
   
   
2. Carina Kaiser, COO at SlopeLift
   Carina’s confidence and commitment to growth are palpable as she talks about expanding SlopeLift into new markets. Her advice? Curiosity and hard work go hand in hand to drive both personal and business success.
   
   
3. Viki Zischka, Marketing & Retail Media Expert at Rewe
   Viki offers valuable insights into team building, motivation, and the importance of creating an inspiring work environment. Her tips for keeping her team engaged and productive are rooted in collaboration and continuous learning.

Links and recs:

Connect with Nicola Dietrich on LinkedIn
Connect with Carina Kaiser on LinkedIn
Connect with Viki Zischka on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

Women Lead host Nadia Koski sits down with Kate McCagg, Head of Brand Innovation Lab at Amazon, who shares her inspiring journey from copywriter and creative director in New York City, to a global innovation leader based in London. Kate talks about the unique challenges and rewards of her role, emphasizing Amazon’s distinctive interview process and diverse company culture, which focuses on substance over style and seeks problem solvers who embody Amazon’s customer-centric ethos. Her career story offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital advertising, creativity, and leadership in a fast-paced creative world.

Kate also discusses the importance of balancing a clear vision with giving her team the creative freedom to explore solutions. Drawing on Amazon’s principle of being “stubborn on vision, flexible on details,” she highlights how empathy, cultural awareness, and measurable goals are essential to effective creative leadership. Additionally, Kate reflects on how her experience as a parent has influenced her leadership style, fostering a patient, empathetic approach that prioritizes personal growth alongside professional success.

Listeners will gain perspective on the cultural dynamics of managing a global team, Amazon’s “customer obsession” philosophy, and how modern content and language evolution inspire Kate’s work. Join us for this compelling conversation with Kate McCagg, where she shares her experiences and wisdom on upholding vision and creating impactful campaigns at one of the world’s leading companies.

Links and Recs

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn
Netflix hit series to check out: Nobody Wants This
Book: “1984” by George Orwell

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In the latest episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski brings us a vibrant, live conversation recorded at The Digital Distillery London Edition, held at the iconic Hippodrome Casino. Nadia is joined by Hannah Marshall, Head of Performance Activation at IPG, who shares her journey through the world of ad tech, leadership, and mentorship. From the historic backdrop of a venue that has seen legendary performances by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland, this episode captures the energy and inspiration of a live interview.

Hannah discusses her career trajectory, from agency roles to leading performance activation at one of the most innovative media agencies. One of the standout moments of their conversation is Hannah's approach to decision-making, where she combines instinct with thorough research, a method that has guided her success. She also tackles the challenges many women face in male-dominated industries, offering insights on how to overcome imposter syndrome and the importance of speaking up with confidence in professional settings.

Additionally, Hannah shares her passion for giving back, mentoring young talent both within her company and through volunteer work. The episode also delves into her involvement in Media Fight Night, a charity boxing event where media professionals step into the ring for a good cause. Packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories, this episode is sure to inspire anyone looking to navigate leadership, boost confidence, or support the next generation of industry talent.

Learn more about Media Fight Night

Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.