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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & 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
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In today's episode of Women Lead, Nadia sits down with Melissa Lawton, Chief Content Officer at SailGP to discuss the disruptive and high-octane world of sailboat racing and her journey through high-profile sports production and broadcasting.

For some background, SailGP is a company that delivers thrilling extreme sail races across the globe while also aiming to be the world's most sustainable and purpose-driven sports and entertainment platform.

Melissa highlights the importance of digital technology in the industry and shares her journey from sports journalism to event broadcasting in extreme sports.
She talks about the importance of building a reliable team and making tough decisions in high-pressure situations, and shares her experiences in the broadcasting industry, including dealing with challenges such as a lack of wind during sailing events and managing social media crises.

There is a well-proven value in learning from mistakes and making decisions with the support of trusted team members.  We go into the significance of female representation in sports and the need for diverse thinking and storytelling to attract a wider audience.

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this episode of Women Lead, Nadia Koski sits down with Sarah Leinberger, Brand Experience Leader at General Mills, to explore her inspiring career journey and the leadership strategies that have guided her path. Sarah shares how her varied experiences in brand management, merchandising, and change work have shaped her unique approach to leading teams and driving success in the ever-evolving retail and CPG industry.

Throughout the conversation, Sarah emphasizes the importance of really understanding what makes people tick and building connections. She discusses how creating a shared understanding and buy-in within teams is crucial for navigating changes, setting shared goals, and celebrating milestones. Sarah also shares her own personal experience with working with a coach to identifying her strengths and align her career path.

Tune in to hear Sarah's insights on creating successful omnichannel experiences, and building meaningful workplace relationships that put authenticity and empathy first and foremost. Plus, learn about her approach to recognizing team achievements, including a unique case study method to showcase success and boost engagement.

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this first episode of Season 3 of the Women Lead podcast, Victoria Usher, the CEO and founder of GingerMay, shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to establishing her own successful business. 

Victoria opens up about the motivations behind her bold decision to start GingerMay and the challenges she faced as a working parent. She highlights the importance of flexible working arrangements, especially in light of recent changes in UK legislation, and how these changes are making it easier for businesses to support their employees.

She delves into the importance of creating a supportive and open work culture at GingerMay. She passionately speaks about the need for employees to feel comfortable voicing their concerns and the crucial role that senior managers play in providing the necessary support. Victoria also sheds light on the issue of burnout in the fast-paced PR and advertising industry, sharing her thoughts on setting boundaries, recognizing when normal job stress turns into anxiety, and how GingerMay's people-first approach has been key to their high retention rate.

As the conversation unfolds, Victoria touches on the challenges and rewards of managing intergenerational teams, particularly the unique dynamics of working with Gen Z employees. She also shares Ginger May’s dedication to sustainability and its commitment to becoming a certified B Corp, reflecting the company’s broader mission to make a positive impact. Victoria’s insights offer valuable lessons on leadership, workplace culture, and the future of business.

Links and recs:

Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn

European Business Review “Know Your Worth: The Challenges of Working Moms”

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

What a journey we have been on for Season 2 of Women Lead!

In this episode, Nadia wraps up season two of the Women Lead podcast and shares a speech she gave at the NextM Nordics conference in Stockholm, Sweden. She discusses the importance of cultivating curiosity, getting over the fear of failure, and making time for fun as individual abilities to enhance creativity and collaboration. She also explores how effective communication, empathy, and acceptance contribute to better collaboration and creativity within teams. Nadia emphasizes the impact of healthy collaboration on personal health and happiness, and concludes by expressing gratitude and announcing a break before the start of season three.

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

Today on Women Lead, Nadia Koski sits down with Sarah Mooslechner, a management board member at T&P𝑚 - Germany, one of the world’s leading full-service creative and media agencies, part of WPP.

Sarah shares her journey from a sports background and how that has influenced her career in media and advertising. Her leadership approach balances her competitive nature and experience as a figure skater and coach with a good dose of empathy and compassion.
 
She emphasizes the importance of self-effectiveness and creating a space for her team to thrive. Sarah discusses the significance of allyship in her professional life and the impact of influential figures on her leadership approach.
The conversation covers leadership, work-life balance, and following your passion inside and outside the boardroom.

They also delve into the importance of teaching leadership, how emotions in the workplace play a significant role, and why creating a space where those feelings are acknowledged and accepted is important.

Takeaways

• Teaching leadership is crucial, and the lack of investment in leadership training in certain industries can lead to unprepared leaders.
• Passion and inspiration can come from various sources, and it's essential to pursue what motivates and drives you.

Links and recs:

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

Women Lead host Nadia Koski sits down with Lena Schütze, Team Lead Client Services and Consulting at Douglas - a beauty company, to discuss her career in digital media and progress in the beauty industry. They unpack some of the positive trends such as body positivity and diversity.

Lena also shares her experiences as a new leader, including the challenges of transitioning from a team member to a team lead and the differences between male and female leadership styles. Lena and Nadia dive into the importance of confidence and self-acceptance in leadership, how to recognize and appreciate one's strengths, and the need for diverse leadership styles. Another key point they touch on is the role male allies play in supporting female leaders. Lena emphasizes the importance of communication, knowledge exchange, and adapting leadership styles to your team’s needs.

The conversation goes on to cover female representation in top leadership positions and how we can do better in promoting and advocating for women in the workplace. Lena shares her personal successes and failures and emphasizes the importance of asking for help.

Let's dive in!

Links and recs

Connect with Lena on LinkedIn

Book rec: "Let Me Tell You a Story: Tales along the Road to Happiness" by Jorge Bucay

Check out the recording of ShowHeroes’ Women’s Day 2024 Webinar featuring Lena as a panelist. 

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski sits down with Lina Lindén, CEO of Wavemaker Sweden. Lina shares her journey from FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) to the media industry, her experience with corporate leadership programs like WPP’s “Walk the Talk” and Wavemaker’s own “She Leads She Succeeds” program, as well as her insights on diversity and inclusion in the Swedish media industry.

She discusses the impact these programs have in building confidence and access for women, the lack of diversity in the industry and what we can do about it, and the importance of not only inclusive corporate culture, but educational initiatives and legislation in promoting DE&I.

Their conversation delves into ageism, allyship, motherhood, emotional leadership, empathy, and a growth mindset. Nadia and Lina also explore insights on the importance of women coming together and sharing their journeys, recognizing their skills, and effective communication both inside and outside of the workplace.

Links and recs

Connect with Lina Lindén on LinkedIn
Listen to the previous Women Lead episode with Randi White, SVP of Day1 Agency

Book: “Think Again” by Adam Grant

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this conversation, Nadia interviews Christine Fuchs, Publishing Director at Horizont, about her journey in the media and publishing industry and the leadership and mentorship initiatives at Horizon. 

Christine shares how she got into the media industry and her various roles before finding her passion in publishing. She discusses the importance of self-reflection and mentorship in leadership development and how her company is providing comprehensive training and continuous education for all executives. Christine also emphasizes the need for open communication, empathy, and recognizing individual strengths in building a leadership mindset within the team. 

Christine discusses her experience transitioning into a leadership role later in her career and the challenges and lessons she has learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the need to delegate and trust others, as well as the value of intergenerational teams. 

Christine also shares her love for reading and the inspiration she finds in books and literature. She encourages individuals to embrace new paths and opportunities at any age.

LINKS
Connect with Christine on LinkedIn

RECS
Verena's Buchclub - Verena Pausder
Verena is one of Germany‘s strongest female leaders in the (tech) start-up world and cofounder of Viktoria Berlin, a professional women’s soccer team.

Business podcast "Fast and Curious“ co-hosted by Verena Pausder and Lea-Sophie Cramer

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this episode of the Women Lead podcast, host Nadia Koski engages in a dynamic conversation with Randi White, Senior Vice President at Day One Agency. Randi shares her inspiring journey in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) touching on her multicultural upbringing and how it has shaped her perspective.

She emphasizes the importance of celebrating differences and fostering an inclusive work environment, and how that benefits not only employees and her company, but also her wider community. Randi's approach to leadership offers valuable insights into how we can create these spaces where everyone feels they belong combined with effective examples of how diverse and inclusive teams lead to better innovation and employee engagement. She also sheds some light onto some of the creative approaches she has explored with Day One’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

Tune in to hear Randi's inspiring journey and gain practical strategies for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in your own organization.

You’ll learn:

• How to start employee resource groups (ERGs) to foster a sense of belonging and support for underrepresented groups.
• How to align DEI efforts with company goals and values to demonstrate importance and impact.
• Storytelling and creative activities that are effective in fostering understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
• Examples of small, impactful actions that lead to significant progress in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Connect with Randi White on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

Nadia Koski took to the snow-covered Austrian slopes to record this special Women Lead episode live from the Horizont Snowmasters event in Lech Zürs.
She sat down with three female leaders who are making incredible strides in their fields: Sarah Emmerich, founder and business creator of Emmerich Relations, expert in in influencer marketing, Director Brand & Communications DMEXCO Verena Gruendel, and Maud Schock, founder and managing director of Agency Entrenous, specializing in personal branding.

They covered topics including how to start your own business, self-confidence and public speaking, career change, making your personal branding work for your career, and much more.

Interview with Sarah Emmerich
min 2:58 - 31:05
Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Interview with Verena Gründel
min 31:08 - 1:06:25
Connect with Verena on LinkedIn

Interview with Maud Schock
min 1:06:27 - 1:29:10
Connect with Maud on LinkedIn

Book / Podcast Recs
“Convincing people who want to be right” by Marie Theres Braun
[German] “Menschen überzeugen, die Recht haben wollen”

Lean In - Sheryl Sandberg

Business Punk Podcast

Thank you to HORIZONT and Obsession for putting on a spectacular event and Hotel Montana for being fabulous hosts.

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this episode, Nadia Koski chats with Fiona Salmon, a leader in the ad tech space for over 20 years and a passionate supporter for sustainability in the digital landscape.

Fiona shares her career trajectory from start-ups in contextual advertising to brand safety and search technology, always coupled with her passion and focus on sustainability. They discuss the importance of time management, finding and creating a supportive community to lean on, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. The pair explore how we can set clear boundaries and push for transparency and open communication in the workplace in order to create a supportive environment, especially for working parents. The conversation also explores how we can understand if an employer will prioritize work-life balance to help parents’ thrive in their careers.

Fiona shares her experience of bringing sustainable practices into her company and how she was able to align various departments and decision makers. She also breaks down what it means to her to be a democratic leader, highlighting the importance of understanding team dynamics and individual values and communication types to enhance collaboration within teams.

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

Today on Women Lead Nadia drops in for a quick check-in amongst the hustle and bustle of springtime event season. She shares a few thoughts about capitalizing on the air of opportunity and new starts that come with the springtime and reflects on how we can sometimes get too set in our ways. What do we have to do to break out of that cycle and be open to new possibilities?
Nadia also hints at some exciting new content that will be coming up on the podcast over the next few months. Stay tuned for more!

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell
Project Lead Dennis Kirschner

You can contact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram