GEMA TALKS with Rich Battista

GEMA TALKS is a podcast series from the Georgetown Entertainment and Media Alliance (GEMA), an alumni networking organization under the Georgetown University Alumni Association. Hosted by GEMA Founder/Chairman and veteran media executive Rich Battista (B '86), each episode welcomes a prominent Georgetown University alumnus working in the entertainment and media industry to discuss their career journey, their role in the industry, how the business has evolved and where it’s headed, how being a Hoya propelled them to their place within it and their advice for those looking to break into or rise up in the industry. Producers: Rich Battista and Alex Ghaffari Music theme: Teddy Zambetti Logo: Ross Patrick

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GEMA TALKS with Rich Battista

Dasha Smith

August 01, 2021 • Rich Battista • Season 1 • Episode 24

In this installment of GEMA TALKS, we are joined by Dasha Smith (B '95), Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer of the NFL. In our talk, Dasha describes what her role at the NFL entails, including the areas of technology/innovation and social responsibility/DEI. She also shares what the key factors were in executing on a successful 2020 season during COVID. Dasha also recounts her career journey including her roles at some of the most iconic media companies in history including Time Inc (and the challenges the company faced amidst the digital revolution) and Sony Music and now the NFL. She shares how she transitioned from an attorney to the areas of human resources and administration and also shares the one piece of career advice she would give her younger self, while also sharing insightful carer advice to those breaking in and advancing their careers in media and entertainment.