Women Lead

The Digital Distillery
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Join Nadia Koski, a digital media industry leader and creator, in authentic and empowering - also occasionally hilarious - conversations on Women Lead. Women Lead is a podcast dedicated to the important leadership topics, challenges, and achievements that professionals, particularly women, experience in the workplace. Through in-depth discussions with guests, Nadia explores what it takes to build your career, lead with empathy, and help the next generation of young leaders rise to take the reins in their industries.Based in Florence Italy, Nadia Koski brings more than sixteen years of experience as a team leader and global content director at an international digital media and ad tech organization, as well as a background in fashion and artist management, publishing, and digital startups. The podcast explores unique insights from all voices in the global media space, in a refreshing format meant to inform, inspire, and make you laugh.

  1. Trust Your Gut: Haleh Shoa on Reinvention, Legacy, and Success

    SEP 25

    Trust Your Gut: Haleh Shoa on Reinvention, Legacy, and Success

    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 clarityWhy storytelling and memory are powerful tools for legacy and connectionWhat leadership looks like when you trade agency life with building your own companyIf 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 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

    43 min
  2. Empowering Change: Lisa Smith on Gender Equality and Sustainable Development

    SEP 10

    Empowering Change: Lisa Smith on Gender Equality and Sustainable Development

    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 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

    51 min
  3. Navigating the Future: Insights from Futurist, Donna Dupont

    JUL 23

    Navigating the Future: Insights from Futurist, Donna Dupont

    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 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

    49 min
  4. How To Be Soft and Loud in Your Entrepreneurship Journey with Michelle Wolber & Elena Klöser

    JUL 8

    How To Be Soft and Loud in Your Entrepreneurship Journey with Michelle Wolber & Elena Klöser

    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 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

    55 min
  5. Women Lead Live from Cannes 2025: Creativity, AI & Inclusive Leadership with Microsoft Advertising

    JUN 25

    Women Lead Live from Cannes 2025: Creativity, AI & Inclusive Leadership with Microsoft Advertising

    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 SpotifyLearn more about Microsoft Advertising: microsoftadvertising.comMore from The Digital Distillery: thedigitaldistillery.comProduced 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

    1h 27m
  6. Beyond the Playbook: Embodying Leadership Through Intuition, Energy & Emotional Intelligence with Valarie Sandjivy

    JUN 11

    Beyond the Playbook: Embodying Leadership Through Intuition, Energy & Emotional Intelligence with Valarie Sandjivy

    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 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

    58 min
  7. Women Lead LIVE from the Women Edition Vol. 2: Hamburg

    JUN 4

    Women Lead LIVE from the Women Edition Vol. 2: Hamburg

    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 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

    38 min
  8. Breaking the Glass Ceiling & Owning Your Voice with Katja Garff

    MAY 28

    Breaking the Glass Ceiling & Owning Your Voice with Katja Garff

    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 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

    49 min
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About

Join Nadia Koski, a digital media industry leader and creator, in authentic and empowering - also occasionally hilarious - conversations on Women Lead. Women Lead is a podcast dedicated to the important leadership topics, challenges, and achievements that professionals, particularly women, experience in the workplace. Through in-depth discussions with guests, Nadia explores what it takes to build your career, lead with empathy, and help the next generation of young leaders rise to take the reins in their industries.Based in Florence Italy, Nadia Koski brings more than sixteen years of experience as a team leader and global content director at an international digital media and ad tech organization, as well as a background in fashion and artist management, publishing, and digital startups. The podcast explores unique insights from all voices in the global media space, in a refreshing format meant to inform, inspire, and make you laugh.

Information

  • Creator
    The Digital Distillery
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Women Lead
  • Show Website
    Women Lead