Women Lead
Women Lead
The Digital Distillery
Join dynamic duo and old friends Nadia Koski and Tiana Madera as they bring their combined 30 years digital media industry experience to this insightful, genuine, and occasionally hilarious new show Women Lead.Women Lead is a podcast dedicated to the important leadership topics, challenges and achievements that professional women experience everyday at the workplace. Through in-depth discussions with each other and guests, Nadia and Tiana explore what it takes to build your career, lead with empathy, and help the next generation of young female leaders rise up to take the reins in their industries.Based in Florence Italy, Nadia Koski bring her more than 15 years experience as a team leader, global content head of a large digital media and ad-tech organisation, as well as everything from fashion, to artist management, to publishing and digital startups.Tiana Madera, currently based in Los Angeles CA, also has over 15 years experience professionally building brands through social media, creating content, and leading teams as an account director.Together they will bring their unique insights from across their breadth of experience and no less, from across the globe.
13. Time Management
Welcome back to another episode of Women Lead talking all about techniques you can use and pitfalls to avoid when managing time in your personal and professional life. In this episode, Nadia and Tiana delve into the intricacies of effective time management,  the pitfalls of multitasking and the strategies they employ to maintain productivity. They introduce the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method involving short focused work intervals followed by breaks stress and discuss the significance of blocking out time in the calendar, ensuring flexibility to rearrange tasks as needed. Breaking down tasks into smaller sections and dedicating specific time slots for each part helps prevent feeling overwhelmed and maintains concentration.They explore the strategy of "eating the frog," inspired by the book of the same name, which encourages tackling the most challenging task of the day first, and Tiana reveals her extensive time management plan....which is quite different from Nadia'sEnjoy the episode!Key Takeaways:1. Multitasking may feel productive, but research reveals that the brain can truly focus on only one task at a time. Attempting to multitask can lead to mistakes, decreased attentiveness, and lower life satisfaction.2. Try the Pomodoro Technique which involves concentrated work intervals followed by breaks, aids in enhancing focus and reducing distractions. 3. 'Eating the Frog' is when you take on the most challenging task early in the day. It fosters a sense of accomplishment and paves the way for e rest of your day to be more productive.4. Effective time management involves strategic planning, categorisation, and setting priorities for tasks and goals. Planning the night before and adapting to changing circumstances are crucial to maintaining a productive routine.Links and Recommended Reading:Eat That Frog - Brian TracyThe Pomodoro Technique - Francesco CirilloProduced and Hosted by Nadia Koski & Tiana MaderaEngineered by Phil McDowellProject Leads Dennis Kirschner & Stefanie LeonardiYou can contact the show at [email protected] go to the website.Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
Aug 4, 2023
28 min
How to lead and empower your team to success with Stefanie Leonardi
How to Empower and Develop Your Team to Become the Best Versions of ThemselvesIn this episode of Women Lead, Nadia and Stefanie discuss the importance of empowering and developing your team to become the best versions of themselves. They share practical tips and strategies that leaders can use to create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and strengths, identify their blind spots, and develop new skills.One of the key takeaways from this episode is that self-promotion is an important part of the empowerment process. However, it's important to do it in a way that feels natural and authentic. Stefanie shares some specific tips on how to do this, such as starting by testing out self-promotion within a circle of trust and then gradually expanding your reach.Another key takeaway is that leaders need to create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and strengths. This means creating a culture of open communication and feedback, and providing opportunities for people to learn and grow.If you're a leader looking to empower your team, this episode is a must-listen. Stefanie's practical tips and strategies will help you create an environment where your team can thrive.Here are some additional thoughts on how to empower and develop your team:Set clear expectations and goals. When people know what's expected of them, they're more likely to be motivated to achieve their goals.Provide regular feedback. Feedback is essential for helping people grow and develop. Make sure to give feedback that is specific, timely, and constructive.Offer opportunities for learning and development. Help people develop their skills and knowledge by providing them with opportunities to take classes, attend workshops, or read books.Celebrate successes. When people achieve their goals, be sure to celebrate their successes. This will help them feel valued and appreciated.Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski & Tiana MaderaEngineered by Phil McDowellProject Leads Dennis Kirschner & Stefanie LeonardiYou can contact the show at [email protected] go to the website.Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
Jul 26, 2023
36 min
Changing Careers Gracefully with Tiana Madera
After a wild few months of professional changes, Tiana is back and on mic and dishing about starting her new job, leaving her old one, and all the do's and don'ts in between.It was such a pleasure to sit down with my work wife again and hear all about what a "day in the life" is like in her new position at a major US ad agency.We talk about what it looked like for her coming in and managing an established team, juggling the unknowns in any new position, as well as how to successfully and gracefully leave your old job without dropping the ball on all your soon-to-be ex-colleagues.Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski & Tiana MaderaEngineered by Phil McDowellProject Leads Dennis Kirschner & Stefanie LeonardiYou can contact the show at [email protected] go to the website.Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
Jul 12, 2023
30 min
10. Self Promotion and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Lauren Palmer
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Women Lead! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with Lauren Palmer, the Vice President of Agency Sales at Foundry.Lauren's career journey began in the fields of journalism and psychology before transitioning into sales. She shares how each experience has played a vital role in shaping her professional trajectory.In our discussion, Lauren and I dive deep into the captivating topic of authentic self-promotion and highlighting your career accomplishments. We explore the importance of embracing confidence and openly discussing the remarkable work you and your team are doing.Lauren guides us through overcoming imposter syndrome and encourages us to proudly proclaim our outstanding achievements. She provides valuable insights on how we can all get more comfortable displaying our achievements and promoting ourselves.Here are the top three key takeaways from our conversation:Authentic self-promotion is a powerful tool when it stems from a place of authenticity. It's a way to acknowledge your accomplishments and inspire others. It's essential to recognize and celebrate not only the significant wins but also the smaller victories of both yourself and your team. Share them with your colleagues, create a personal achievement list, and take a moment to revel in your success.Document your achievements. Regularly revisit and update your accomplishments in various platforms such as internal newsletters, public and personal social profiles, and during one-on-one meetings with senior management.Join us as we delve into this enlightening conversation with Lauren Palmer, where we explore strategies to unleash your self-promotional prowess and propel your career to new heights.Tune in and get ready to be inspired!Oh, and don't forget to check out Lauren's excellent recs below:Podcasts to check out:High Performance - ListenThe Science of Success“How to fail” Podcast by Elizabeth Day“How to Fail” - Book by Elizabeth DayApps: HeadwayProduced and Hosted by Nadia Koski & Tiana MaderaEngineered by Phil McDowellProject Leads Dennis Kirschner & Stefanie LeonardiYou can contact the show at [email protected] go to the website.Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
Jun 28, 2023
39 min
9. Diversity and the importance of representation in media with Michelle Sarpong
Your company’s diversity & inclusion needs to be more than a pledge to put on paper. It needs action that reinforces it on a daily basis.But what if you don’t know which steps to take first? Michelle Sarpong, Head of Display, Audio, and OOH Activation at the UK’s largest independent media agency the7stars, hopped on the mic with Nadia Koski for an electric conversation on the topic.Michelle recommends the High Performance podcast!Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski & Tiana MaderaEngineered by Phil McDowellProject Leads Dennis Kirschner & Stefanie LeonardiYou can contact the show at [email protected] go to the website.Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
Jun 14, 2023
54 min
8. The Difference Between Leading & Management
What makes a great leader? Interviewing one is a great way to find out!Stefanie Leonardi is Global Director Marketing at ShowHeroes Group, managing a truly global strategy while maintaining the best relationships with her colleagues.Her conversation with Nadia Koski covers mistakes, emotions, management, and much more.Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski & Tiana MaderaEngineered by Phil McDowellProject Leads Dennis Kirschner & Stefanie LeonardiYou can contact the show at [email protected] go to the website.Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
May 31, 2023
41 min
7. How to negotiate to get what you want
Ineffective negotiation could be costing you tens of thousands each year – it's an essential skill to have in the workplace. But why do so many of us struggle at negotiating our salaries, and how can we get better? Your hosts Nadia and Tiana share their experiences and tips to show that outside of mafia movies, there's no such thing as an offer you can't refuse.For further reading, Nadia recommends:Women Don't Ask: Negotiation and the Gender DivideFor further reading, Tiana recommends:Negotiating at Home: Essential Steps for Reaching Agreement with Your KidsFor more on negotiation, check out Tiana's Torch Podcast episode with Dr. Terri Kurtzberg:Negotiating with Kids, Tactics from Dr. Terry KurtzbergProduced and Hosted by Nadia Koski & Tiana MaderaEngineered by Phil McDowellProject Leads Dennis Kirschner & Stefanie LeonardiYou can contact the show at [email protected] go to the website.Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
May 15, 2023
38 min
6. Giving and receiving effective feedback
Providing feedback can feel as stressful as bomb defusal.Too harsh, and you're hurting someone's feelings.But sugar-coat your words too much and constructive criticism is buried.How do great leaders manage to give feedback that keeps work relationships healthy while getting the most out of their colleagues?Nadia Koski and Tiana Madera are two great leaders themselves, learning to communicate from their past managers and their own successes and failures.In episode 6, they're covering:Criticism that's non-judgementalHow feedback shouldn't always be criticalNavigating people's sensitive emotionsHow to prepare yourself for receiving feedbackAnd more.For further reading, Tiana recommends Radical Candor by Kim Scott.Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski & Tiana MaderaEngineered by Phil McDowellProject Leads Dennis Kirschner & Stefanie LeonardiYou can contact the show at [email protected] go to the website.Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
May 2, 2023
51 min
5. Influencer Marketing & The Introvert/Extrovert Journey
In this Episode of Women Lead Nadia takes the reins solo (while Tiana is off on an exotic holiday) and interviews SAP's Head of Global Influencer Marketing Ursula Ringham.They discuss Ursula's journey from Adobe to SAP and talk all about: Growing up in Silicon ValleyGetting ahead in your career as both an introvert and an extrovert How to keep your team creativeThe importance of speaking up and askingThe benefits of having a trusted friend and ally at workTips and strategies for effective influencer marketing Getting your drive to get back to work after some parenting yearsUrsula also recommends:Books:“Work Would Be Great If It Weren't For the People: Making Office Politics Work for You” By Ronna LichtenbergPodcasts:On - Kara SwisherPivot - Kara Swisher with Scott GallowayNPR podcasts are all great!Nadia recommends:Podcast Squiggly Careers with Sarah Ellis and Helen TupperAnd you can catch Tiana's questionable holiday headwear decisions on her instagram account @tianapix.Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski & Tiana MaderaEngineered by Phil McDowellProject Leads Dennis Kirschner & Stefanie LeonardiYou can contact the show at [email protected] go to the website.Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
Apr 18, 2023
43 min
4. Level-up Your Learning, Stay Curious and Successfully Change Careers - with Caroline Mastromauro
Welcome back to Women Lead! We're thrilled to have a special guest with us today, Caroline Mastromauro, Programmatic Associate Director at Essence Mediacom UK.In this episode, Tiana and Nadia sat down with Caroline to learn about her unique professional journey from the finance world to ad tech. Caroline shares how her passion for numbers and problem-solving led her to programmatic advertising and emphasises the importance of staying curious for personal and professional growth.We delve into the significance of flexibility, language skills (Fun fact: Caroline speaks four languages!) and empathy when working in a global team. We also discuss how to decide the next step in your own professional development journey as well as living on different continents, cultural differences, and how they've helped us evolve in our careers.The key takeaways from this episode are:It's never too late to change career paths.Don't be afraid to ask questions to achieve what you truly want.Thank you for tuning in, and we hope you enjoy this episode of Women Lead!Caroline Podcast recommendation: Three More DotsProduced and Hosted by Nadia Koski & Tiana MaderaEngineered by Phil McDowellProject Leads Dennis Kirschner & Stefanie LeonardiYou can contact the show at [email protected] go to the website.Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
Apr 4, 2023
33 min
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