Liza Katzer ’08 describes herself as a late bloomer. She applied to 21 different colleges before deciding on Northwestern; didn't quite know what she wanted to do after graduating (but thought "producer" sounded right); got laid off while working at Disney; and silently struggled with mental health and insecurity well into her 20s. An Emmy-winning producer for her work on the acclaimed comedy-drama series Ted Lasso, and recently named one of the Hollywood Reporter's 35 Under 35 Upcoming Entertainment Executives to Watch, these things about might surprise you. But that's the whole point of Ted Lasso: that regardless of your first impressions, everyone is deeply complex, layered, and capable of growth. Katzer has always wanted to be part of positive change in media and help tell more authentic stories that anyone watching can see themselves in. Sometimes art imitates life and sometimes TV shows—like Ted Lasso—reveal to us the possibilities for a kinder world.

On this episode of Northwestern Intersections, Katzer shares personal stories of growth and uncertainty, her insights into the impact of media on women's well-being, and how she positively contributes to a positive and uplifting work environment at Doozer Productions. Finally, she talks about how Ted Lasso is contributing to the way we think about mental health, vulnerability, depictions of women and their relationships.

Northwestern Intersections will be featuring all-female guests during the month of March in recognition of Women’s History Month, so we may uplift and celebrate the alumnae who are shaping their respective fields.