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 [email protected]
or go to the website.

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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 [email protected]
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

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 Spotify
• Learn more about Microsoft Advertising: microsoftadvertising.com
• More from The Digital Distillery: thedigitaldistillery.com

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

You can contact the show at [email protected]
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

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 [email protected]
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

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 [email protected]
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

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 [email protected]
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this inspiring episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski sits down with Natalia Hilgers, Director of Demand Partnerships DACH at Equativ, to explore her journey in tech sales. Natalia opens up about the bold choices and mindset shifts that helped her thrive in a male-dominated space and why she believes women should stop over-proving and start owning their place at the table.

Natalia shares her experiences with impostor syndrome, the importance of recognizing one's strengths, and the boldness required to ask for career advancement. The discussion also touches on the challenges of transitioning into the corporate world, navigating office politics and cultural differences in the workplace. Whether you’re aiming to take a career leap, build authentic leadership habits, or navigate imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable advice.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Natalia handled bias, self-doubt, and a shocking interview comments early in her career
• Her approach to managing different communication styles as a leader
• Why she believes ambition is a strength, not a liability, for women
• Tips for networking authentically (even if you’re not an extrovert)
• How mentorship shaped her leadership—and why she pays it forward

They discuss the importance of mentorship, networking, and self-reflection in professional growth.  Natalia encourages others to take risks and highlights the interconnectedness of our decisions and their impact on humanity.

LINKS & RECS
Connect with Natalia on LinkedIn
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
Learn more about EQUATIV

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

You can contact the show at [email protected]
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram