Women Lead – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Women Lead, host Nadia Koski sits down with Dorit Posdorf, an experienced marketing executive, to explore what leadership, growth, and self-awareness truly entail behind the scenes.

From her early days in consulting to senior roles across e-commerce, fashion, beauty, and digital health, Dorit shares a refreshingly honest view of her career journey, one shaped by adaptability, strong networks, and the courage to say, "no". Together, they challenge the myth of “having it all,” explore common misconceptions around mentorship, and discuss why personal responsibility is at the heart of professional growth.

Dorit also speaks candidly about energy management - what lights you up, and what drains you - setting boundaries, and why leadership isn’t the only valid definition of success. The conversation wraps up with the two exchanging their points of view on the future of work, including how leaders can integrate AI thoughtfully and responsibly.

A must-listen for anyone navigating career decisions, leadership paths, or personal growth, especially women redefining success on their own terms.

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this year-end wrap episode of Women Lead, Nadia Koski sits down with Verena Gründel, Host and Director of Brand & Communications, at DMEXCO, and one of Germany’s Top 100 Most Influential Women, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on where media, marketing, and communication are heading next going into 2026.

As the industry reflects on a year shaped by rapid innovation, awards season, and cultural shifts, Verena shares her perspective on the trends, tensions, and transformations that will define 2026. From standout purpose-driven campaigns and industry events to the real, practical role of AI beyond the hype, this conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what truly matters.

Together, they explore how generative AI is changing creativity, search, and shopping behavior, why ROI and brand visibility are becoming more critical as budgets tighten, and whether we’re already seeing signs of AI fatigue—or simply a recalibration toward more emotional, human storytelling.

Beyond industry trends, Verena opens up about her own personal branding journey: the habits, mindset shifts, and internal barriers she had to confront to show up consistently and authentically in a fast-moving, highly visible environment. She also shares why listening, asking better questions, and communicating with intention may be some of the most underrated leadership skills today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How AI is reshaping consumer behavior and what this means for creativity, search, ROI, and brand visibility in 2026.
• Why authenticity and consistency are becoming essential in personal branding, and how visibility can be approached as a service, not self-promotion.
• How curiosity, listening, and intentional communication can drive stronger insights, relationships, and business outcomes.

This is a forward-looking and future-proofing conversation with one of the industry’s most influential voices, perfect for understanding how to navigate the rapidly changing trends and workflows in media, marketing, and leadership.

LINKS & RECS

DMEXCO Podcast with Verena Gründel

Early Adoptr Podcast with Jess Carlin & Kyle Corliss

Connect with Verena on LinkedIn

Learn more about DMEXCO, Europe's leading digital marketing and tech event & trade fair

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & 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 / YUNE

Get in touch with us at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & 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 / YUNE

Get in touch with us at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & 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 / YUNE

Get in touch with us at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & 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 / YUNE

Get in touch with us at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & 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 / YUNE

Get in touch with us at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & 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 / YUNE

Get in touch with us at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

In this conversation, host Nadia Koski chats with Cristina Pitarch, General Manager EMEA, Google Cloud Security. Cristina shares her unconventional career journey from law to tech, emphasizing the importance of embracing opportunities and overcoming challenges. She discusses her experiences in a technical role at Google, the significance of mindset in navigating corporate politics, and the need for resilience in the face of setbacks. She also highlights the importance of allyship and encourages women to pursue careers in tech and cybersecurity, emphasizing that learning and creativity can thrive in these fields. In this engaging conversation, Nadia and Cristina explore the evolving landscape of AI and cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of integrating security into AI projects. They discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in tech, the significance of empowering the next generation, and the need for role models in the industry. Cristina shares personal insights on parenting and the importance of allowing children to be themselves while navigating societal expectations. The discussion also touches on the necessity of addressing gender dynamics in tech.

Links and recs:

Connect with Cristina on LinkedIn

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.

Nadia Koski sits down with Dagmar Glow, an ICF-certified Business and Mental Health Coach, to explore the intricate relationship between mental health and workplace dynamics. Dagmar emphasizes that mental health is not just the absence of illness but a dynamic state that affects learning, communication, emotional resilience, and adaptability.

The conversation highlights the growing need for organizations to support mental health, particularly as burnout rates rise and younger generations bring new expectations to the workforce. With burnout costing the global economy $323 billion annually and contributing to 50% of employee turnover, prioritizing mental well-being is both a moral and business imperative.

Nadia and Dagmar unpack the differences between stress, overwork, and burnout, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early signs and fostering open communication within teams. They explore the critical role of managers in creating a supportive environment and the necessity of ongoing dialogue about mental health resources. Dagmar also shares practical steps individuals and companies can take to integrate mental health awareness into daily workflows, ensuring a more resilient and productive workforce.

As Gen Z steps into leadership roles, their emphasis on work-life balance, emotional well-being, and transparent mental health discussions is reshaping workplace culture. Businesses that adapt to these evolving expectations will not only attract top talent but also create stronger, more engaged teams.

Join the conversation as Nadia and Dagmar challenge outdated workplace norms, break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and share actionable strategies to prevent burnout and promote well-being.

LINKS & RECS

Connect with Dagmar Glow

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 / YUNE

Get in touch with us at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.