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Technology, Growth, Leadership and Mentorship In this episode of WICT Wisdom, host Stephanie Cobian is joined by Sarah Counnas, Senior Director of Technology Communication & Strategy, DreamWorks Animation Sarah currently serves as the Senior Director of Technology Communication & Strategy at DreamWorks Animation. At DreamWorks, she oversees the studio's entire software portfolio, builds impactful vendor relationships, and leads high-visibility change management initiatives.  Sarah specializes in driving innovation and operational excellence across business operations, technology strategy, and change management. She is also on other media industry boards such as the Academy Software Foundation and NBCU TECHWomen. Sarah shares her 19-year journey at DreamWorks Animation, where she is now the Senior Director of Technology Communication & Strategy. She talks about what it's like to work in entertainment technology, how to build successful teams and lead effectively, and why continuous learning is essential for both personal and business growth. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:0d99b974-9276-4888-aefc-e964f83e7bde-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: Sarah Counnas The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment, and Technology Visit SoCal WICT

TALENT RELATIONS & TALENT-DRIVEN ENTERTAINMENT In this episode of WICT Wisdom, host Stephanie Cobian is joined by Jen Muccia, an accomplished Content Producer and Talent Booker. Jen brings over 20 years of experience as a media executive, producer, talent booker, and talent strategist. Her impressive career spans television, podcasting, and brand partnerships, having booked talent for a wide array of unscripted and entertainment programs—including The Traitors, America's Got Talent, and many more. Most recently, Jen served as Vice President of Talent at Cultivated Entertainment. Over the years, she has built and maintained strong relationships across the industry, working with agents, publicists, managers, book publishers, record labels, and other key players. Her credits include work with nearly every major network and streaming platform—ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and Peacock, to name a few. Currently, Jen is producing the newly announced official Dancing With the Stars podcast. Stephanie and Jen take a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes world of unscripted talent production. They explore the distinctions between a content producer and a talent booker, discuss the evolving role of talent in today's media landscape, and examine how technology and competition have reshaped the field. Jen also shares her personal journey—including what inspired her to launch her own venture, Booksmart. Learn more about Jen: booksmart.la Connect with Jen on LinkedIn: Jen Muccia The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment, and Technology Visit SoCal WICT

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian is joined by guest Linda Meighan, certified hypnotherapist, herbalist, and holistic health facilitator. She is the founder of Lovewelll (with 3 L's). Linda Meighan shares her journey to becoming a hypnotherapist and holistic health facilitator. Through Linda's own experience, she shares the importance of finding a community and the role it has in someone's career.  Additionally, Stephanie and Linda discuss how the entertainment and media industry portrays hypnotherapy vs the reality of how it works.  Most importantly, Linda leaves you with ideal ways to step up your mental health, whether you work in the media industry or not. To learn more: Lovewelll: www.Lovewelll.com  The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment, and Technology. For more information, visit: https://socalwict.org/

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian is joined by guest Melissa Wallace, Co-Founder of Fierce Foundry and Co-Founder & Managing Director of Fivefoottwo Marketing.  Melissa Wallace shares her journey from a legal background to the entertainment industry, including her experience at DirectTV, A&E, and Superfly, as well as her founding of Fierce Foundry. Melissa has the need-to-know insights on current startup trends, particularly as they pertain to women-led startups, and the importance of backing and building female-founded businesses. Melissa shares some of the things she believes are the biggest challenges for startups, the importance of mentorship, and the role of female leaders.  Melissa has over 25 years of marketing expertise. She has held roles with brands such as Superfly, DIRECTV, A&E, and eMusic. In 2018, Melissa cofounded Fivefoottwo, a marketing collective dedicated to nurturing early-stage start-ups. Then, in 2023, she launched Fierce Foundry, the first-ever Femtech Venture Studio, designed to reduce and equalize the funding deficit for female founders. To learn more: Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahudsonwallace/ Fierce Foundry: https://www.thefiercefoundry.com/  The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment, and Technology. For more information, visit: https://socalwict.org/

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian is joined by guest Janaé Désiré, Film and Television Executive.  Janaé Désiré shares her journey from non-scripted to scripted television, how her personal leadership skills have grown, and how leadership in entertainment has evolved through the years among women. She also shares what she thinks women and women leaders need to do in the near future to ensure both career growth, cultural growth, and personal growth. Janaé is a film and TV executive and currently the Director, Development at NBC Universal. Janaé has worked across unscripted and narrative television & film, animation, and podcasts. Her bakground includes Array, CAA, Participant Media, ABC News, and more.  To learn more about Janaé: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaedesire/ The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment, and Technology. For more information, visit: https://socalwict.org/

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian sits down with Dahlia Guigui, COO, Executive VP of Development and Head of Production at Sunset Pictures. Dahlia Guigui discusses her family's passion for the arts, her personal philosophy on taking control of your destiny and how Sunset Pictures is paving the way with their new initiative for new industry leaders through a women's sports division and their youth mentorship program. She and Stephanie also dive into the valuable lessons she's learned as an award-winning producer and how The WICT Network champions mentorship across the industry. To learn more about Dahlia: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0906508/ www.SunsetPictures.com The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment, and Technology. For more information, visit: https://socalwict.org/

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian sits down with Evelyn Lee, Venue Group Manager for the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games. Evelyn brings a wealth of experience to her role at LA28, having held key positions with organizations such as the Honda Center, Live Nation Entertainment, House of Blues, and the GRAMMY Foundation & MusiCares. Despite the recent devastating fires in Southern California, plans for the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Los Angeles are progressing full steam ahead. In this conversation, Evelyn discusses her career journey leading up to LA28, the intricate process of planning for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, the unique work culture at LA28, and the critical role the government plays in organizing the Games. The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment, and Technology. For more information, visit: https://socalwict.org/

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian interviews Ariela Nerubay, Marketing Executive and Author of, Not Pausing: Redefining Women After Forty. Stephanie is joined by Ariela Nerubay, an accomplished marketing executive who has held executive roles with The Walt Disney Studios, Fox International Productions, Sony Pictures International, Televisa, and Univision Communications. Her expertise extends beyond the corporate world serving as adjunct professor at the University of Southern California in the fields of multicultural and digital marketing. Ariela is passionate about paving the way for women to enjoy an equitable, healthy and empowered personal and professional life - who embodying a rich tri-cultural background that has significantly influenced her multifaceted values as an author, communicator and business leader. She is the author of the new book, Not Pausing: Redefining Women After Forty. On this episode, Ariela discusses her personal journey and the impact of her multicultural background as a communicator and business leader, the stigma of aging women, how women can lift up other women, and how mothers can be mentors to their daughters.  The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology. https://socalwict.org/

The WICT Network: Southern California presents a recorded exclusive fireside chat with Terri Hines, EVP, Communications for Fox Sports. Terri joined FOX Sports in 2016 and serves as chief spokesperson responsible for leading the development of all communications, brand and social responsibility strategies.  This event was moderated by Aimee Galaszewski, Multimedia Sports Journalist, who currently works on the FS1 studio show, The Herd.   During the chat, Terri shares her career path and pivotes she had along the way. She also shares the trailblazers that she looked up to and the mentors she had during her journey and how they all impacted her. Along with her experience and wisdom, there are some amazing stories that you don't want to miss hearing about. The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology. https://socalwict.org/

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian interviews Falguni Lakhani Adams Stephanie is joined by Falguni Lakhani Adams, a network executive with over 24 years of experience in senior editorial management and production. She is an Emmy-winning network executive producer at VICE Media, where she creates and produce original content across various platforms and genres. She is also the co-creator of Getting Hotter (@GettingHotterOfficial), a social impact project that aims to empower women and girls through storytelling and education. She additionally has experience at Amazon, CNN, Comedy Central, Yahoo and NBCUniversal Media.  Falguni shares her insights on being a working and inspiring mom, being involved in mentorship for other women, and what led to her starting Getting Hotter. Listen to hear Falguni's career journey and how storytelling and education can impact a woman's future, both when they are young or later in their career.   The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology. https://socalwict.org/

The WICT Network: Southern California presents a special from the screening of the Docuseries Unmuted by Without Exeption Films from early 2024 to WICT members.  Following a short introduction and audio sample from UNMUTED, listen to a panel discussion with producers, Charlotte Lubert and Milena Warns, and director, Dena Hysell-Cornejo led by Stephanie Cobian.  UNMUTED shares the harrowing, untold survival stories of brave women and girls around the world who are fighting against human rights violations and exploitation. Working with Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) that take a non-traditional approach to these problems with proven results, Without Exception Films was able to earn the trust of women who were brave enough to share their stories. By focusing on one issue per episode, they tell women's stories in all their intricacies, explore in-depth the socio-cultural factors underlying the problems and highlight solutions.   The Creative Team   Charlotte Lubert, Producer A writer, fundraiser and philanthropist Charlotte is dedicated to motivating people to donate money to great causes and giving people the opportunity to make a difference. Originally from the UK, she now resides in California. She has lived in several different countries and has had the opportunity to appreciate and learn about a wide range of people and cultures first hand. Charlotte founded Without Exception Films with this fantastic community of like-minded, talented individuals, in order to creatively shine a light on issues of importance and touch the hearts and financial resources of many. Her primary focus is to develop the minds of her four boys and impact this and future generations through inclusion, equality in education, and the protection and improvement of the environment.   Milena Warns, Producer Milena is a project & event manager with thirteen years experience in non-profit fundraising, and who loves helping others and animals. While studying at Texas A&M University, she founded a service leadership organization for women, which is still in existence today. A passionate traveler and scuba diver, she has visited over 50 countries and hopes to visit every country in the world in her lifetime. More than anything, she believes in making a difference in other people's lives and leaving the world a better place than when you enter it. She recently became a producer at WithoutX.   Dena Hysell-Cornejo, Director Dena Hysell-Cornejo is restlessly creative, working across mediums depending on the direction the story takes her as a writer, director, photographer, producer, and multimedia artist. Her work has been recognized with top honors at multiple festivals (Toronto, Seattle, Indiana, NYFF), and acquired by major distributors. After graduating from Stanford University, she has produced, directed, and written for Eli Roth's Crypt TV, Legacy Entertainment Partners, Drive Media and various other companies. She was featured in the 2017 Buzzfeed article on female directors talking about gender and representation in Hollywood. Dena has been a huge part of the creative team for Without Exception Films as well as Director and Showrunner for Unmuted and continues to advise and co-create on this and other projects.   Without Exception Films introduces the audience to women affected by these issues in the USA to show that these issues affect females globally, even in our own backyard. Without Exception Films are storytellers for people who otherwise would not be seen or heard.   For more about the Docuseries UNMUTED and Without Exception Films, please visit: https://www.unmutedseries.com and https://withoutx.com/ The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology. https://socalwict.org/

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian interviews Gloria Jolley and Paola Velasquez Stephanie is joined by Gloria Jolley and Paola Velasquez, The WICT Network: Southern California Chapter Mentorship Program Co-Chairs. Gloria and Paola highlight the WICT Network: Southern California Mentorship Program, how the program works, how to be a part of it, and the importance of mentorship among female colleagues. Each of these ladies share there insights as to what makes our program unique and how it creates more women leaders in the entertainment industry.   The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology. https://socalwict.org/

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian interviews LaFaye Baker Stephanie is joined by LaFaye Baker, Stunt Cordinator & Executive Director of Diamond in the Raw. LaFaye Baker is the first African American stuntwoman to coordinate a big budget project, HBO's special Introducing Dorothy Dandridge starring Halle Berry. LaFaye is an Intimacy Coordinator and also the founder of the Action Icon Awards which recognizes the achievements of stunt women, actresses, and sports enthusiasts, all the while benefiting Baker's Diamond in the RAW a 501c3. The organization is devoted to empowering and transforming the lives of foster care and at-risk teen girls between the ages of 12-18 through the arts and S.T. E. M. education. Recently, Baker recently launched, The Stuntwoman's Journal and an activewear clothing line, Stuntwoman Xtraordinaire a brand for the aspirational and unapologetic WOMAN living a phenomenal LIFESTYLE. LaFaye shares with Stephanie what it took to become a Stuntwoman, Stunt Coordinator, and Intimacy Coordinator and what's involved to help make the actors feel the most comfortable on set. She also shares some of the mentors who helped her get her start. They then dive into what led to LaFaye starting Diamond in the Raw and the Action Icon Awards as her own way to give back and help others get their start in the entertainment industry.    The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology. https://socalwict.org/

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian interviews Merideth Mehlberg Stephanie is joined by Merideth Mehlberg, Author & Executive Coach. Merideth is an executive coach, career strategist and CEO peer facilitator. She helps senior leaders elevate their performance, impact and career fulfillment. Merideth is also the author of, Your Finest Work: Career Fulfillment in a Complicated World. Stephanie and Merideth discuss the differences of mentorship compared to coaching, leadership of men and women in the workplace, what skills led her to becoming the Executive Coach that she is today, and the importance of completing her book.  The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology. https://socalwict.org/

WICT Wisdom's Stephanie Cobian interviews Mentor Erica Renee Davis & Mentee Kate Berumen Stephanie is joined by Erica Renee Davis, on-air talent, reporter at FOX Bet Super 6, and Kate Berumen, production assistant.  We are joined by The WICT Network: Southern California's Mentor Erica Renee Davis and her current Mentee Kate Berumen from our mentorship program. We discuss the importance of mentorship, what we can learn from the mentor/mentee relationship, growth in our media journey and the ongoing networking opportunities.  In addition to being a mentor, Erica Renee Davis is a journalist, host, producer and writer and working as on-air talent in sports and entertainment in film, television and commercials. As a host, Erica has appeared as a pop culture expert on TEGNA's popular syndicated talk show Daily Blast Live and has lent her on-air sports and sociopolitical commentary to Spectrum News, CNN, CNN International and Michaela on HLN. WICT SoCal offers a mentoring program to support both mentees and mentors in achieving their goals. It aims to foster relationships through shared knowledge and experience, trust, respect and honest communication. To learn more about our mentorship program: https://socalwict.org/mentoring/ The WICT Network's Mission: Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology. https://socalwict.org/