Women in leadership continue to prove that diverse executive teams are not only the right thing to build—they’re also the smart thing to invest in. Time and again, studies have shown that inclusive leadership drives stronger business outcomes, from profitability to productivity to retention. This year’s panel, moderated by Lynn Branigan, President & CEO of She Runs It, explored what true sponsorship and partnership look like in the highest levels of the industry.
The 2025 session featured four powerful pairs:
- Katie Secret, EVP Global Marketing & GTM Strategy, Teads
- Teads David Kostman, CEO, Teads
- Stacy DeRiso, US CEO, Initiative
- Dimitri Maex, Global President, IPG Mediabrands & Global CEO, Initiative
- Rebecca Panico, VP, Media Strategy & Planning, Hilton
- Michael Thomas, Integrated Client Lead, iProspect
- Ann Scheiner, EVP Agency Partnerships, Advertising and Partnerships, NBCUniversal
- Mark Miller, EVP, Global & Agency Partnerships, NBCUniversal
Sponsorship Rooted in Accountability and Results
David Kostman emphasized the importance of intentional sponsorship, stating, “As a leader, sponsor it. Sometimes fight for it.” He pointed to leaders like Katie Secret as examples of women who drive results and elevate teams. “I’m very bottom-line oriented. It’s just good business—it’s been proven time and again that this is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do.”
Katie and David also reflected on the recent Teads merger, speaking to the need for cultural integration. “You don’t want to change a culture—you want to amplify it,” Katie shared. The duo emphasized that maintaining openness, visibility, and inclusion across newly combined teams is central to long-term success.
Learning Goes Both Ways
In a candid moment, David remarked on the reciprocal nature of their partnership: “I’m the CEO, but I learn from her.” He praised Katie’s ability to hold teams accountable with grace and clarity, adding, “If they don’t deliver, she makes sure they deliver—she does it in a great way.”
Dynamic Duos Make Work—and Life—Fun
The session closed with laughter and levity as panelists shared what makes their partnerships thrive beyond the boardroom. From middle-seat humility to dancing skills and motorcycle rides, the lighthearted banter reminded the audience that the most successful professional relationships are built on mutual respect—and a sense of humor.
“Give a big round of applause for these great dynamic duos,” Lynn Branigan concluded. “This is what makes work and life fun: having great partners in crime to work with.”
For more leadership insights from Cannes and beyond, explore the full Talks with Teads series.