Dee Poku is the Founder and CEO of The WIE Suite - a private membership community for women leaders, innovators, creators. Its mission is to redefine the way women leaders achieve success for themselves and for their companies by providing the community and tools for them to thrive at the highest levels.

I love that her career has evolved from brand marketing to senior roles at Paramount Pictures and Focus Features, but then Dee pivoted to entrepreneurship when she realized there weren’t enough safe spaces and resources for women to accelerate their careers and learn from each other in a way that was constructive rather than competitive. Dee was named one of Marie Claire Magazine’s 50 Women Changing the World, a Crain’s Notable Black Leader, a CUP Catalyst Changemaker and she won a Gold Anthem Award from the Webbys. She is a force!

This conversation included:

• Navigating the ‘invisible rules’ of corporate culture as a woman

• Shifting from traditional mentorship to active sponsorship

• Cultivating confidence, self-worth, and visibility

• Owning your own narrative and building confidence

• Differing UK v. US cultural attitudes for ambition and success

• The power of ruthless positivity

• Definitions of success

Dee was professionally jealous of Emma Grede, a British businesswoman, entrepreneur and fashion designer who co-founded Skims and Good American. Dee admires many things about Grede, including her ability to partner with people and brands, and her ability to think strategically about who she can bring to the table to get the results she needs faster.

Check out https://www.thewiesuite.com/