Overseeing a team of more than 100, Nelson finds a way to make connections with her colleagues and clients through her forward-thinking leadership and wry wit. In 2025, Nelson and her team drove the transformation of more than 30 major initiatives, including the Disney Ad Server Migration, ESPN on Disney+ and major advancements in Disney’s Automated ad marketplace. Drawing on her 18 years at Disney, Nelson took the lead on curriculum around this year’s Disney Advertising Sales Leadership meetings for the global sales organization.
What’s your version of a “power move”—whether that’s a power suit, power song or power mindset? My power move is staying authentic in every interaction—with my team, partners, clients and leaders. I believe true leadership means engaging with others openly and consistently, rather than changing your approach or limiting access when you’re in a position of authority.
The industry is transforming quickly—how are you preparing your teams (or yourself) for what’s next? It’s important to be open with your teams about industry challenges – like media contraction, tech competition, and AI’s impact on daily work. At the same time, I focus on sharing genuine excitement for the opportunities these changes bring. Addressing concerns with optimism helps our teams remain resilient and ready for what’s next.
What part of your job would surprise people the most? Colleagues who’ve known me since my early days in advertising might be surprised by my journey from Marketing to leading Business Operations and Enablement. My experience in managing teams across all sales functions has given me a broad perspective, allowing me to spot opportunities for improvement and drive positive change across the organization.