Stephanie Dorman

With more than a decade at Mediaocean, Dorman has guided the company through the constantly evolving ad landscape and several acquisitions. Recently, she led a major 10-figure global partnership, consolidating over 20 independent contracts and creating multiple net new growth opportunities. Mediaocean’s impressive 99% customer satisfaction and 100% net revenue retention reflect her dedication. Internally, she is focused on diversity, sponsoring a mentorship program that has more than 66% female representation across the company.

“Hermione Granger would excel in this industry because she is bright, resourceful, empathetic, adaptable, strong- willed and humble in equal measure. And she successfully navigates threats to her identity, as a “bossy” young woman and a half-blood. She played a crucial role in protecting the magical community and advocated for fair treatment for house elves. She possesses a strong work ethic and is both fiercely independent and an exemplary team player.”

What benefits should companies consider offering to support women advancement and to make the workplace more equitable? Networking is critical to supporting the advancement of women. Providing opportunities for women to participate in external networking activities where they can make meaningful connections, build communities outside of the immediate workplace environment, give back, and identify new role models promotes healthy relationships and opens opportunities for mentorship and career growth. Companies should offer both financial and time-based support for networking.

2025 would be Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. How do you think she’d react to Bridgerton? Bridgerton embraces a key theme of Austen’s novels, centralizing women characters and highlighting the tensions of societal expectations with the dynamics of relationships between lovers and friends. Lady Whistledown’s narration throughout the Bridgerton episodes echoes Austen’s storytelling style, and the comedic undertone adds an Austenesque flourish. I believe Austen would greatly enjoy the plot and characters; however, she would be surprised at how little seems to have changed (based purely on watching Bridgerton) in two centuries.

How has embracing your authentic self shaped your leadership style? I am exceptionally transparent, some would say to a fault. I believe trust is hard to earn and easy to lose, and transparency demonstrates trust and credibility. Providing straightforward, balanced feedback and being open about uncomfortable issues is important for a healthy team dynamic, so I embrace this aspect of myself. For example, I am up front about my menopause challenges, and as a result, the stigma around menopause has diminished and my team has been very supportive.

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