Group Nine Media is the purveyor of a handful of red-hot brands—a fact that makes Kolb’s job both exhilarating and extremely busy. Rabid audiences for Thrillist, NowThis, the Dodo and Seeker render the company the top publisher on mobile, and the hits keep coming—including an exclusive deal with upcoming short-form service Quibi. Kolb and her team develop shows and sell content to third-party platforms. Among recent toplines, she helped Group Nine in 2018 develop and premiere more than 60 shows, guided the Thrillist launched of its first content slate, and worked on the launch of Group Nine’s first linear series, “Dodo Heroes,” on Animal Planet. Kolb is proud of Group Nine ERG The Gist, which is “dedicated to supporting and empowering women and encouraging professional growth within Group Nine.”
What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
First, we hire them. At this point our workforce is over 60% women and we empower and support those women with programs and groups designed to provide mentorship, peership and growth both personally and professionally. One of our points of pride is a group for employees by employees focused on female empowerment called The Gist. The Gist is the Employee Resource Group within Group Nine that is dedicated to supporting and empowering women and encouraging professional growth within Group Nine.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Whatever you’re stressing about right this minute. Stop. Just keep doing what you love with people you want to learn from.
Which current shows best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
I would have to say our upcoming Netflix Kids series called “Izzy’s Koala World” from The Dodo. The show introduces a dynamic mother and daughter who lend their efforts and time to rescue and rehabilitate koala’s in need. Two incredibly empowered compassionate and purposeful women making a meaningful difference in our world.
