The Wider Lens: Powered by Focus on Women

Rebecca Drobis Based in Washington, DC, Rebecca brings nearly two decades of experience partnering with brands, agencies, and organizations to craft natural, story-driven imagery that captures real human connection. Her work is known for its honesty, intimacy, and ability to communicate with warmth, trust, and impact. We also explore navigating industry slowdowns and how spec work can open new cre...

Kate Crane is a former tech executive turned career coach and founder of Direction Over Perfection. With creative roots grounded in art history, Kate blends storytelling, intentionality, and career development to help young adults design careers that are uniquely their own. She approaches career development as a creative act rather than a checklist. Before launching Direction Over Perfection, Kate...

Kat O’Leary works with brands and executives on social media strategy and execution, primarily using thought leadership to drive growth. She is the founder of Knockout Creative and currently serves as a Professor of Social Strategy & Management.  Prior to founding her company, Kat spent five years on the social media team at McKinsey, ultimately serving as Head of Social Media Strategy. She la...

Malinda Sanna operates at the intersection of creativity, culture, and data, using insight as a creative tool to shape how luxury brands connect with people. As the Founder and CEO of LookLook, she built a 7-figure proprietary consumer insights platform over 15 years with a global team of 16. Her methodology centers around what she calls “Cultivated Communities” — highly curated groups of individu...

Join us in conversation with brand strategist & designer Kenzi Green for an honest conversation on building intentional brands, charging your worth, and breaking out of the comfort zone in business. Based in Benson, NC, Kenzi is the founder of Kenzi Green Design, a creative studio specializing in brand and website design for female founders ready to grow. Known for her no-fluff approach, she h...

In this episode, we sit down with photographer and director Rebecca Miller for a thoughtful conversation on creative longevity, evolution, and building a meaningful body of work over time. With over 20 years of experience spanning fashion, portrait, and interior photography, Rebecca has built an international career rooted in curiosity and storytelling. Originally from Northern California, her jou...

In this episode we sit down with Emily Frances Olson, photographer and visual storyteller, to talk about creative evolution, meaningful work, and how personal experiences can reshape your artistic path. Based in Queens, New York, Emily is a photographer whose work centers on storytelling and capturing intimate, authentic moments. While she built her career in headshot and commercial photography, b...

In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Schon, the visionary wardrobe and prop stylist, producer, creative consultant, and founder of Double Engine Studio—a Boston-based practice that blends strategic thinking with intuitive storytelling to help high-performing individuals and brands align their presence with purpose. Hannah shares her journey from dance and production roots to launching Double E...

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Jump, the visionary founder of Powerhouses with Purpose, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to harness their potential for social good. Sam shares her inspiring journey from initial concept to building a thriving community that champions purpose-driven initiatives. She delves into his early motivations for creating Powerhouses wit...

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Silverberg, a talented photographer known for her striking visual storytelling and her ability to capture authentic moments. As a creative force, Jennifer shares her journey in the world of photography, from her early inspirations to the unique perspectives she brings to her work. Jennifer discusses the importance of connection in her art, her approach to...

In this episode, we sit down with Zoe (Berkovic) Zela , founder of Poppy and Sesame . A thoughtful creative and entrepreneur, Zoe is redefining what it means to build a brand with intention, heart, and purpose in today’s evolving creative landscape. Zoe shares how she got her start, what inspired her to create Poppy and Sesame, and how her vision continues to shape a brand rooted in creativity, co...

In this episode, we sit down with visionary filmmaker and environmental activist Rebecca Tickell . A force in documentary storytelling, sustainability, and regenerative living; to uncover how she’s using the power of film to spark global change. Rebecca shares how she got her start in filmmaking, what inspired her to dedicate her craft to environmental impact, and how she continues to shape the co...

In this episode, we sit down with multi-talented creative entrepreneur Trinette Faint — a force in modeling, acting, writing, and podcasting — to uncover how she built her name across multiple industries. Trinette shares how she got her start in modeling, what inspired her to expand into new creative pursuits, and how she continues to evolve as a storyteller and artist. Her journey is a testament...

In this episode, we sit down with Chicago-based food photographer and director Kelly Allison to explore how she turned a universe-orchestrated dream job into reality, embracing nonlinear paths and the unstoppable power of the feminine force. From childhood seeds of capturing moments—sparked by her dad’s photo book and a lifelong love of drawing, coloring, and reliving emotions through imagery—to b...

In this episode, we sit down with Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer Dani Dufresne to explore what it really takes to lead high-stakes creative campaigns across broadcast, digital, experiential, and branded content. With over 20 years of experience and a reputation as the behind-the-scenes powerhouse that agencies call when the pressure’s on, Dani shares how she’s redefining production through...

In this episode, we’re joined by globe-trotting author and professor Stephanie Elizondo Griest to talk about her latest book, Art Above Everything . Stephanie spent the past decade traveling across a dozen countries, interviewing women she calls “art monks,” creatives who have made profound sacrifices in the name of their work. As a longtime writer, educator, and advocate for the arts, she shares...

In this episode, we're joined by London-based commercial photographer Jenni Helin, whose work is known for its colorful storytelling and subtle touch of nostalgia. Growing up in Finland with her grandparents, Jenni spent her Sundays immersed in classic black and white 60s films, a cinematic influence that still shapes her visual style today. She shares how she's grown her photography bus...

In this episode, we’re joined by Melissa Cronin and Devin Gmitter of Greener Concepts Inc., a powerhouse agency transforming brand strategies into compelling visual content. You may recognize Melissa's name, and that's because she joined us on the podcast in 2021 and 2023! Today, she and Devin are talking all about their newest endeavor.  Finding Stoke is a powerful documentary that expl...

Today we're talking to Karen Williams, a visual creative director, keynote speaker, and the founder of Black Visual Queen. With over a decade of experience in the brand and editorial photography industry, Karen shares how she’s turning her passion for mentorship into a movement for equity and access. From working with powerhouse brands like Netflix and WIRED to coaching the next wave of visua...

Today we're talking to Lucia Rollow, a photographer, educator, and founder of the Bushwick Community Darkroom. Lucia shares her journey of building a thriving artist-run space dedicated to keeping analog photography alive in NYC. With over a decade of experience fostering creative community, she talks about the importance of accessibility, DIY culture, and mutual support in the art world. Tun...

This episode is all about being bold in how you show up. Whether you’re just starting to define your personal brand or wondering if it’s time for a rebrand, we’re diving into what it means to truly own your voice as a creative. From marketing with intention to finding clarity in your messaging, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to take brave steps forward. This episode is an edited...

Jenny Wilson is a seasoned and forward-thinking stylist with over 20 years of experience in wardrobe and prop styling. With a sharp eye for market trends and a background spanning fashion to floral design, Jenny is known for her adaptability, fast learning, and collaborative spirit. She’s ready to bring her versatile skillset and refined art direction to bold new challenges. Check out Jenny's...

As professionals in the commercial photography industry, social media is an essential tool for marketing, client connections, and inspiration—but it can also become a trap of endless scrolling and comparison. In this Community Call, we sit down with creative entrepreneur Colette to explore how we can be more present in everyday life, create more than we consume, and still harness the positive powe...

In this special episode, we’re diving into the food styling industry with insights from past guests who have mastered the craft. Janine Kalesis shares how her background as a chef and years in the restaurant industry shaped her journey into food and prop styling. Victoria Granof, a James Beard Award finalist and former pastry chef, takes us behind the scenes of her evolution from food stylist to d...

Today we're checking in with Melissa Dunne! In her last appearance on the show in 2023, we talked about how she got her start, the lessons she learned, and the creative path that led her forward. Today, she returns to share how her career has evolved into art direction, what it means to shape a brand’s visual identity, and the creative decisions that go into every photoshoot. As the Art Direc...