Warner Bros. Discovery: Empowered Women, Empower Women

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Apr 2025

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About the show

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery’s Empowered Women podcast. We’re excited to bring you conversations with some of technology and media's most talented and inspiring women. Our aim is simple; to showcase and celebrate the many groundbreaking contributions of women in tech and media, and to inspire and nurture our community of talented women in tech and media. New Episodes Monthly. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts and please rate and review if you enjoy!

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20 recent

April 17, 202555 min

Do it Scared: CNN’s VP of Engineering on Embracing the Unknown & Growing Your Career

In today’s rapidly evolving world, one of the most essential leadership skills is learning to embrace the unknown. Take it from Erica Banks, VP of Software Engineering at CNN — who doesn’t shy away from uncertainty but finds opportunity in the unexpected. In this episode, we explore how leaders can lead with confidence in the face of ambiguity and navigate the dynamic media technology environment. If you’re looking to step up your leadership game, this conversation is a must-listen.

February 6, 202529 min

The Women Behind the Launch of Max: A Deep Dive into AI and Machine Learning

Machine learning and AI remain hot topics when it comes to shaping the future of tech and content streaming. To kick off a new season of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Empowered Women Podcast, we sat down with Deepa Paranjpe, Senior Director of Engineering to talk all things AI/ML. From applications to improved workflows, to the role AI/ML plays in content streaming to the future of tech — we cover it all! If you’re a technologist interested in getting into the field of content streaming, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

November 27, 202448 min

Behind the Scenes of HBO's Creative Process with Vice President, Drama Programming Cela Sutton

When it comes to crafting stories that outlive generations and shape culture, look no further than HBO's drama programming. Creating these narratives, though, is no easy feat — join HBO's VP of Drama Programming, Cela Sutton, on this episode of the Empowered Women Podcast for insights into character development, changes in the industry and the creative process — all while keeping representation and authenticity in mind. Transcript: https://pp-cdn.phenompeople.com/CareerConnectResources/prod/WAMEGLOBAL/documents/Empowered_Women_Episode_18_Transcript-1732724935281.pdf

June 27, 20241 hr 1 min

Acing the Interview: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Recruiting Executives on Landing the Job

Every dream job begins with an interview process. In our first-ever video episode of the #EmpoweredWomenPodcast, Jhneall Gardner, podcast host and VP of Talent, deconstructs the art of effective interviewing with Antoinette Miller, Director of Diversity Outreach. From skillfully packaging your experience and navigating tough questions, to demonstrating your impact and successful salary negotiations, this episode is one that’s sure to help you ace your next interview!

June 4, 202431 min

Pitch to Air: Patty Suh, WBD’s VP of Production & Development for Food Content Serves Up a Masterclass on Bringing the Best Content to Life

You know what it takes to make your favorite Food Network recipes, but have you ever wondered what it takes to produce and develop some of your most beloved Food Network shows? Join WBD’s VP of Production & Development for Food Content, Patty Suh, on this episode of the Empowered Women Podcast. We break down exactly what it takes to get the best shows to air—fleshing out the concept, finding the right talent, getting to the heart of the story, and bringing it to life.

April 30, 202431 min

The Women Behind the Max Launch Presents: In Conversation with Sowmya Subramanian, EVP Engineering

Executive, technologist, coach, sponsor, and leader. In this installment of "The Women Behind the Launch of Max" series, Sowmya Subramanian (EVP, Engineering) gives us a glimpse into her multi-dimensional role and some of the tools and thinking that have enabled her success. Join us as we explore storytelling and influence, growing yourself as an executive, and the role of machine learning and economics in driving inclusion.

March 28, 202441 min

The Women Behind the Launch of Max: Personalization and Recommendation

House of the Dragon, Shark Week, March Madness, Chopped, even the nightly news – all on one platform, used by a hundred million globally. How was Max built into the seamless, immersive streaming platform it is today? The WBD Empowered Women podcast is launching a brand new series, “The Women Behind the Launch of Max,” where we take you through the journey to its launch. This episode kicks it off, featuring Deepna Devkar, (GVP Engineering) who takes listeners through her team's role of building the content exploration journey on Max, the importance of unifying teams, empathy in leadership and more.

February 29, 20241 hr 0 min

The Leadership Journey: Personal Brand, Influence & Authenticity

On this month’s edition of the Empowered Women podcast, we’re answering all of your burning questions about building your career and leveling up as a leader! Join Jhneall Gardner (VP, Talent) Antoinette Miller (Director, Diversity Outreach) and Dwayne Cash (Director, Talent Acquisition) as they demystify everything from navigating feedback and building your personal brand to connecting with your team and the intersection of influence and authenticity. It’s an episode chock-full of brilliant nuggets from three top leaders at WBD.

November 28, 202348 min

Building Powerhouse Products to Powerhouse Careers

From Barbie to Batman, Max to Mortal Kombat, CNN to Shark Week and MotorTrend to March Madness, it's a brand new episode featuring the people powering it all. Marcus Mabry (SVP, Digital Editorial and Programming, CNN), Sarah-Mikal Dalusma (Product Manager, Data & Insights) and Steven Flenory (VP, Platform Technology, WB Games) take you behind-the-scenes of creating the world’s most successful, beloved products and content at scale. They also dive into their career journeys; the innovation, efforts and accomplishments that ultimately led them to the best team in media and entertainment. From building powerhouse products to powerhouse careers, this installment of Empowered Women unpacks it all.

September 6, 202336 min

The World of Media Supply Chain: From Greenlight to Your Screen

WBD Director of Engineering Nalini Sankaranarayanan joins us from our Bangalore Tech hub for a deep dive into the world of the media supply chain. Nalini and her team work incredibly closely with WBD content, and she delves into how her work supports what ultimately ends up on our screens. Everything from the initial greenlighting stage, to distribution and reversioning content for multiple languages and geographies. She and VP of Talent Jhneall Gardner also explore best practices for global teams, determining priorities and much more.