Grit is the defining characteristic between those who talk a good game and those who achieve.
Dana Webber is a seasoned media executive with deep expertise in U.S. and International Program Distribution, Digital Media Distribution, Content Acquisition, Corporate Development, and Strategic Planning. Dana heads Legacy Distribution, one of the leading independent program distributors of content worldwide. Legacy is at the forefront of constantly seeking innovative ways to maximize the value of client’s content through innovative channels of distribution.
Webber began her career managing Domestic Television Distribution Sales working with major U.S. Studios, NBC-Universal, Warner Bros., and Program Partners International. There she specialized in licensing first-run and off-network programming to both the U.S. Broadcast Syndication and Cable Television Markets.
Dana graduated from the University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1999 and earned her Masters of Mass Communications from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications in 2000. She has served on the Telecommunications Advisory Council since 2004. Currently, Webber resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Andy, and two children, Lindsey and Adam.
Let’s learn a little about you and really get to experience what makes us tick – starting at our beginnings. Where did your story begin?
Dana Webber: Don’t laugh… 8 years old. I was a Brownie and we were charged with the taste of selling Girl Scout cookies and the kid who sold the most would win a brand new 10-speed Huffy bike. I went door to door for weeks determined. You better believe I won that bike! My parents always have and continue to encourage me and my siblings to persevere and work harder than the person next to you. It doesn’t matter who’s smarter, wealthier, or prettier… the one who preserves will succeed.
Was there somebody in your life that inspired you to take that specific journey with your business?
Dana Webber: My father. The definition of grit. Dad came from a tough Bronx, NY upbringing and had to work from the ground up to survive and grow. He did it without complaining and continues to share this attitude with his children and grandchildren today.
Often leaders are asked to share the best advice they received. But let’s reverse the question. What’s the worst advice you received?
Dana Webber: That’s a tough one but I would say ‘Don’t worry about other people. Focus only on yourself.’
I found that understanding and empathy are two qualities I have developed over time and believe they helped me with my connections to people in my business.
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Resilience is critical in critical times like the ones we are going through now. How would you define resilience?
Dana Webber: After you fail, you fail again, and after you fail again, you fail again, and so on…. Just keep going.
In your opinion, what makes your company stand out from the competition?
Dana Webber: Authenticity. A true authentic connection with all the producers and distributors. While we are of course focused on generating the most revenue possible for the program, that is short-lived. We are more interested in having a long-term relationship that will serve the many needs of the producers and distributors for all their programs.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success?
Dana Webber: Determination; Kindness; Curiosity.
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Being a CEO of the company, do you think that your personal brand reflects your company’s values?
Dana Webber: Absolutely. The ultimate goal is to create long-term relationships with clients and colleagues through transparency and honesty.
How would you define “leadership”?
Dana Webber: Helping others through encouragement and guidance. Negativity does not serve anyone whether it is an employee, co-worker, or client.
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What would you say is the main difference between starting a business at the time you started yours and starting the business in today’s age?
Dana Webber: In some ways, it is harder today (10 years later) and easier. It’s harder because there is more competition and things change quickly and it’s easier in the respect there is a very pro-women sentiment and information is readily available to learn.
What’s your favorite “life lesson” quote and how has it affected your life?
Dana Webber: Grit. You can be less educated, not the richest, not the smartest- but if you don’t have the passion for success you will not achieve. Grit is the defining characteristic between those who talk a good game and those who achieve.
This interview was originally published on ValiantCEO.
