Dee Poku

Mar 21, 2023

Dee is wearing the Joey Dress and Everleigh Dress.

What led you to start The WIE Suite?

I wanted to create a space where women in leadership could support one another’s careers in a very tactical way. It was inspired by my own experiences navigating corporate culture as a senior leader in the entertainment industry. Because there are still so few women in leadership positions, the higher up you go, the more your peer group dwindles. Yet you need that base of support more than ever because the responsibility, pressure to perform and demands on your time only increase exponentially.

You’ve worked with many influential women, what inspires you most about them?

I’m inspired by women who use their success to change the status quo. It’s not just about being the first or the only. That’s incredible and I celebrate every woman’s success because I know what it took to get there. But what are you doing with that platform and influence to ensure you’re paving the way for future generations?

What is one piece of advice you would give young women looking to achieve their career goals?

Build your network early. It’s going to mean everything to your future success. Everyone looks for impressive mentors but I believe in peer mentorship. You grow together. To get my first job in film I wrote 50 cold letters but by the midpoint in my career, those opportunities were coming to me organically.

How do you stay motivated?

I’ve found my purpose and my passion and that gets me excited to get up in the morning. I love the autonomy of running a business, choosing who I work with and making an impact. Every story I hear about a member of my network who got promoted or a significant raise or who found an advisor, business partner, investment capital or strategic insight through our community makes up for the long hours and all the things I miss out on.

What is your favorite piece of art, film or book you have seen or read recently?

I have to say, I loved Everything Everywhere All At Once. What a bold, original, heartfelt film about rejection, redemption, lost dreams and the fierceness of a mother’s love.

If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

Red is my favorite color. It makes me feel powerful, centered and unapologetic.