Yanna Darili: Emboldened Women Business Leaders in 2022

Yanna Darili
President, New Greek TV, Dorian Productions
Director of Marketing and Communications, Success Plan Media

‘My mission statement for 2022 is to focus on completing the projects I have begun, and to continue evolving as a human being. It is also important to be mindful of prioritising things so as not to ‘lose myself’ in the process, and to provide self-care time for myself. 2022 is a year of achievement, working on projects that I love, and those that will seamlessly unfold. More importantly, I wish that the New Year will bring about happiness and peace, with all efforts serving for the greater good’

Yanna Darili has been an on-camera talent in the broadcasting industry since 1994, which later evolved into a director, writer, and producer. Her specialty lies in lifestyle, entertainment, health, travel, medical, fashion, and beauty reporting. Yanna has also dedicated her life to health and wellness and holds degrees in fitness and is currently finishing her PhD in Integrative Medicine. “I wrote the first exercise-nutrition book in Greece, and simultaneously walked the runway for international and Greek designers and was honoured to be the Master of Ceremonies for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.”

Tell us about your company.
“After moving back to my hometown, New York City, I became a shareholder and the President of New Greek TV, the first Greek American Television channel in America, where I not only run the day-to-day operations but also host shows and continue to film documentaries. I am also the Director of Marketing and Communications of my own marketing communications agency, and the President of a production company that produces and acquires IP’s, developing various projects for television and film.
My heart lies in supporting and promoting humanitarian, health and environmental issues, and my work has been very fulfilling with the Salus Club of the United Nations Recreational Council, where I have organised and moderated panels on these topics at the United Nations.
When time permits, I continue writing health articles for Thrive Global. I am very dedicated to continuing my work in these fields, championing the issues that are important for the future generations of our planet, bringing health and wellness to the forefront, and empowering women to evolve into the people they want to be.”

What do you think helped you the most to make a career as a woman?
“I do not believe one needs to be a specific gender to make a career in something unless it is gender specific. I pursued a profession that is geared towards women. Morning shows are mostly targeted to women at home, although during the lockdowns everyone was watching. As a producer and journalist, you need organisational and communication skills – women excel in these tasks. Fashion and beauty, health and wellness are the focus of the future, and the industry is mostly dominated by women, especially nutritionists. Women today can carve out a place in almost any industry. We have great opportunities to excel in so many fields, and the possibilities are endless and exciting.”

What is the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
“Love what you do, a positive attitude, knowing what you can do and cannot do, and if you cannot do something and really want to do it, plan to achieve that goal regardless of any doubts discouraging that achievement.
End Game: self-evolution, raising your consciousness, overcoming your fears and insecurities, and above all self-respect, always.”

Have you been confronted with gender-related roadblocks in your career?
“Bear in mind, roadblocks mean other routes. I believe that regardless of gender, success is earned through merit; knowledge, experience, confidence, dedication, kindness, and doing great work. I am of the opinion and would like to believe that these are the factors that determine success in one’s career regardless of gender.
I truly believe Film and Television studies in Greece appealed to males. During my studies, there were only a handful of females, and I did experience a few ‘remarks’ about directing and DP work not being for women, however, it did not discourage me at all. On the contrary, it made me want to challenge these comments. I am happy to see this changing, and I am thrilled to see so many successful women directors and directors of photography in the industry.”

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
“I am certain that we all know the empowerment phrases, so I will not repeat them; we are all aware of how one needs to be persistent with one’s dreams and goals to achieve them. Most of all it is about believing in yourself, and being clear on what you want in life, being truthful to yourself and others around you.
Never compare yourself to others. You can always achieve what you really want in life, provided you know what it is you are pursuing. Self-reflection and intention are important for success.
Leadership roles encompass many things, and not just professionally. Women have many roles in life, and great responsibilities, especially ones who have a family and career, and this can be overwhelming at times. My advice in general is to not lose yourselves. Take a deep breath and allocate self-time. Prioritise what is important to you in your life, as this is the key to success – especially when it comes to relationships at home and professionally. Leading is a great responsibility, do as much as you can to keep a balance within yourself to be able to lead fairly, with clarity and confidence. Ok now, new generation, go and save the planet! This might be a cliché but if you think about it, we really are superwomen.”