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The Wider Lens is a podcast about seeing possibility where you might not have looked before. Powered by Focus on Women, the show opens the door to broader conversations with creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders across disciplines.
Each episode features real, thoughtful conversations — not just about success, but about uncertainty, change, and growth. We talk about how careers evolve, how priorities shift, and how people build work that supports the life they want.
Honest, grounded, and community-minded, The Wider Lens invites you to step back, zoom out, and expand how you think about your own creative path.
243 Episodes
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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 cultivating meaningful relationships with clients, and how her experiences shape her vision. Wi...
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, connection, and mindful design. Her journey reflects resilience, intuition, and the courage it takes ...
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 conversation around regeneration and sustainability through her award-winning films — including Kiss...
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 balancing motherhood while rejecting the 9-5 grind, Kelly shares her fearless journey. She dove in...
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 her company, The Aux Co. From scaling teams fast to executing premium work on lean budgets, Dani ...
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 what these stories taught her about devotion, discipline, and the transformative power of art. Tun...
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 business over the past two years, what’s worked, what she’s learned, and how staying true to her creative root...
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 explores the transformative impact of surf therapy, following individuals on the autism spectrum, LGBTQ+ yo...
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 visual creatives, Karen brings insight, generosity, and bold energy to everything she does. Check out Karen...
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. Tune in for a conversation about passion, perseverance, and the power of building something from the grou...
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 power of social media for our businesses. Join us for an open conversation on finding balance, unlock...
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 director. And Bee Berrie brings her expertise as a UK-trained chef, award-winning bakery founder, ...
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 Director and Creative Content Manager at Nic+Zoe, Melissa leads brand strategy and provides on-set directio...
Today, Lauren and Traci are talking to Michael James O'Brien, a photographer, teacher, curator, activist, and writer. Michael is an acclaimed photographer and poet known for his wide-ranging work, from still lifes and portraits to commercial and fine art photography. He earned his MFA from Yale University in the 1970s, studying under Walker Evans, and later taught at Kenyon College and the New School. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Photography Department at the Savannah College of Ar...
Today Lauren and Traci are talking to Keith Gentile and Lynn Kyle of Agency Access! Keith found his passion for business and marketing early in life. He started at Agency Access as a researcher, where his natural talent quickly became evident. Seeing his potential, the company's owner gave him the opportunity to develop its Sales and Marketing department. In 2000, Keith took a leap and bought the company, transforming his industry knowledge into a lasting venture! Lynn, the Creative Con...
Jillian Lenser is a Brooklyn-based beauty and product photographer whose self-taught journey has fueled in her a deep sense of curiosity and intention. She approaches each project with thoughtful precision, asking, What do you notice? What do you wonder? to shape every detail—from lighting to client experience. Her signature style blends vibrant grit with soft tones, capturing both the energy of bold moments and the quiet beauty of life’s small joys. Jillian is passionate about human connecti...
Caitlin Dooley is a dynamic fashion professional with a diverse background in styling and editing. She began her career as a freelance wardrobe stylist for Anchor Artists, gaining invaluable experience working with a variety of talent and creative projects in Brooklyn, NY. Currently, she leads as the fashion editor for a local company while also running Grace of Grit, her personal styling business dedicated to helping clients feel confident and empowered. Caitlin thrives on connection, mentor...
Today we're talking to recent SCAD graduate Allison Martinek! Allison is a photographer and artist from Cresco, IA. Her work is driven by a passion for body inclusivity and a love for capturing authentic connections through portraiture. Allison’s photography has been featured in multiple exhibitions, including Power and Perspective sponsored by Leica, and published in AAP Magazine. Check out Allison's website to see her incredible work, and follow her on Instagram to keep up with where her ca...
Rachael Kershaw is a gifted photographer based in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Originally from the UK and raised in Switzerland, her love for nature and exploration has profoundly shaped her journey. Rachael crafts captivating images that blend authentic storytelling with a serene, ocean-inspired aesthetic. Specializing in empowering portraits and brand collaborations, she partners with women and businesses worldwide to create imagery that fosters deep connections and inspires authent...
Happy New Year, everyone! Today we're talking to Jigisha Bouverat of Rise Creative Studios! Throughout her 20 years at TBWA\Chiat\Day, she revolutionized the art production industry, managing teams and collaborating with creators to produce iconic campaigns. As the owner of Bouverat Collective, Jigisha built a roster championing diversity, with over 50% women and artists of color. Now, as a partner at Rise Creative Studios, a women-owned company specializing in branded and original content,...
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