From Film Producer to Chief Executive Officer, Daniella Kahane has had a career full of wins. Now, with WIN, Kahane is focused on helping other women shine personally and professionally.
WIN's mission — to help women find their voices through negotiation skills training — is one that directly appeals to Kahane, who discovered a passion for women's storytelling through her film career. She says believing in yourself is the first step to a successful negotiation and women need help rewriting the script on self-worth. That's where she comes in.
We spoke to Kahane about her work with WIN, her biggest accomplishments and her advice for women who want to shine at work. She also shared the TV show you can't miss right now — and the TV star she would love to get dinner with. Hint: she's my pick, too.
Fairygodboss of the Week: Daniella Kahane
Executive Director/CEO of WIN
Greater New York City Area
Tell us a little about your career. How did you get to where you are now?
It has been a long and winding route, full of unexpected twists and turns. Suffice it to say, I spent most of my professional career as a film producer and
screenwriter of both documentary and narrative film, but discovered a passion for telling women's stories and empowering women through expanding the frame of what they felt was possible. The opportunity to apply my skills as a producer to WIN came about unexpectedly when I attended a
WIN Summit and was asked by the founder to
interview the summit speakers. I fell in love with WIN, its mission to help women find their voices through negotiation skills training. Right now, I feel blessed to do be able to do both.
What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
Being a working mother while raising two little amazing girls who I hope will grow up to believe their dreams are possible.
Who is YOUR Fairygodboss? And why?
My mother. She does it all. She raised five kids as a super hands-on parent — all while getting herself through her doctoral program and then working full time as a psychologist, helping families and individuals overcome mental and emotional health challenges.
What do you do when you're not working?
Have spontaneous dance parties with my girls; Clear my head by running or swimming; Curl up with a good book; Hike outdoors with my husband; Binge watch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
If you could have dinner with one famous person—dead or alive—who would it be?
Oprah Winfrey. I have a major girl crush, but then again... who doesn't?
What is your favorite movie?
I have too many favorites to pick one!
What book would you bring with you on a deserted island?
"Pride and Prejudice" because Elizabeth Bennet is one of my favorite literary characters and a feminist ahead of her time.
What would you buy if you won the lottery?
What is the #1 career tip you'd like to share with other women who want to have successful careers like you?
If you want others to believe in you, you have to believe in yourself. I know this is fairly obvious but it gets to the root of negotiation, which speaks directly to our self-worth. Women carry so much more baggage around negotiation, especially when
negotiating for themselves. We need to re-write the script on this and start valuing ourselves as much as men do.
Why do you love where you work?
Because I get to have the conversation around how we can best help women rise professionally and personally all day, every day. Because we are actively helping better equip women with the skills they need to smash through the
glass ceiling and bridge the opportunity gap which still plagues many industries.
