Elizabeth Donovan on Building, Leading, and Innovating in Media
On the new episode of the Womenheard: Changemakers podcast, we’re offered a glimpse into the journey of someone who has redefined what leadership and forward-thinking strategy look like in today’s fast-paced industry. From building the first hospitality media network to leading groundbreaking efforts at Acxiom/IPG, Elizabeth Donovan’s career has been defined by hard work and adaptability.
Donovan, SVP & Global Head of Retail and Commerce Media Networks at Acxiom/IPG, sat down with podcast host Georgia Galanoudis to talk about her extraordinary career path, her philosophy on mentorship and leadership, and how she fuels herself, both at work and at home.
From Childhood Hustle to Media Visionary
Raised by a hardworking mother and a father who immigrated to the United States, Donovan grew up in a family that believed in hard work, integrity, and perseverance. Her first big break came when she entered the media industry working in sales at Discovery. There, she gained a reputation for being dedicated. The environment was demanding and filled with high-stakes accounts, but Donovan worked to not only keep up but excel in fast-paced environments. Leaders noticed her drive, recommended her for new opportunities, and helped her climb the ladder.
From there, she moved to AccuWeather, where she transitioned into digital media. She immersed herself in trade publications about the industry, embraced innovation, and was involved in a women’s leadership cohort that gave her space to grow as both a professional and a leader.
Donovan’s career has been shaped by bold moves and visionary execution. Most notably, she spearheaded the creation of the Marriott Media Network, the hospitality industry’s first media network. Today, at Acxiom/IPG, she leads strategy and innovation across retail, hospitality, and finance, continuing to redefine how brands engage with audiences.
Mentorship, Leadership, and Building Strong Teams
Donovan brings both expertise and humanity to her work. From her earliest days in the industry, she recognized the value of having mentors who believed in her. She carries that forward by cultivating environments where her teams feel seen, supported, and empowered. “I think you’re a good leader when you make other leaders,” Donovan says.
The workplace inevitably comes with its share of unknowns and unpredictability. Donovan builds schedules that account for the unexpected, ensures breathing room for her teams, and focuses on preventing burnout before it begins. She also emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership and has been open about meeting people where they are, especially on tough days. She acknowledges that everyone faces challenges, and it’s in those moments that leaders must step up, whether that means lending a hand or offering perspective. “I lead with my door open,” Donovan says. “We’re all human. We’re all going through something.”
Refilling the Cup: Self-Care and Staying Grounded
Balancing career, family, and personal well-being is a challenge many can relate to. It’s easy to pour into work and others, but much harder to remember to refill your own cup. Donovan says she finds balance through a mix of solitude and connection, whether it’s carving out quiet time in nature, journaling, or simply being present with her friends and family. As a working parent and leader, she acknowledges the challenges of balance but stresses the importance of being present in the moments that matter most.
What’s Next?
As Donovan looks ahead, she’s excited about expanding her impact across industries, enhancing customer experiences, and continuing to build spaces where people and businesses can thrive. Beyond her role at Acxiom/IPG, she’s also co-hosting the Unlocked Podcast with Austin & Elizabeth, where they dive into the history of media’s “third wave,” retail media, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories and lessons with industry leaders.
Want to hear more about Elizabeth Donovan’s career journey, her leadership lessons, and what’s next on the horizon? Tune into the full episode of NYWICI Womenheard: Changemakers!
