SUBSCRIBE TO THRIVING IN THE MESSY MIDDLE

In this engaging episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, host Amy P Wilkins chats with Viktoria Degtar, a powerhouse in the media industry known for her leadership and innovation. Amy and Viktoria delve into the complexities of leading through disruption, with Viktoria sharing insights from her illustrious career, which includes key roles at Martha Stewart Living and Time. Despite her impressive journey, Viktoria highlights the importance of staying grounded and the critical role of maintaining a robust support network, both personally and professionally.

The episode explores several themes, including navigating career challenges, embracing change, and leading with intention during uncertain times. Viktoria speaks candidly about her early career lessons and how she was shaped by mentors and rigorous training environments. They also discuss the current state of the media industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, especially with the rise of AI technologies. Viktoria reflects on how maintaining clear communication and building strong team relationships can drive success even in the most challenging landscapes.

Key Takeaways
  • Embrace Learning and Growth: Viktoria shares how early career challenges can be profound learning opportunities, illustrating the importance of continuous professional development.
  • Leadership and Adaptability: In uncertain times, effective leadership requires flexibility and the ability to pivot quickly when things don’t go as planned.
  • Support Networks Are Essential: The importance of cultivating strong personal and professional support networks for navigating career and life challenges is highlighted.
  • Leverage Change as an Opportunity: Viktoria emphasizes the value of viewing industry disruptions as opportunities for growth and innovation rather than obstacles.
  • Transparent Communication: Reinforces the need for leaders to maintain open lines of communication to build trust and loyalty within teams during periods of change.
Viktoria Degtar Quotes

Go back to basics. That’s where I learned how to negotiate.
Never expect perfection or certainty. It rarely arrives.
A good idea can come from anything and anywhere on any level.
If anyone ever tells you that there is a balance between work and home, they’re lying through their teeth. 
If you want to make a change, if you want to make a big difference, then you need to take some big swings.
At the end of the day, if you’re feeling uncomfortable, you’re probably exactly where you need to be.
The future is completely unpredictable.
You need a really good, solid sounding board around you.
Don’t do the job you have. Do the job you want.
You don’t need to have all the answers, but you need to be able to have momentum.
I always try to hire people who are smarter than me. Always.

About Viktoria Degtar

A powerhouse in media transformation, Viktoria Degtar has spent 30+ years scaling businesses, breaking into new markets, and driving double-digit revenue growth. As Global Chief Business Officer at TIME, she redefined monetization, rebuilt the global sales organization, and skyrocketed international revenue by 300%—now nearly half of TIME’s total. She’s the force behind commercializing major editorial franchises like TIME100 NEXT, TIME100 Health, and the TIME100 Impact Awards across the UAE, Singapore, and Africa. Previously, as Bloomberg Media’s Head of Sales & Marketing for EMEA, Viktoria reversed years of revenue decline, turning the region into Bloomberg’s top global performer while spearheading expansion into the Middle East and Africa. She’s also held leadership roles at The Huffington Post, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and the Financial Times, consistently driving growth, digital reinvention, and market breakthroughs. A bold strategist and dealmaker, Viktoria excels at scaling businesses, forging high-impact partnerships, and pioneering revenue innovation in an evolving media landscape.

Viktoria Degtar LinkedIn Profile

About Amy P Wilkins

Amy P Wilkins is a leadership coach, former media executive, and the founder of Choose Awe—a coaching practice devoted to helping women leaders navigate transitions with clarity, courage, and self-trust. After decades in senior leadership roles, Amy now empowers women to lead with purpose and thrive through the “messy middle” seasons of life and leadership.

Schedule an Exploration Call HERE

Read The Messy Middle Blog HERE