Local Profile’s 23rd annual Women in Business Summit, presented by Baylor Scott & White Health, is set for Sept. 13, 2024, at Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel.
This year, over 600 powerhouse women from various sectors including global enterprise, non-profit, small business and government will gather to celebrate, unite and empower each other to turn big ideas into reality.
Tickets are selling out quickly! Buy your ticket here.
One of Local Profile's esteemed speakers, Hedy Popson, is the CEO of Productions Plus — one of the top talent agencies in Texas. Productions Plus provides full-service talent management in the automotive, live event, trade show, product demonstration and retail merchandising areas. The agency is also SAG franchised and represents actors and models for TV, film and commercial and voice-over work.
Popson started her career with Productions Plus over 30 years ago as an actress and automotive product specialist. She officially joined the staff in 2004 and has since advanced to her current role. Under her leadership, the agency’s client roster has significantly expanded, and the talent database now includes more than 30,000 individuals.
What idea has impacted you the most in your field?
Our agency’s mission statement is centered around providing excellence in brand representation. The concept of forging authentic connections between individuals and brands deeply resonates with me. I am constantly driven to explore how authenticity fosters meaningful engagement in marketing.
How do you deal with setbacks?
I’ve always felt that a setback requires us to step back. Recognizing that setbacks are crucial for progress, I understand the importance of stepping back when faced with disappointment or work challenges. Embracing setbacks as opportunities to reassess and regroup allows me to move forward with greater clarity and resilience.
What do you do when an idea strikes?
I love a great idea and strive to create space for ideation. When a great idea hits, I typically start by jotting down the idea and key-related thoughts. Then, I like to brainstorm and expand on the idea, considering different angles, potential applications and any necessary steps to bring it to fruition. Depending on the complexity and urgency of the idea, I usually discuss it with my immediate team to gather additional perspectives and refine it further. Ultimately, I try to turn that initial spark of inspiration into an actionable plan or project.
How do you respond when feeling held back?
When feeling held back, I try to take reflection time to assess the “why” behind my feelings. I try to identify what is holding me back. Is this an internal thought process or an external situation? Once I know what is holding me back, I push myself to have the appropriate conversations with mentors and colleagues for honest feedback and try to create action items that will push me toward progress. Turning those insights into actionable steps is key to making progress and moving past what’s holding you back.
What is one idea that motivates you?
One idea that truly motivates me is the concept of continuous improvement. The idea that I can always learn, grow and become better at what I do, whether it’s personally or professionally, is profoundly inspiring. It drives me to seek out new challenges, embrace feedback and push beyond my comfort zone in pursuit of becoming the best version of myself.
What was the most difficult decision you’ve made in your career so far?
Transitioning from a career as a spokesperson/actress, where I had been a member of the Screen Actors Guild for over 20 years, to an account manager position at Productions Plus was a significant decision for me. The prospect of applying the skills I had honed as a performer to a more traditional job setting was initially daunting. Letting go of the dream I had long carried and embracing something relatively new required a considerable amount of self-confidence and a willingness to learn. It was only when I threw myself into this new role, that I discovered that this decision that had initially seemed so difficult was actually the foundation of what would become my now dream job as CEO of our agency.
What challenges do you face as a woman in your industry?
As a female CEO of a talent agency operating across diverse industries, I encounter numerous challenges that are often unique to my gender. In sectors like automotive and corporate, which are predominantly male-dominated, navigating as the only woman at the table can be particularly challenging. Another challenge is striking the right balance between assertiveness and likability. Women in leadership roles are often judged more harshly for being too assertive or not assertive enough. Finding that sweet spot where I can assert my authority and expertise without being labeled as “bossy” or “aggressive” is a delicate dance.
Moreover, as a female CEO, I’m constantly conscious of how my decisions and actions are perceived. The pressure to be influential without coming across as pushy, and to make conscious decisions without being labeled as judgmental, adds an extra layer of complexity to my role. It sometimes feels like I’m walking a tightrope, constantly mindful of how my behavior might be interpreted by others. While these challenges can be daunting, they also serve as fuel for my determination to pave the way for future generations of women leaders and create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.
Who is the first person you come to with an idea?
I typically go to key members of our C-Suite, most often our CFO and COO. By collaborating with both my CFO and COO, I am able to gain a comprehensive understanding of my idea’s potential strengths and weaknesses from both a financial and operational perspective. This enables me to make more informed decisions and develop strategies that are not only innovative, but also practical and sustainable in the long run.
What is a recent challenge you faced? How did you overcome it?
Becoming CEO amidst a global pandemic presented a unique set of challenges, especially considering the nature of our agency’s work being dependent on live events and on-camera engagements. Upon being named CEO, I had to determine how to reframe this adversity and turn it into an opportunity for growth and transformation.
The immediate challenge was ensuring the agency’s survival during a time when live marketing activities were virtually non-existent. I decided to take a proactive approach of utilizing the downtime to assess and improve various aspects of the company. By focusing on employee engagement and investing in learning sessions, I was laser-focused on keeping the team motivated but also preparing them for the changes ahead.
We quickly created teams to analyze and upgrade our systems so that we could work smarter and more efficiently. This not only enhanced the agency’s capabilities but also positioned us for success once live marketing activities resumed. I was determined to create a culture of buy-in, despite the lack of immediate paying work. By involving the entire team in the restructuring and retraining process, I tried to foster a sense of ownership and commitment among employees, ensuring that everyone was aligned with the agency’s goals and vision.
In just two years, we completely transformed the agency, implementing new technologies, restructuring the organization and optimizing workflows for a hybrid work environment. Moving forward, the agency is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities and navigate future uncertainties with confidence.
What is the biggest mistake you see women making when advancing their careers?
One of the biggest mistakes women can make when trying to advance their careers is hesitating to advocate for themselves and their accomplishments. Research shows that women often downplay their achievements or attribute their success to external factors, while men are more likely to self-promote and take credit for their accomplishments. Another mistake I often see is women sometimes holding themselves back by not seeking out mentors or sponsors who can support their professional development and advocate for their advancement within the organization. Building relationships with senior leaders and seeking guidance from mentors can provide valuable insights, advice and opportunities for career growth. Finally, a lack of confidence can also be a significant barrier for women in advancing their careers. Women may doubt their abilities or feel imposter syndrome, which can hold them back from pursuing challenging opportunities or taking on leadership roles. Cultivating self-confidence and resilience is essential for overcoming these barriers and seizing opportunities for career advancement.
How do you define success?
Success is combining what you are passionate about with unwavering determination and intense curiosity. I believe success is loving what you do so much that you cannot help but lift others up as you move through your day. There is a great quote by Ralph Waldo Emmerson that sums up what success has meant to me: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve always loved the phrase “find something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” because it encapsulates the idea that when you pursue a career or passion that aligns with your interests, values and strengths, it doesn’t feel like work. When you’re deeply passionate about what you do, it can transform your perspective on work. Rather than viewing it as a chore or obligation, it becomes a source of joy, satisfaction and personal growth.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on succession planning within the organization and further creating a culture of possibilities. Our organization utilizes EOS for operational structure and DiSC and CliftonStrengths assessments for people development. Focusing on internal learnings in these areas is a core rock for 2024 because without our internal people performing their best, we cannot find the 1,500+ external people we need each month to fulfill our projects for our clients. This focus on interconnectedness between internal and external performance is crucial. I am passionate about creating a strong internal team that not only drives operational excellence but also enhances the organization’s ability to attract, retain and effectively manage our external talent to meet client demands. By prioritizing internal development and performance, I am positioning the organization for sustained success and growth in fulfilling client projects and exceeding expectations.
What is the best book you read this year?
Business: The Elevation Approach by Tina Wells
Fiction: The Women by Kristin Hannah
Biography: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
This isn't just an event — it's a movement! Join over 600 powerhouse women from various sectors including global enterprise, non-profit, small business and government as we celebrate, unite and empower each other to turn BIG IDEAS into reality.
Seize this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future. You deserve to be among the North Texas community's leading ladies, shaping BIG IDEAS and making an impact that reverberates far beyond the summit.
Speakers & Panelists
- Marianne Radley, CMO, Smoothie King
- Melody Lennox, People Operations Executive
- Ginny Kissling, Global President & COO, Ryan
- Nora Gomez, CMO, Nebraska Furniture Mart
- Hedy Popson, President & CEO, Productions Plus
- Beth Garvey, President, CEO & Chair, BGSF
- Angela Hutson, SVP, Chief Accounting Officer, BSWHealth
- Sharon Ramage, Founder, The Ramage Law Group
- Lisa Clawson, SVP, Market Manager Private Wealth, Bank of Texas
- Tatsumi Paredes, Senior Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, TOYOTA
Expect:
- Networking: Sip mimosas while forging invaluable connections during our morning networking session. Don't forget to strike a pose at our photobooth and capture the moment with watercolor portraits, painted live!
- Speaker Sessions: Hear from influential speakers and engage in thought-provoking panel discussions centered around BIG IDEAS.
- Post-Event Celebration: Wrap up the day on a high note at our post-event happy hour hosted at the trendy Bulla Gastrobar.
Schedule
10 - 11:30 a.m. Mimosas & Networking with live water color portrait artist, Kiss-N-Teller, photobooth and more!
11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Seated Lunch
- Keynote Addresses with Marianne Radley, CMO at Smoothie King and Melody Lennox, People Operations Executive
- Two Powerhouse Panels featuring esteemed local female leaders
- Coffee Break & Networking
3 p.m. Happy Hour at Bulla Gastrobar
