“Let people fly,” Niki DeCou from Horizon Media

Meet Niki DeCou, EVP, Enterprise Solutions at Horizon Media, where she leads integrated media planning teams and helps develop innovative solutions that drive client success. With over 20 years of experience in advertising, Niki brings a strong background in digital strategy, data, and technology to her work. Beyond her role, she's passionate about creating opportunities for others, leading Horizon Media's pro bono partnerships with City Harvest and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. An advocate for women in leadership, Niki believes in the power of mentorship, meaningful connections, and helping others reach their full potential.

Niki sat down with Morgan James, Content Marketing Specialist at SiriusXM Media, for Pass the Mic. Together, they discussed the power of mentorship, building meaningful relationships, taking chances before you feel ready, and how even the smallest acts of support can create lasting opportunities for others.

Listen to the full interview below, then check out some highlights from the conversation.

Encourage people to grow.

Highlight: "Having someone that maybe is young on your team come to you very nervously and be like, ‘Look, I have this opportunity. I want to do this.’ And letting people fly and encouraging that and saying, ‘Hey, if this feels right for you, that does sound cool. Go do that. Maybe we'll meet again someday.’ But really not centering yourself necessarily. And of course, you don't want to lose that person. But encouraging people to grow, try new things, and that that door will always be open. I think that's important to foster in a team as well in a different angle." - Niki DeCou

Reach out to your network.

Highlight: “Overcome any nervousness to reach out to your network, to send that email, to message someone on LinkedIn. You never know when people might find a moment in their day to respond, but encourage women to have those conversations. Reach out to someone. It doesn't have to be for any big change or for any ask. But practice having those conversations and building that network of a group of people that you can just discuss, whether it's business or life or just a trusted network of people.” - Niki DeCou

Build a network of people you can call.

Highlight: “You want to have a network of people that you can call when you need to. It's really important... We're certainly in a time where those connections in that network are very important for people. And so, I think leaning into them and answering that call when you can is invaluable, and it takes very little to do that.” - Niki DeCou

You don’t have to know everything.

Highlight: “When you don't know something, you don't know something. You do not have to know everything. That's not possible. So, I think being open and honest about that, too, with an, ‘Okay, so how can we figure that out? I don't now, but we'll figure out the way forward regardless.’” - Niki DeCou

A little can have a big impact.

Highlight: “This year, I've begun to lead our efforts running the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America… A little can have a big impact on someone else... There are a lot of kids that don't have the opportunities that I certainly had, where a lot of us take for granted these relationships with teachers, coaches, colleagues, mentors at work that open doors and windows and show us what's possible. And I love this program because it's making that possible for many more people and kids who might not have it.” - Niki DeCou

Niki's advice is a reminder that meaningful growth rarely happens alone. From the mentors who encouraged her to take chances to the opportunities she's helped create for others, her career shows how powerful a simple connection can be. Check out more inspiring conversations on the Pass the Mic page.

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