Thedrum

To Samantha Scharff, chief executive officer of Giphy Studios, accomplishment is not about one’s own resume, but rather those of the people inspired. As a founder and leader of Giphy Studio’s creative content practice, Scharff is proud of building something unique and different — an exciting, nurturing environment where talent can thrive. “I’ve tried to build something different, that has empathy and compassion — where people really feel heard,” she says. Additionally, in Scharff’s mind, the industry — and especially women’s interactions with each other — can and should be more uplifting, a view that came from being in the entertainment ‘Boy’s Club’ for most of her career. “I once had a female boss that wouldn't let any women have a seat at the table, and it was terrible, and I've seen other women not supporting [each other],” she says. “Women are being competitive, and it just makes no sense. We need to be helping each other, lifting each other up, especially if we want to make more change in the workplac