Gail Tifford is Redefining Authentic Leadership in the C-Suite

The Uplifters

When you think of powerhouse executives in the marketing world, you might imagine sharp suits and even sharper elbows. But Gail Tifford shatters those stereotypes, proving that true leadership comes from authenticity, vulnerability, and a deep sense of purpose.

In this episode, Gail takes us on a journey from her early days at Unilever to her transformative roles at Weight Watchers and beyond. She shares how personal tragedy shaped her approach to life and leadership and why she believes that honesty is the ultimate superpower in the boardroom and beyond.

Gail's story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to lifting others as she climbs. From creating Unilever's first female business resource group to co-founding the #SeeHer initiative with Patty Kerr and Uplifters Podcast guest Shelley Zalis, she's been a tireless advocate for women in the workplace and media representation.

But what truly sets Gail apart is her willingness to be human first and executive second. Her candid reflections on work-life balance, facing loss, and the power of gratitude will inspire you to approach your own challenges with renewed courage and compassion.

"It's okay to choose your family over your career."

5 Key Uplifting Lessons:

1. Embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness.

2. Let your personal purpose guide your professional decisions.

3. When you see a problem, Gail-vanize a solution.

4. You can choose gratitude over victimhood, even in the face of loss.

5. Use your position of influence to create positive change for others.

Get to Know Gail

Global marketing executive Gail Tifford is a partner in True Search’s Consumer practice. As chief brand officer of WW International (formerly Weight Watchers) from 2018 through October 2021, Gail led a strategic brand shift and platform evolution from weight loss to holistic wellness. At WW, she oversaw global strategy for marketing, content, creative, eCommerce, customer intelligence and consumer products. Prior to joining WW, Gail was vice president of media North America and global digital innovation for Unilever and a member of the Unilever global media leadership team. Before joining Unilever, she was vice president of strategic partnerships at Viacom, where she developed multi-platform media and marketing programs for the MTV and VH1 brands. Prior to joining WW, Gail was vice president of media North America and global digital innovation for Unilever and a member of the Unilever global media leadership team. Before joining Unilever, she was vice president of strategic partnerships at Viacom, where she developed multi-platform media and marketing programs for the MTV and VH1 brands. Gail is co-founder of #SeeHer, an advertising advocacy group for women, and is currently the co-chair of AdWeek’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion council (DEI). She is a board member of Fossil Group, Open Farm and Daily Harvest, and an advisor to the Child Mind Institute.

The Uplifters’ Web

• Gail was nominated by Julie Fleischer
• This week’s opening is by Heather Garcia

Let’s keep rising higher together.

The Uplifters website