Classic Desert Island Discs - Dame Donna Langley

Dame Donna Langley, the first British woman to lead a major Hollywood studio, reveals how her upbringing on the Isle of Wight—marked by environmental awareness, early vegetarianism, and racial otherness—shaped her resilience and fearless ambition. She recounts being adopted without ever being told, a fact that never felt like a burden but instead fostered a deep sense of self-trust and independence. Her journey from a London health club worker to Universal’s Chair and Chief Content Officer was fueled not by credentials, but by relentless drive and the belief that she could outwork anyone. She shares pivotal moments: backing controversial films like *Straight Outta Compton* and *Get Out* against internal resistance, standing firm during the Weinstein scandal, and greenlighting *She Said* despite its commercial risk. Her leadership is defined by emotional intelligence, listening, and a gut-driven instinct to say 'yes' to stories that matter—even when they’re unpopular. On her desert island, she longs for rest, solitude, and the comfort of music that echoes her life’s journey: from ABBA’s hope to Anderson .Paak’s family joy, with tarot cards as a companion for storytelling and self-reflection.