profile

WIA Profile: Leslie Sharp

What is your role and responsibility at your company?

Double Click Marketing Inc. has blossomed from a niche marketing and advertising company into a full-service management company for adult production studios. DCM is responsible for the building of content management systems, affiliate programs, tours and member sections. I also manage and market the finished products for webmasters. As president of the company, I am responsible for finding, minding and grinding the core business. I oversee all operations, review all deals and mind all marketing. Wicked Pictures is the latest company added to the client roster. I also am handling my peeps at Digital Playground and AEBN.

Double Click Marketing Inc. has blossomed from a niche marketing and advertising company into a full-service management company for adult production studios.

Give us a typical Monday at your desk?

All week is extremely busy because I am in the process of opening a new office. I’m buying furniture, computers, server farms, hiring employees and managing my current projects. I promised Sleazy Dream that I would “submit” myself to being Ambush Interview #88, and juggling that in addition to other things made this past week extra challenging. I am looking forward to having everything in place within the next few weeks and being able to steal some sleep. A typical Monday shouldn’t be as busy as I’ve seen lately.

What do you think is your greatest challenge or asset being a woman in the adult industry?

The general challenge of navigating within a male-dominated industry undervalues the capabilities of women. I enjoy and am very proud of being a woman as well as coming as close as humanly possible to being “one of the boys.” However, as women, we have to “earn” that bond and position in the boys club, which is automatically given to men just for being men. I affectionately refer to this conspiracy as “Y-gate,” after the chromosome that defines the male sex. As a woman, I can’t say whether my sex has served as an asset or a liability. I can only say that I continue to surpass my goals and gain new perspective in an industry that has accepted me as someone who gets things done right the first time. Luck? Nah, but I’m among the hardest-working people that I know. I’m tireless. I am not a “feminist.” Men need to think they live in a “man’s world.” It’s just that sometimes they get punished for their ignorance in thinking that a woman isn’t as capable as them. In my world, it usually consists of me walking away with a much better deal. I think it’s funny that men often can’t control from which head their thoughts actually emerge.

What advice would you give other women who want to enter your field?

Don’t get lost in the party. Get your business done first because there will be plenty of time to have fun later. If you want to be respected by your peers in this industry, you not only have to know what you are talking about, but you also need to conduct yourself with decorum and self respect. If you behave like a sex object, expect to be treated like one and blame nobody but yourself. Being in the forgiving adult industry and seeing other folks taking liberties does not mean that you too should act like a carousing baboon. At the end of the day, the folks in this industry will do business with the people they respect and have fun with.

Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

From Compliance to Confidence: The Future of Safety in Adult Platforms

In numerous countries and U.S. states, laws now require platforms to prevent minors from accessing age-inappropriate material. But the need for safeguarding doesn’t end with age verification. Today’s online landscape also places adult companies at uniquely high risk for inadvertently facilitating exploitation, abuse or reputational harm, or of being accused of doing so.

Andy Lulham ·
opinion

What Adult Businesses Need to Know About Florida's Age Verification Law

The rise and proliferation of age verification laws has changed the landscape for the online adult industry. A recent and compelling example is the state of Florida, where Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed multiple complaints against major platforms as well as affiliates accused of violating the state’s AV law.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Maintaining Brand Trust in the Face of Negative Press

Over the last year, several of our merchants have found themselves caught up in litigation over compliance with state age verification laws. Recently, Segpay itself was pulled into the spotlight, facing scrutiny over Florida’s AV statute, HB 3. These stories inevitably get picked up by both industry and mainstream news outlets.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

How to Switch Payment Processors Without Disrupting Business

For many merchants, the idea of switching payment processors can feel pretty overwhelming. That’s understandable. After all, downtime can stall sales, recurring subscriptions can suddenly fail, or compliance gaps can put accounts at risk. Operating in a high-risk sector like the adult industry can further amplify the stress of transition.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Katie

Katie is the ultimate girl’s girl. As community manager at Chaturbate, she answers DMs, remembers names, and shows up for creators and fellow businesswomen when it counts. She’s quick to credit the people around her, and careful to make space for others in every room she enters.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

How to Stay Legally Protected When Policies Get Outdated

The adult industry has long operated in a complex legal environment subject to rapid change. Now, a confluence of age verification laws, lawsuits, credit card processing and data privacy rules has created an urgent need for all industry participants — from major platforms to independent creators — to review and potentially overhaul their legal and operational policies.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

From Compliance Chaos to Crypto Clarity: Making the Case for Digital Payments in Adult

These are uncertain times for adult merchants. With compliance tightening and age verification mandates rising, the barrier to entry keeps getting higher.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Real-Time Insights to Streamline E-Payments and Stop Lost Sales

A slow checkout process is more than just annoying — it’s expensive. In a high-risk sector like the adult industry, even small delays or declined transactions can cost businesses thousands in lost revenue every month.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

FSC's Valentine Leads Charge for Sex Worker Rights and Financial Access

Before ever stepping into a courtroom, Valentine already understood the power of presence. After all, they’ve shimmied on stages as a burlesque performer, consulted behind the scenes for creative businesses and moved through the adult industry not just as an advocate, but as a participant.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Breaking Down HB 805 and How it Affects the Adult Industry

North Carolina House Bill 805 was enacted July 29, after the state legislature overrode Governor Josh Stein’s veto. The provisions that relate to the adult industry, imposing requirements for age verification, consent and content removal, are scheduled to become effective Dec. 1. Platforms have until then to update their policies and systems to comply with the new regulations.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
Show More