WomenHeard
By New York Women in Communications
WomenHeard Oct 26, 2023
Cate Luzio, Founder & CEO, Luminary
"Get comfortable talking about yourself... it's not bragging if it's based on facts." Cate Luzio spent two decades in financial services, most recently as the Global Head of Multinational Corporate Banking for HSBC, before she made a sharp career pivot. In 2018, she launched and self-funded Luminary, a global, membership-based professional education and networking platform offering resources, programming, and community to propel women to the top of their industries.
Cate speaks with host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich about why accomplishments don't just speak for themselves and the untapped potential of transforming networking into the practice of relationship-building. Listen to this episode for what gave her the motivation to create Luminary, the power of an "exploratory conversation", as well as key pieces of advice for entrepreneurs and women who want to check off their next achievement.
Changemakers: Kristi VandenBosch, President, OLIVER Agency
"You may lose a job you love, you may have someone betray you... this will not define you." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Kristi VandenBosch, President at OLIVER Agency. Formerly the CEO of Publicis, Chief Digital Officer of MXM (now Accenture Song) and Senior Vice President at Revlon, Kristi's leadership in communications has given her a wealth of expertise - not just in industry knowledge but in cultivating her values.
After speaking at a conference, she was offered a beer and a job - and this began her new journey at OLIVER agency. Holding emotional space for clients is one of her superpowers - establishing quality connections no matter how far up the ladder you may be. Listen to this episode for inspiring details on moving business goals forward and embracing "change moments".
Please note that this episode includes explicit language and themes.
Phoebe Gavin, Career and Leadership Coach, Better with Phoebe
"Pull others up with you as you climb." If you're seeking a new role, striving for better pay, or preparing yourself for layoffs affecting the communications, media and tech industries, this episode will give you clarity on resilience in all types of career transitions. With an effective coaching style that's been highlighted in TIME, Fortune, and Fast Company (to name a few!), Phoebe Gavin works with clients to customize growth plans and leverage tactics to navigate the fast-paced and ever-changing labor market.
She speaks with WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich about being more intentional with your choices, differentiating between your brand and brand assets, as well as asking the foundational question, "Does this meet my needs?" Listen to this episode for details on how to grow your knowledge of AI tools (and why that's relevant to your career!). Plus, learn what it takes to succeed in a competitive job market, how to maintain marketability, and give yourself "grace and space" to climb learning curves.
Laura Brusca, Chief Communications Officer, Forbes & President, NYWICI
"Don't ask for permission" may be your next confidence builder after listening to this episode! WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviewed New York Women in Communications' new President, Laura Brusca. Laura started her career at a NYC agency, Ruder Finn, where she found creative outlets by raising her hand for new initiatives. From working on a program for life-saving malaria medicine to sustainability at H&M, she took her six years of experience and went in-house at Forbes.
Laura recently celebrated a decade at the global media company - collaborating with stakeholders across teams, including working on the infamous "30 under 30" list of entrepreneurs and leaders in a diverse variety of sectors. She was recently promoted to Chief Communications Officer at Forbes and became NYWICI President within the same few months! Listen to this episode for details on how to strategically advance at your company, as well as get the inside track on her vision for NYWICI in the year ahead.
Changemakers: Donna Speciale, President of U.S. Advertising, Sales and Marketing, TelevisaUnivison
"In order to reach and engage our audience, [marketers] need to invest in culture and in language." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Donna Speciale, a 2023 Matrix Award Winner and President of U.S. Advertising, Sales and Marketing at TelevisaUnivison. Through leading a major division at the world's largest Spanish language media company, Donna has provided a wealth of resources for the marketing industry and beyond, breaking stereotypes on what a target audience "should" look like.
Bringing in over 200 new clients in the past 2.5 years, Donna says that working for a media company that prioritizes education and the power of growth potential has been one of her most exciting opportunities in the industry. Listen to this episode for details on how "zigging and zagging" has been a powerful asset in her career toolbox.
This conversation was recorded in December 2023.
Changemakers: Linda Boff, Chief Marketing Officer, GE
"Storytelling means sticking with what you want people to feel, not just know." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Linda Boff, Chief Marketing Officer at GE and a 2016 NYWICI Matrix Honoree. Linda is accountable for a diverse portfolio of global marketing, advertising, brand, content, digital, sponsorships, as well as corporate communications, crisis communications, media relations, public affairs, and financial communication.
A member of the Forbes CMO Hall of Fame, Linda's leadership style is one that brings humanity into the workplace - particularly with her perspective of "presuming good intent" in times of conflict as well as times of prosperity. Hear how she managed intentional prioritization with family (she was one of the first female soccer coaches in her town for her daughter's team!) and get tips on kaizen, a Japanese practice that advocates for continuous improvement.
Changemakers: Christine Elliott, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Moody's Corporation
"You're never at a standstill in terms of your growth." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Christine Elliott, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Moody's Corporation and a 2023 NYWICI Matrix Award Winner. Christine's 25-year career in communications started with ABC News and she continued a fast-paced trajectory through American Express and Moody's. Currently, Christine works with policymakers, government officials and the media to deepen understanding of Moody's unique value proposition as a global integrated risk assessment firm addressing corporate, financial, and economic challenges. She also oversees sustainability strategy, optimizing operations for the company.
One of the biggest parts of Christine's leadership journey has been having the courage for candor, which allows for vulnerability. Flexing this skillset has supported Christine at Moody's as well as with her two teenage daughters! Listen to this episode for how she takes her cues from "lady lions" and how she found the freedom to be her authentic self.
NYWICI Panel: Roadmap for Change
In partnership with NYWICI and Kaplow, Roadmap for Change is a communications mentorship program aimed at increasing opportunities for members of historically excluded groups. Pairing with another colleague in the early-career stage, Roadmap for Change provides access and exposure to develop professional goals, while also diversifying the pipeline of entry-level talent in the communications sector.
WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviewed Maria Ungaro (Vice President, Member Engagement at Licensing International + VP, Scholarships & Grants, NYWICI), Liz Kaplow (2016 Matrix Honoree + Founder and CEO, Kaplow Communications + Past President, NYWICI) and Brianna Boone (Senior, Temple University + 2022/2023 NYWICI and Kaplow Scholarship recipient whose apprenticeship marked Roadmap for Change's first iteration). Listen to this episode for details on how NYWICI is investing in the futures of communications professionals with the Scholarship Program (honoring over 400 women!), the advantages of peer mentorship, and what questions to ask when you start a new role or internship. For more information, check out these resources: Roadmap for Change (applications open in mid-November!) and Scholarships.
Changemakers: Mindy Henderson, Editor-in-Chief, Quest Media (Muscular Dystrophy Association)
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating a powerful community that advocates for everything from remote work to accessible travel to more positive representation in the media. In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis talks with Mindy Henderson, Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media. This adaptive lifestyle platform for the Muscular Dystrophy Association supports over a million Americans with tools and resources to help them live their most independent lives.
An ambassador at the age of 4 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Mindy said she took the disability that could have been negative in her life and turned it into a 20-year career in tech, along with marriage, children and intentionality. However, for the majority of her career, Mindy was often the only person in a wheelchair she saw and she felt exhausted not being able to show up as her authentic self. After a layoff that turned out to be the "best thing that happened for [her] career", Mindy pivoted into motivational speaking, writing a book and engaging in other professional paths that advocate for DEI and the inclusion of a diverse workforce. Listen for details on why accommodations are "success enablers" for disabled employees; plus, how we can continue to support and celebrate resiliency in the disability community.
Cathy McPhillips, Chief Growth Officer, Marketing Artificial Intelligence Institute
It's the topic we all have questions about - how will AI change how we work? Host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich sits down with Cathy McPhillips to discuss how AI can power marketing - making it more approachable and accessible. Listen to this episode for details on how AI can revolutionize communication and examples of how we probably already use it in our day-to-day. If you feel overwhelmed about AI, Cathy suggests starting by asking yourself about a consistent task that's on your plate. "Is it repetitive? Is it data-driven? Is it trying to make a prediction? If it's one, two or three of those things, you probably have a use case for AI," she says. Plus, hear how Cathy made the valuable case for her title as Chief Growth Officer.
Changemakers: Nancy Weber, Former NYWICI President & EVP, Marketing and Integrated Communication at Dotdash Meredith
In the first Changemakers episode, NYWICI President Georgia Galanoudis interviewed Nancy Weber, former NYWICI President. After an illustrious career in marketing, including almost two decades at Dotdash Meredith, Nancy retired in July 2023. Listen to this episode for tips on pivoting in periods of immense change. How do we create a way of working that's more integrated with our personal lives? What does it take to be an empathetic leader? Nancy shares lessons learned and her advice for the next generation of communication professionals.
Hitting the "Relaunch Button": NYWICI's Mentorship Program with Georgia Galanoudis, Linda Descano and Melissa Weisstuch
NYWICI is excited to announce its relaunching the Mentorship Program! It's never too late to learn how to advocate for yourself, especially in a professional environment that's rapidly changing. In this panel, you'll hear from: Georgia Galanoudis, NYWICI President; Melissa Weisstuch, Co-Chair of the NYWICI Mentorship Program; and Linda Descano, NYWICI Treasurer. Listen to this episode to hear all about the benefits of being a mentor and mentee, and how mentorship can both help you develop your "True North" and refine strategies with a supportive sounding board.
Plus, hear about the value of "peer-to-peer" and "1-to-2 or 1-to-a-few" mentorship. The NYWICI Mentorship Program will kick off on National Mentoring Day (October 27) and pairings will be announced around International Mentoring Day (January 17). For more information and details on how to apply, visit nywici.org.
Introducing WomenHeard: Changemakers with Georgia Galanoudis, NYWICI President
The new WomenHeard: Changemakers podcast series is all about inspiring conversations with industry groundbreakers, including Matrix winners and past NYWICI presidents. Hosted by Georgia Galanoudis, the current NYWICI President, these interviews uncover personal and professional stories of inspiration and resilience. Through this series, we’ll learn the motivations that have propelled these Changemakers to use their platforms to open doors, elevate diverse voices, and ensure a more equitable future for all.
In this first episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich speaks with Georgia about this exciting new series and introduces our audience to the host of these compelling new interviews. In addition to meeting Georgia, listen for their thoughts on leading with empathy, sustainable growth, and realizing we're not alone in our ambitions.
Lesley Jane Seymour, CEO, CoveyClub.com
A former Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire, Lesley Jane Seymour has run the gamut of fabulous magazine editorial jobs at Vogue, Women's Wear Daily, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, YM, Redbook, and More. After the latter publication folded, over 600 loyal readers asked Lesley to create something new. This birthed CoveyClub.com, a community giving women confidence in the midst of difficult life transitions. What would it mean to have a "reinvention plan" in your back pocket? Listen to this episode for tips on developing an open mindset and an actionable strategy for personal growth - it might just help you leap into your next exciting endeavor.
Devika Bulchandani, Global CEO, Ogilvy
If you've felt like you need to protect your energy lately, this is the episode to queue up next! Devika Bulchandani, Global CEO at Ogilvy and a 2022 NYWICI Matrix Award Honoree, talks about how to be a "radiator" of energy while protecting time to replenish yourself. In this conversation, she shares how she fell in love with the advertising industry and why she took another job to start a "new chapter". As the first woman of color to run a global agency network, and the driving force of the "Fearless Girl" statue in front of Wall Street's "Charging Bull", Devika has produced work that's inspired countless conversations. She talks about why "Fearless Girl" is so important to her and how personal stories are told through the work that we do. Plus, her advice on why to open up your own mind before asking others to open theirs.
Ellen Johnson, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Interpublic Group (IPG)
What does it mean to give yourself permission to show up more authentically? In this episode, Ellen Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at IPG, gives tactical tips for how to become more vocal about your priorities. Bringing her business background to the communications field, she explains how she was part of the team to bring IPG from a “fallen angel” to a “rising star”. Listen to hear what it’s like leading in the C-suite: from diversifying your skill set to understanding the ways a wide variety of challenges can strategically influence your career and brand equity. Plus, how she follows the advice that "if you're going to put your name on something, make sure you're proud."
Cornerstone Conversation: Jamie Heller, Business Editor, 'Wall Street Journal' & Annie Minoff, Senior Producer, 'The Journal.' Podcast
Join us for a conversation between two storytelling powerhouses at 'The Wall Street Journal'. Jamie Heller, Business Editor, and Annie Minoff, Senior Producer, tell us how the pandemic has affected business reporting and give us a behind-the-paywall look at how they source and produce the news. What factors contribute to compelling journalism and the lens of money, business and power? Listen here!
This conversation was previously recorded in October 2022.
Atoosa Rubenstein, Author, Creator, Founding Editor of CosmoGirl & Former Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen magazine
You won't want to miss this episode! In this unfiltered and honest conversation, Atoosa Rubenstein shares her origin story leading iconic magazines that helped a generation of women come into their own. She discusses comeback culture and re-entering the conversation, along with how media has changed in her decades of industry experience. Listen to this episode to hear behind-the-scenes information about the business, personal revelations and the importance of manifestation. Plus, hear why creating quality content should be top of mind and why it "isn't a time for capable managers, it's a time for pirates."
Please note that this episode includes explicit language and themes.
Melody Lee, Vice President of Brand Marketing, Herman Miller
From crisis management to in-house agency work to collaborating with iconic brands, Melody Lee has achieved a lot in the communications industry! This episode dives into where Melody got her start and how her career path consistently challenges her to "make herself as uncomfortable as possible". Listen for details on how she's navigated career transitions, when being an outsider can be beneficial, and how to pay it forward when it comes to mentorship. Plus, Melody shares her experience being a part of the NYWICI Board of Directors and her recommendations for how to get more involved.
This episode was recorded in the fall of 2022.
The 2023 NYWICI Scholarship
Could you be the next NYWICI scholarship winner? NYWICI believes in empowering future generations in communications and wants to support your professional path. Tune into this episode with former scholarship recipients and review committee members, as they share how they got their start, reflect on why you should put yourself in the running, and discuss the exciting opportunities that could open up. Plus, you'll hear tips for how to make your application stand out! Apply by February 28, 2023 and get more information here.
This episode features three exceptional panelists:
- Nancy Rabstejnek Nichols, Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Interpublic Group and Past President of NYWICI
- Lauren Hurwitz, Founder and CEO of MediaHouse, Freelance Writer, and Real Estate Agent at Compass
- Chelsea Orcutt, Associate Director, Strategy and Operations, Thirty Madison and Co-Vice President of Scholarships & Grants for NYWICI
Robyn Hatcher, Coach, Author & Consultant
Curious how to go from invisible to invaluable at work? In this professional workshop, Robyn Hatcher teaches us how to "own it while we hone it" and take on a more active role in our career development. Step into this strategic coaching session to hear practical tips for how we can differentiate ourselves and get the most success with colleagues who have different communication styles than us. This episode also includes some valuable confidence-building tips!
Tiffany R. Warren, EVP Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Sony Music Group and President & Founder, ADCOLOR
We're thrilled to share our conversation with 2022 Matrix winner Tiffany R. Warren! In this episode, Tiffany discussed the 25th anniversary of her corporate career and how taking chances helped contribute to becoming a C-suite executive in her early thirties. We also hear about setbacks and improvements in the DEI space, her motto of "rising up and reaching back", and continuing her mission to work with and elevate marginalized communities. Plus, Tiffany shares insight on why she stopped calling herself a "role model" and started rebranding as a "real model".
Stephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer, Mansueto Ventures
We're thrilled to share our conversation with 2022 Matrix winner Stephanie Mehta! Stephanie spoke about the advice she received that lit a fire under her - "be better than the 10%" - that was the encouragement she needed to distinguish herself professionally. Listen to this episode to hear about her former roles in business journalism (including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune and Fast Company) and what it's like being a CEO. Plus, she shares her perspective on what the "next normal" mindset should be in future workplace culture.
Bootcamp Panel: How to Effectively Communicate No Matter the Age Gap
Did you know that there are five generations in the workplace? Just that fact makes this conversation about intergenerational communications so important! The panel featured in this episode was originally recorded at NYWICI's 2021 Student Career Bootcamp and features experts discussing how to bridge the communication gaps between generations in the workplace. You'll hear tons of advice about how to communicate effectively in the workplace as well as anecdotes that are both educational and entertaining.
The bootcamp is relaunching this year as an exciting new event: the Communications Bootcamp. The 2022 Communications Bootcamp is an exclusive event for rising students and early professionals. It will feature industry icons and speakers discussing the tools, skills, and expertise young women need to develop their careers and succeed in today’s dynamic communications industry. The Bootcamp will be held on Monday, November 7th, 2022 at the Spotify Headquarters in New York City. Here is more information and a link to register. We hope to see you there!
Hoda Kotb, Co-anchor of NBC's TODAY & Yamiche Alcindor, Anchor and Moderator of PBS's Washington Week and NBC News Washington Correspondent
We had the incredible honor of interviewing two amazing women and 2021 NYWICI Matrix winners: Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of NBC's TODAY, and Yamiche Alcindor, anchor and moderator of Washington Week on PBS and NBC News Washington correspondent. Both spoke candidly about their career paths, mentors, and the challenges facing women in the workplace. In this episode, Hoda shares advice given to her by Maria Shriver and Yamiche delves into how she's handled tough situations while covering politics. Listen to hear more about their fascinating career trajectories and the lessons they've learned along the way.
This interview was originally recorded in the fall of 2021.
Marisa Thalberg, Executive Vice President, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Lowe's
As Lowe's executive vice president, chief brand and marketing officer (plus a 2021 Matrix winner!) Marisa Thalberg had a lot to share about her career with the WomenHeard audience. In this episode, Marisa gives advice about career changes (she's worked for some of the biggest brands, including Estee Lauder and Taco Bell), taking risks, challenges for women in the workplace, and so much more. This episode will also be a particularly meaningful one for current and future working moms, as she shares the origin story for creating the organization Executive Moms.
This interview was originally recorded in the fall of 2021.
Sally Susman, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Pfizer, in Conversation with Dustee Jenkins, President of NYWICI
This episode features a candid conversation between Sally Susman, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer at Pfizer and Dustee Jenkins, president of New York Women in Communications and the global head of communications for Spotify. As part of our new WomenHeard podcast, we're thrilled to be sharing conversations with incredible women and this one features insightful advice about networking, navigating career changes, and effective leadership. It also includes an exclusive look into what it was like inside Pfizer at the beginning and throughout the Covid-19 pandemic so far. This interview was recorded as part of the exciting new "In the Room" series, brought to you by New York Women in Communications. For more information about future events like this one, please visit nywici.org.
Ashley Miles, Founder & CEO, Franklyn West & President, NYWICI
Welcome to Season 4 of our podcast! We have a new name (WomenHeard) and a new look, but we’re still featuring the same thoughtful conversations with inspiring women in the communications industry. In episode 44, we check in with Ashley Miles, president of NYWICI and founder and CEO of Franklyn West, a business growth collective. She talks about NYWICI’s relaunch of the powerful #WomenHeard initiative, what it was like starting her own business, how to network with purpose, the importance of diversity in the workplace, and more. Plus she even has recommendations for your next binge watch!
Letena Lindsay, Vice President, Global Communications, Peloton
Jackie Fields, Senior Style & Beauty Editor, People Magazine
Ladies Who Laugh 2020
Rachel Dry, Deputy Politics Editor for Enterprise, The New York Times
Timi Lewis, Founder & Principal, Lewis Media Company
Johnita Due, Senior VP & Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, WarnerMedia News and Sports
Sally Susman, Pfizer & Lisa Sherman, The Ad Council
This episode was recorded in December of 2019.
How to Start Your Own Podcast: Tips from NYU Students
Jeanine D. Liburd, Chief Social Impact and Communications Officer, BET Networks
A Conversation About Pivoting in Your Career
Ann Mack, Director of Business Solutions, Global Business Marketing, Facebook
Ladies Who Laugh 2019
Kristen Meinzer, Co-Host of By the Book and Author of So You Want to Start a Podcast
Original Fearless Girls of Advertising
Marisa Bardach Ramel, Author of The Goodbye Diaries and Program Advisor at Newhouse NYC
Learn more about Marisa’s book here: www.goodbyediaries.com/
Beth Comstock, Author of Imagine it Forward and Former Vice Chair, General Electric
Power of the Pack, Featuring Shelley Zalis and Meredith Levien
Sharon Epperson, Senior Personal Finance Correspondent, CNBC
Scholarship Advice from the NYWICI Student Career Conference
Don’t forget to apply for NYWICI’s scholarship program. The application is open now and due by January 25. Find more information and the application here: scholarships.nywici.org.