Coffee Break W/ Nywici

"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 "

"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 y

"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. 

"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. 

"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

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 o

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

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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. 

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.

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. 

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

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!

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".