Episodes
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"Whatever the context is, whatever the setting that we're operating in - ultimately, as leaders, we are in the business of building relationships." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Jill Cress, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at H&R Block - a leader in tax preparation services. A 2024 Matrix Awards honoree, Jill's extensive brand experience also includes PayPal, National Geographic and MasterCard.
She has been recognized for numerous accolades, including Adweek’s inaugural Marketing Vanguard list, Forbes’ list of the World’s 50 Most Influential CMOs, Forbes’ inaugural CMO Next List, and Business Insider’s 25 Most Innovative CMOs. At H&R Block, she leads a diverse team of customer experience, marketing, and communications professionals. Listen to this episode for the importance of curiosity about context and how her theater roots supported her career journey.
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"You know, nobody's working on their Plan A... I'm in the middle of the alphabet somewhere - but most people are on Plan B, Plan C, Plan D - particularly when you get to my age. So, I think that's healthy for people to realize. Your first act doesn't have to be your only act.”
In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich speaks with Liz Georges, Senior Director of Climate Communications at WWF. The World Wildlife Fund works in nearly 100 countries to advocate for sustainable policies and deliver innovative solutions that protect local species and their habitats. Liz started out at a PR agency, then pivoted to environmental law while volunteering at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. After her legal career, she worked in membership and then communications at nonprofits: Washington Project for the Arts, the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and The Nature Conservancy.
As an executive in climate communications, Liz puts the audience at the core of WWF's outcomes and thinks about the best way to engage the public in their mission-driven priorities. She also keeps the pulse on environmental movements. WWF attends the UN Climate Change conference, delving into NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) for emission reductions that reduce the effects of climate change. Listen to this episode for why the #WorkplaceAuntie thinks you should be loud about your priorities – plus, the important advice from Liz’s first job that’s stayed with her throughout her career.
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Missing episodes?
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"Am I going to be uncomfortable and leave here with nothing? Or am I going to be uncomfortable and make a connection?" In this specially recorded conversation from NYWICI's Communications Career Conference at Spotify Headquarters, you'll hear a fireside chat with two inspiring leaders: Tammy Tibbetts, Co-Founder and CEO of She’s the First, a global nonprofit advancing girls' education and leadership opportunities, and Dana Canedy, Managing Editor of Guardian US, an award-winning publication covering American and international news. Tammy and Dana discussed a wide range of topics, from the importance of mentorship and authentic relationship-building to tools for overcoming setbacks.
This conversation was recorded in September 2024.
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"Your career is not a yellow-brick road. It's not going to begin one place and end neatly someplace else."
In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich speaks with Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday - a global giving network that embodies radical generosity. What started as a hashtag in 2012 following Black Friday's shopping surge (#GivingTuesday) has become a powerful network of local leaders in over 80 countries! They inspire communities to both donate and volunteer, which can be seen in their annual Impact Report. Asha's original goal was to sign up 100 nonprofits to join in at 92NY, where Giving Tuesday was originally piloted. She ended up with over 2,000 nonprofits interested in a shared mission! It's no surprise Asha was named to the Nonprofit Times’ Top Fifty Power and Influence list from 2019-2023.
Asha started her communications career as a Publicity Assistant in publishing. She intentionally restructured her career once she became a mom - adding roles to her resume of a childbirth educator, teacher, and then Chief Innovation Officer engaging global outreach at 92NY. Listen to this episode for tips on seeking authentic mentorship, finding your own deep potential, plus dreaming bigger ambitions for yourself and your community!
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"Every day is an opportunity to learn something, to challenge yourself. It doesn't end - especially in a business like ours." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Daisy Expósito-Ulla, 2018 inductee of the Advertising Hall of Fame by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and CEO of d exposito & partners. A former Matrix Awards winner, she supports several scholarships including NYWICI's The Esperanza.
Daisy's strategic approach has reshaped the advertising industry - helping clients engage today's multicultural consumers and diverse segments of Hispanics and Latinos. Some of Daisy's current clients include the Smithsonian Institute, McDonald’s, Nielsen, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Prior to founding d expósito & Partners, she was Chairman/CEO of Young & Rubicam/WPP’s The BravoGroup.
In 1964, Daisy immigrated with her family to the US as a political refugee from Cuba. To acclimate to American culture, her "window to the world" was television. "Realidades" was the first bilingual program she saw; she was so inspired that she followed the credits at the end of the show and found the producers' office to (successfully!) land a job. Since then, she's put to work her expansive knowledge of communities of color in media and advertising, setting her on a fascinating leadership trajectory. Listen to this episode for how to educate your audience and why Daisy believes advertising is "not just about language - it's about culture."
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"There's a huge percentage of the population that's not thinking about their potential." In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich speaks with Erin Loos Cutraro in a pivotal presidential election year. As the Founder and CEO of She Should Run, Erin leads this national, nonpartisan nonprofit seeking to drastically increase the number of women considering a run for public office. After teaching middle school history, she got her master's degree. She pivoted into politics after a graduate school connection introduced her to a statewide campaign in Erin's home state of Missouri. In her prior role as a Deputy Director of Communications, she supported the Missouri Secretary of State with writing, voter access, understanding her voice, plus managing intentions and risks.
This opportunity sparked a renewed interest in politics and a chance to apply her skills to education reform, reproductive justice, and supporting women running for office - the latter of which inspired She Should Run! The organization is committed to increasing the number of women in the political leadership pipeline, in parallel with the projected tracking of the US 2060 population. Listen to this episode to learn more about the world of political communications, how you can further prepare for the general election, or dig into your own journey to running for office.
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“From Day 1, my experience in life is [that] you fight. You’re resilient. No matter what life hands to you, you take it and you make lemonade out of it.” In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Zain Habboo, Chief Marketing & Mobilization Officer at International Rescue Committee – one of the world’s largest emergency relief organizations.
The ability to build your own path is one of the greatest legacies of Zain’s family. From grandparents who helped build medical infrastructure and successful hotels in Iraq, to her father who was imprisoned under the Ba'thi Party for a crime he didn’t commit, Zain learned incredible stories of strength. Growing up in Jordan, she visited refugee camps with her parents and knew that she wanted a role in building humanitarian efforts.
Zain moved to Washington, DC where she calls herself a “multi-sector athlete” – working in media, agencies, and private companies. In her current role at IRC, she leads teams and resources that support displaced communities. Listen to this episode to learn how to think like an entrepreneur at a larger organization, how to be an empathetic manager and team member, and why it’s important to “be authentic and think before you type”.
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"We are not the people this [system] is designed for so there's this whole scarcity energy to fight so hard... but there's room for all of us." In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Sara Rodriguez. A former ballet dancer who studied political science, she became passionate about how policies and grassroots work can create impactful, societal change. Through Sara's internship with Day One, a nonprofit providing critical education and guidance to NYC's youth on dating abuse and domestic violence, she rediscovered her love for writing.
Adding her expertise of a political lens to communications, she became the Content Director for Kirsten Gillibrand's 2020 presidential campaign and worked in her HQ. This opened up a new world of professional opportunities for Sara and she got more clarity on what she wanted to say yes to and what her goals were. In her current role at NYLAG, she helps combat social, racial and economic injustice by advocating for people in crisis with free legal services and financial counseling. Listen to this interview for actionable tips on how to scale your career and intentionally orchestrate your next step!
This conversation was recorded in early July 2024.
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Caroline Hofmann, Chief Business Officer, Thirty Madison
“Don't get discouraged by the first interruption.” In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Caroline Hofmann of Thirty Madison, which offers virtual-first healthcare access. Working as a consultant at McKinsey gave her the "itch to build something" and she pivoted to an early-stage fintech startup, Republic, before joining Thirty Madison to build their migraine business, Cove. Caroline oversees Nurx, a telehealth provider for women that covers everything from contraceptive care to mental health to dermatology. Her team's goal is to serve women comprehensively with an accessible app platform.
Ahead of the 2024 general election, they conducted a report to better understand how much agency respondents felt they had over their healthcare decisions. 71% of women reported they have made at least one health related behavior change due to today's reproductive healthcare policies. Listen to this interview for more details on the intersection of women's healthcare and advocacy. Plus, why hiring (and working with) people with very different skill sets than yours can ultimately lead to the best business outcomes.
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"I've always gone into things with a lot of curiosity and learned by doing." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Katherine Barna. As the Head of PR for Waymo (formerly the Google self- driving car project), a pioneering technology company on a mission to be the world's most trusted driver, she's built upon her strong foundation of brand building. Katherine's woven storytelling throughout her communications journey, both at media and tech companies - fully embracing that a non-traditional road to PR is what makes her a strong practitioner. Listen to this interview to hear about how a "Degree in Feelings" and intentionality can increase your leadership capacity.
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"I know that it means a lot to me when I see people who have gone through a lot in their lives and have overcome it." In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Checkey Beckford, an Emmy® Award-winning reporter for NBC 4 New York. A Jamaican immigrant who got her start in PR, Checkey transitioned to broadcast reporting - writing, shooting and editing her own stories in Florida, Illinois, and California - ultimately landing in the #1 largest TV market: New York.
Now she appears in front of millions on weekday evenings, breaking news and covering general assignment stories. Listen to this interview for relocation advice to "move on and move up", especially in the midst of major life changes. Plus, Checkey's candid thoughts on working motherhood and what she learned from Oprah.
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"The way I've had to show up in rooms, [I've] done my fair share of swimming upstream... but when you're someone who's faced adversity, there's a confidence that exudes after that." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Matrix 2024 Honoree Rakia Reynolds!
As the Founder and Executive Officer of an award-winning strategic communications agency, Rakia has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of the 27 Business Leaders Aiming to Change the World, listed as one of the 25 Most Socially Influential Tastemakers on Dell’s “Inspire 100” list, and was on Forbes' “Next 1000” list. Listen to this interview to hear about her formative years and how it inspired her creativity. Plus, what she does for grounding and restoration.
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The Matrix Awards by NYWICI serves as our opportunity to recognize exceptional leaders in the communications industry. This year’s theme is Rule Breakers! The 2024 honorees don't just accept the status quo, they are carving their own paths forward and rewriting the rules to success. Listen to this episode to hear directly from some of our honorees, host, scholarship recipients, and attendees!
Sarah Ng, senior journalism major at Hofstra University and three-time NYWICI Scholarship recipient, took to the red carpet on May 21 and interviewed Matrix Awards honoree Rakia Reynolds, Founder and Executive Officer of Skai Blue Media; Matrix Awards host, Peloton instructor and TODAY Show contributor Ally Love; President and CEO of GLAAD Sarah Kate Ellis; NYWICI President-elect Brandi Boatner; and a few of our 2024 NYWICI Scholarship recipients.
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“Always learn the ‘other thing’ – it doesn’t hurt to have an extra skill set.” In this interview, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich speaks with Tess Quinlan, a NYWICI Scholarship Winner, Content Planning Lead for the NBA, and MBA graduate. Tess began her career in broadcast communications at Marquette University and an internship at Yahoo Sports. Learning a little bit about every sport was key to growth in her roles - she covered college basketball and football for USA Today, as well as tackled podcasts and editorial partnerships at NBC.
At the NBA, Tess works on DTC (direct to consumer) – everything from leading content production for the app to working with Peloton as a launch partner to covering the Olympics. Listen to this episode to learn what it's like to work in sports communications, gain actionable advice on how to find a mentor, and advocate for yourself throughout your career path.
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"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.
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"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.
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"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.
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"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.
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"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.
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"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.
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