Grab a latte (or your coffee drink of choice) and tune into the premiere of Coffee Break w/ NYWICI, featuring guest Saundra Thomas, Vice President of Community Affairs at WABC-TV. Host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich chats with Saundra about staying centered at work and finding fulfillment in our career (even if you don't love your job).

Saundra Thomas, Vice-President of Community Affairs at WABC-TV

On this episode, Amy Odell, the Editor of Cosmopolitan.com and Director of Editorial Strategy for RedbookMag.com, chats with Julie about how to find success and the reason why she says, “You can’t wait around for things to happen to you.” Plus, the veteran fashion writer shares her insider tips for how to dress for work!

Amy Odell, Editor, Cosmopolitan.com; Director of Editorial Strategy, RedbookMag.com

In Episode 3, Julie chats with Taylor Strecker, host of the morning show Wake Up With Taylor on SiriusXM radio. Taylor opens up about how she decides when to take on (and turn down) opportunities, her tips for building and managing a team that's actually fun to work with, and her story of being lucky, "but being prepared for when the luck hit."

Taylor Strecker, Host of Wake Up With Taylor on SiriusXM

This episode features an interview with Megan Hess, Mobile and Emerging Platforms Editor at Bloomberg LP. Megan gives listeners a step-by-step guide to negotiating a raise, shares tips and sample scripts for tactfully transitioning to the next step in your career (including details on how to start that conversation with your boss), and explains why you shouldn't take a title change with no raise. Plus, she discusses the importance of separating professional failure from personal failure.

Megan Hess, Mobile and Emerging Platforms Editor at Bloomberg LP

Live from the New York Women in Communications Student Career Conference, it’s a special edition of
Coffee Break w/ NYWICI!
 On this episode, Julie interviews five inspiring women at the conference. This episode features advice from Liz Perle (Digital Strategy & Consulting, Teen Trends & Tech), Jennifer Falk (Senior Marketing Analyst, Global Content Strategy & Distribution, Mattel
 Creations), Roxanne Emadi (Editor for News Curation, BuzzFeed News), Meredith Ferguson (Managing Director, TMI Strategy), and Brittany Masalosalo (Special Assistant in Vice President's National Security Affairs Office, The White House). Our guests spoke about
 the importance of staying curious, knowing your worth, what it takes to be a team player, and how to be a standout employee.

Advice from the 2016 NYWICI Student Career Conference

On our first episode of the new year, Julie talks with Liz Kaplow, Founder & CEO of Kaplow Communications, a top public relations firm that has been recognized as Consumer Agency of The Year. Liz shares some of the many lessons she's learned since launching her company 25 years ago, and explains how embracing "over-communication" has shaped her business. She reveals the steps she took to create an environment that offers her team flexibility while still producing excellent work, and explains why she believes that "mentoring should be a way of life."

Liz Kaplow, Founder & CEO, Kaplow Communications

Join us for episode 8 as journalist and author Julie Pennell shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to write, publish, and release her first novel, The Young Wives Club. Julie shares her unexpected path to journalism, how mentors have impacted her career, and the Robert Pattinson encounter she had while on the job! Plus, Julie explains why “figure it out” is some of the best career advice she’s ever received.

Julie Pennell, Lifestyle Journalist  & Author of The Young Wives Club

Marissa Ronca has had an incredible career in TV. On this episode, she shares how she navigated through her unique career path by taking risks and asking about new opportunities. Marissa and Julie discuss the importance of self-awareness in the workplace, how to manage a side project while having a full-time job, and why it’s important to not take things personally at work. Plus, you won’t want to miss Marissa’s tips about how to make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth!

Marissa Ronca, EVP and Head of Original Programming, truTV

In Episode 10, Ann Shoket, author of The Big Life, shares takeaways and stories from her first job in journalism and her work as the editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine. Ann knows firsthand the importance of building a network in an authentic way. She offers her advice for landing your dream job, even if you encounter some rejection along the way. Plus, Ann reveals what goes through a manager's mind when an employee asks for a raise or promotion. Tune in to find out Ann's tips for getting "the Big Life" for yourself.

Ann Shoket, Author of The Big Life and Former Editor-In-Chief, Seventeen

Claire Wasserman takes a coffee break with NYWICI to discuss her organization Ladies Get Paid, which is empowering women to start the conversation about money in the workplace. Claire candidly discusses topics that she has learned women are often uncomfortable talking about, including revealing how much money you’re making (and what you want to be making, managing emotions and fear at work, salary negotiations, professional skills you could be getting paid for, and why women are earning less money. No woman should miss this episode about how to start an open conversation about money -- and keep that conversation going in order to eliminate the  wage gap!

Check out the Ladies Get Paid Workplace Bill of Rights here:
http://www.ladiesgetpaid.com/workplace-bill-of-rights/workplace-bill-of-rights

Claire Wasserman, Founder, Ladies Get Paid

In this special episode of the podcast, we’re bringing you inside a recent NYWICI Cocktails & Conversations event featuring Arianna Huffington, CEO of Thrive Global, founder of The Huffington Post, and author of 15 books, including, most recently, Thrive and The Sleep Revolution. Recorded live at Bloomberg’s NYC offices, this conversation between Arianna and Jacki Kelley, NYWICI President and Chief Operating Officer at Bloomberg Media, is brimming with valuable advice. Arianna shares stories from her upbringing, decades of experience in media and publishing, and important research on sleep deprivation(find out why  you should sleep with your phone outside your bedroom!) Arianna also reveals the one skill that’s been the most critical to her success and leadership. Tune in for her refreshing advice on wellness and taking care of yourself to ensure that you’re bringing your best to your work and life.

Arianna Huffington, Founder and CEO, Thrive Global

In our final episode of the season, Jennifer Owens, Editor of Spring.St, shares her insight into launching an online publication in a new market. Jennifer discusses how she made the jump from traditional media to a startup media company, and opens up about setting boundaries at work. As the founding director of the Working Mother Research Institute, Jennifer brings a unique perspective to the conversation around work-life balance, and shares smart tips for creating a company culture that encourages great work and respects flexibility and family time. We’ll be back this fall for Season 2! Stay tuned, and thanks for listening!

Jennifer Owens, Editor, Spring.St

In the first episode of season two, we catch up with Lindsey Weber, freelance writer and co-host of the podcast Who? Weekly. After chatting about the coffee she can’t live without, Lindsey discusses her tips for going freelance, why keeping in touch with your network is so important, and her love of celebrity news. She also shares her own podcasting tips and tricks, including how to start your own podcast. Plus, you won’t want to miss her thoughts on why she thinks everyone should delete their old tweets!

Lindsey Weber, Writer & Host of Who? Weekly Podcast

Live from the New York Women in Communications Student Career Conference, it's a very special episode of Coffee Break w/ NYWICI! Our team headed to New York University to attend the conference and interview some of the accomplished speakers and panelists that participated in the event.  Tune in for this special episode that features interviews with Tiffany Pham (Founder and CEO, Mogul), Meredith Long (President, NYWICI), Casey Silvestri (Production Assistant, NBC News), and Kristin Russ (Wardrobe Stylist, MTV’s TRL). And don’t forget to check back soon for Part 2!

Part 1: Advice from the 2017 NYWICI Student Career Conference

And we’re back with more from the New York Women in Communications Student Career Conference! Our team headed to New York University to attend the conference and interview some of the accomplished speakers and panelists that participated in the event. 

In this episode, we chat with Kelle Jacob (Global Marketing Manager for Victoria Beckham Estée Lauder Collaboration and The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder, The Estée Lauder Companies), Stephanie Agresti (Corporate Communications Specialist, Scholastic), and Gena Wolfson (Social Media & Content Producer, SiriusXM Radio). With their diverse career experiences and honest advice, each of our guests brought a unique perspective to the conversation.

Part 2: Advice from the 2017 NYWICI Student Career Conference

In episode 18, we chat with Allison Murphy, Vice President, Ad Innovation at The New York Times. After sharing her favorite coffee order, she walks us through her career path so far, touching on business school, switching industries, finding a mentor, and even open seating plans. Bonus: Her must-hear career advice will help you keep calm through any work crisis!

Allison Murphy, Vice President, Ad Innovation, The New York Times

In this episode, we chat with NYWICI’s incoming president, Judith Harrison. Judith is the Senior Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion at Weber Shandwick, a job that was created just for her. She discusses her career path, her passion for (and the importance of) diversity in the workplace, valuing self-care in today’s hectic world, and, of course, her coffee preferences! Plus, you won’t want to miss the wonderful stories Judith shares about mentorship and trusting your gut!

Judith Harrison, Senior Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion, Weber Shandwick

Kate White, author of The Gutsy Girl Handbook: Your Manifesto for Success and former editor-in-chief at Cosmopolitan, is an iconic figure in the magazine and book publishing industries. After chatting about her extreme caffeine habits, she gives candid advice about side hustles, fashion investments, jumping into new jobs, time management, and seeking opportunities with confidence. You won’t want to miss Kate’s priceless tips for our listeners with dreams of becoming a writer. And, as an added bonus, she has some incredibly valuable money tips that you’ll definitely want to try!

Kate White, Author of The Gutsy Girl Handbook: Your Manifesto for Success

Hillary Klein has had an incredible career in PR, and it is evolving and getting more exciting every year. After more than a decade of working at PR agencies, she has spent the last two years as Head of Strategy and Operations for Public Affairs at WeWork. A self-described storyteller, she dishes on her coffee preferences, WeWork’s massive growth, and the challenges and rewards that come with her job. Tune in to catch all her funny anecdotes on everything from her love of Starbucks to how a cranky self-review led to the next steps in her career journey.

Hillary Klein, Head of Strategy and Public Affairs at WeWork

Dia Simms has had an extraordinary career, from the Department of Defense, to radio and pharmaceutical sales, to her current position as President of Combs Enterprises (a company led by music legend Sean “Diddy” Combs). After a bit of coffee talk (sharing her java preferences and her own experience working at a coffee shop), Dia shares amazing career advice, including the importance of negotiation skills, how to get promoted up through a company, and the value of making time for philanthropy. And don’t miss her flawless answer to the familiar question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?"

Dia Simms, President, Combs Enterprises

Throughout Kim Kelleher’s remarkable career, she’s held a wide variety of fascinating jobs, even leaving the publishing industry twice to work at startups. After dishing on her deep love for coffee, she shares what she’s learned from her unique experiences, including the differences between a boss and a mentor, why service industry experience is valuable on a resume, and the importance of seeing professional opportunities where others don’t. Bonus: You’re going to want to adopt her work motto ASAP.

Kim Kelleher, Chief Business Officer, Condé Nast

Did you miss the WiCi Awards? No worries—we’ve got your ticket in this episode of the podcast! Our team recorded the event (which was emceed by our very own host, Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich), which celebrates the career achievements of rising stars in communications. This year’s winners (and panelists) included Lisa Tobin (Executive Producer for Audio, The New York Times), Jennifer Bender (Senior Manager, Communications, Strategy & Commercial Operations, Pfizer), Ashley Miles (Chief Client Officer, Head of Advertising, North America, Refinery29), Lauren Skowronski (SVP Corporate Communications, NBCUniversal) and Michelle Tan (Editorial Director, MAKERS). Tune in for their can’t-miss advice on creating your own personal board of directors, dealing with imposter syndrome, finding a mentor, and more! This episode is brought to you by The New York Times podcast, the Daily.

The WiCi Awards

Students, listen up! We’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to rack up those crucial scholarship awards. Recorded live at our Student Career Conference, this panel discussion features Leslie Hunt (Director of Graduate Programs, The Weissman School of Arts and Science at Baruch College), Sarah Lynch (member of the NYWICI Student Affairs Committee), Alanna McCatty (Founder and CEO, McCatty Scholars), and Saundra Thomas (Non-profit Consultant, SPT Consults). They share their tried-and-true advice for how to stand out on paper, ace the interview, and create “wow moments” that’ll truly impress.

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: https://scholarships.nywici.org.

Apply Here

Scholarship Advice from the NYWICI Student Career Conference

Marisa Bardach Ramel has worn many different hats over the course of her career, including magazine editor, career advice guru, and published author -- and luckily for us, she’s willing to share insights from all her different roles. After breaking down her love of low-key bodega coffee, she goes in-depth about writing and publishing The Goodbye Diaries with her late mother. She also has tips for cover letters, resumes, informational interviews, and talks about her 80% rule for the job search. Find out what that 80% rule is in this episode! 

Learn more about Marisa’s book here: https://www.goodbyediaries.com/

Marisa Bardach Ramel, Author of The Goodbye Diaries and Program Advisor at Newhouse NYC

Whether or not you work in advertising, you won’t want to miss this panel of powerhouse women who have crashed through glass ceilings to become the leaders of their industry! Recorded live at our Original Fearless Girls of Advertising event, this discussion is moderated by Cindi Leive (former editor-in-chief of Self and Glamour) and features Shelly Lazarus (chairman emeritus of Ogilvy & Mather), Daisy Expósito-Ulla (chairman and CEO of d expósito & Partners), Carol H. Williams (CEO and owner of Carol H. Williams Advertising), Charlotte Beers (former chairman/CEO of Oglivy & Mather Worldwide), Nina DiSesa(former chairman and chief creative officer of McCann Erickson), and Cathie Black (former chairman of Hearst Magazines). These amazing women shared their can’t-miss advice that’ll help you find your edge and stand out in any industry. The Original Fearless Girls of Advertising panel was presented by New York Women In Communications, McCann New York, Bloomberg Media Group, and the American Advertising Federation.

Original Fearless Girls of Advertising

After more than 10 years in podcasting, Kristen Meinzer has a lot of incredible career advice that applies for anyone who wants to get started in that or any industry! She currently co-hosts By the Book, a comedic reality show/self-help podcast with a feminist spin—and her inspiring new book, So You Want to Start a Podcast, is out now. On Episode 31 of Coffee Break w/NYWICI, Kristen talks about how to be a successful podcaster, how to create content that is true to yourself, the importance of networking, and what it’s like to write a book. 

Learn more about Kristen’s book here:
https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Start-Podcast-Community/dp/0062936670/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1547579332&sr=1-2

Kristen Meinzer, Co-Host of By the Book and Author of So You Want to Start a Podcast

On this episode of the podcast, we're tackling a topic that's top of mind for so many women: how to pivot in your career. To really dig into this topic, we spoke with New York Women in Communications board members Georgia Galanoudis, Executive Vice President of Media at HIMSS, and Leslie Pitterson, Vice President of Communications, Global Media at Nielsen, about their own experience pivoting in their careers and some of the most surprising results of NYWICI's latest study on women's attitudes about career pivoting. Tune in for Leslie and Georgia's great advice for transitioning roles internally within an organization and how to be an active participant in your own professional development. Find more information about the NYWICI PIVOT Development Grants here: https://nywici.org/pivot-grants/

A Conversation About Pivoting in Your Career

From the White House to the Oxygen network, Jeanine Liburd’s career path has led her to a variety of fascinating places. Jeanine—now the chief social impact and communications officer for BET Networks—prefers Earl Grey tea over coffee, but she’s still ready to spill all the details in this episode. She talks about her networking strategies, how she uses handwritten lists to prioritize her time, and what it was like to work in the government under President Bill Clinton. She also shares her insightful ideas on how the communications industry can get better at hiring people of color for leadership roles. Tune in for a captivating conversation with this 2019 Matrix Award winner.

Jeanine D. Liburd, Chief Social Impact and Communications Officer, BET Networks

Are you thinking about starting a podcast? You won’t want to miss this episode! Recorded live at a New York University panel event, host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich spoke with go-getter college students who have launched their own inspiring and informative podcasts: Kelly Drake (Theatre-in-the-Sound), Jordan Marley Powell and Anuka Sethi (WOC Makin’ It Big), Charitssa Stone (Color Me Nerd), and Guru Ramanathan and Michael Oluokun (The Passion Project). These impressive students discussed everything from the details of their recording processes to their strategies for social media promotion. Check out this lively discussion and then start recording your own show! (This episode was recorded in the fall of 2019.)

How to Start Your Own Podcast: Tips from NYU Students

Sally Susman (executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer at Pfizer) and Lisa Sherman (president and chief executive officer of the Ad Council) have been friends for more than three decades. They’ve sought each other’s professional advice countless times—and it’s made a huge difference in their careers. On episode 37 of Coffee Break w/ NYWICI, the two Matrix Award winners walk us through how they became best friends, their techniques for getting work done, and their rules for talking politics with colleagues. (And psst, if you’re one of those people who feels guilty about turning down work, you’re definitely going to want to hear their thoughts on the power of saying no.) 
This episode was recorded in December of 2019.

Sally Susman, Pfizer & Lisa Sherman, The Ad Council

Johnita Due is making the workplace more welcoming to everyone. As senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer at WarnerMedia News and Sports, she’s focused on building an organization where all employees can feel free to be their true selves. In episode 38 of the Coffee Break w/NYWICI podcast, Johnita chatted about how she got this important job and why it’s crucial for companies to have a diversity and inclusion action plan right now.

Johnita Due, Senior VP & Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, WarnerMedia News and Sports

From working at non-profits to starting her own communications business, Timi Lewis has made a career out of helping others. Now the founder and principal of Lewis Media Company, she’s full of essential advice for entrepreneurs, which she shares in this episode of the podcast. Plus, tune in to hear her talk about working in public policy, serving on the NYWICI board, and figuring out how to play to your strengths.

Timi Lewis, Founder & Principal, Lewis Media Company

Just in time for the upcoming presidential election, we spoke with Rachel Dry, the deputy politics editor for enterprise at The New York Times. In this fun conversation between two good friends, Rachel talks to Julie about the pandemic’s effect on political engagement, how booking guests for NPR made her a better journalist, and why this election will be decided by women. She also explains what “enterprise” means in a newsroom (so interesting!)—and you won’t want to miss one of the most amazing pieces of career advice that we have heard on this show, which Rachel got from Marty Baron, editor of The Washington Post. Talking to Rachel was a great way to celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage!

Rachel Dry, Deputy Politics Editor for Enterprise, The New York Times

Missed our Ladies Who Laugh event? We’ve got you covered. The hilarious annual event may have gone virtual this year, but emcee Nicky Sunshine and comedians Jackie Fabulous, Negin Farsad, and Liz Simons still had us cracking up in our living rooms with jokes about quarantine self-care, growing up in the ‘90s, politics, and more. Plus, you’ll “meet” the amazing 2020 NYWICI scholarship winners. So kick back, relax, and enjoy this special mini-episode of the podcast! (A quick heads up: This episode contains some explicit language and themes. It’s all very fun, but you’ve been warned!)

Ladies Who Laugh 2020

Jackie Fields has a dream job. As the senior style and beauty editor at People magazine, she gets to interview celebs, attend big events (such as the launch of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty), and get the inside scoop on all the latest trends. Naturally, we were thrilled to have her on the podcast! After sharing her passion for ice coffee all year round, Jackie chats about attending fashion school, diversity in the beauty industry, the importance of networking, and more. And you’ll never guess which celebrity interview is her all-time favorite!

Jackie Fields, Senior Style & Beauty Editor, People Magazine

As the vice president, global communications at Peloton, Letena Lindsay has the unique opportunity to help tell the story of one of the world's most compelling brands. In this episode, she opens up about her time working in public relations for organizations of all sizes, and shares how her experience running her own business helped prepare her for working from home during the pandemic. Letena told us how she carves out time for "mental wellness moments" and revealed her best actionable tips for supporting friends, colleagues, and ourselves during stressful times. And don't miss Letena's advice for unplugging from the workday and creating boundaries. It’s definitely something we can all use right now!

Letena Lindsay, Vice President, Global Communications, Peloton

Coffee Break w/ NYWICI is a career-oriented podcast featuring casual conversations with compelling women who work within the communications industry. 

Host and career expert Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich chats with successful, passionate women in various roles at different stages in their careers. During these conversations, Julie asks guests to share thoughts and experiences on universal career topics, such as mastering the job interview, managing up, workplace fashion, personal finances, entrepreneurship, time management, and more. Coffee Break w/ NYWICI breaks through the clutter and provides women with unique, valuable, tried-and-true career advice that they are seeking.
 
Plus, since it is a coffee break, the guest and host sip and talk about their favorite caffeinated (or decaf) beverages! This podcast is presented by New York Women in Communications.

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