WomenHeard

The Matrix Awards is NYWICI's flagship event recognizing rising talent in the communications industry. In this episode, you'll hear from some of our scholarship honorees on their incredible accomplishments so far and what they're most looking forward to next! Sarah Ng, three-time NYWICI Scholarship recipient, interviewed this year's recipients on the red carpet.

In this special interview, we hear from 2021 Matrix honoree Marisa Thalberg who's presenting Ashley Miles as an honoree at the 2026 Matrix Awards! The Matrix Awards is a prestigious event honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of women in communications and the arts, starting with its inaugural honoree, Gloria Steinem. WomenHeard host Georgia Galanoudis chats with them about their friendship and career journeys leading up to this milestone moment. Listen in for pragmatic perspectives about authenticity, generosity, and AI integration.

Advice for young writers and communicators: “Care about storytelling, care about voice, care about the opinions that you are honing and developing as a person in the world.”In this episode, Womenheard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Lucy Kaylin, 2025 Matrix Honoree and Editorial Director at the world's largest lifestyle publisher, Hearst Magazines. Prior, Lucy served as executive editor at Marie Claire and deputy editor at O, The Oprah Magazine before becoming editor-in-chief. During her seven years at the helm, the magazine boasted one of the largest monthly magazine circulations and was named Advertising Age’s Magazine of the Year. Listen to this episode for behind-the-scenes info on her collaboration for Katie Couric's memoir and how Lucy puts storytelling's impact at the intersection of everything she does.

"What it truly means to be at the top of your game - that really is not perfection. At the top of your game is when you're contributing and when you're feeling like you're adding value. Part of that is also sharing everything. Part of it is being vulnerable...we're all on this journey together and I think that's part of the culture I want my own daughter to grow up in: understanding that she does not have to be perfect to succeed." In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Eleanor Reece, a 2024 NYWICI Trailblazer Honoree and communications leader. Eleanor is responsible for guiding Whirlpool Corporation’s global communications function and corporate communications strategy to support the company’s vision of improving life at home. Her natural curiosity about the world led her to crave experiences in journalism, public policy, strategy, and anything with a sense of urgency. Listen to this episode for why having a growth mindset can be the best asset in your career toolbox.

"I find that most often I take the risk and not only do I grow, I learn. I'm furthering not only my career and whatever it is I'm taking the risk in, but when I fail I've also learned something. And you only learn the most valuable lessons, unfortunately, when you fail." In this special event recording, you'll hear behind-the-scenes info and career lessons from fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff! As the author of Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success, podcast host of Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff and co-founder of the Female Founder Collective, Rebecca's encouragement stems from her 20 years of entrepreneurship - both the successes and the frustrations. Moderated by Jackie Hyland, NYWICI member and Associate Director of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability at KPMG US, this conversation focuses on taking educated risks and transforming setbacks into opportunities. You'll also hear tips for how to establish your unique vision and get to know the audience you hope to serve.

"Money should be working for you." It's never too late to level up! In this special event recording sponsored by Yahoo!, you'll learn from Judy Herbst, financial expert and the Executive Director of Savvy Ladies. This nonprofit is dedicated to providing free financial education and resources to women, empowering them to achieve financial independence.Moderated by Jackie Hyland, NYWICI member and Associate Director of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability at KPMG US, this conversation focuses on how to manage your money instead of it managing you. Whether it's building a diversified investment portfolio, shoring up an emergency fund that fits a tight job market (potentially 9 months of runway) or leveraging your earning potential, you'll come away with actionable tips to explore your next steps to long-term wealth building. Resources mentioned: Free Financial Helpline; CFP Board; Podcast: Power of the Ask; Ellevest; Jean Chatzky

“That’s why people came to work for me – because they were going to learn and they were going to grow. That, to me, is the whole beauty of work. If you’re just going to go somewhere and be a cog in the wheel, then you can do that anywhere. You know, if you’re an intelligent, creative person, that’s going to get old really fast.”In this episode, Womenheard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis reconnected with Lesley Jane Seymour, founder and CEO of CoveyClub.com. Lesley first joined our NYWICI podcast in 2023 and she’s back with her trademark honesty and updates! The former Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire, Lesley has been at the editorial helm of beloved and influential magazines: Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, YM, Redbook, and More. She launched CoveyClub.com in 2017, a lifelong learning community empowering women ages 40+. Listen to this episode for insights on entrepreneurship and knowing when to make a change.

"The big lesson for life is no matter how prepared you are, life will throw you curveballs - and actually, those are sometimes the most wonderful and serendipitous stories that you will ever get a chance to create." In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Pilar Guzmán, Editorial Director at Oprah Daily - the eponymous media and membership community from Hearst Magazines and Oprah Winfrey! Pilar oversees content strategy across the brand's platforms. Pilar is a three-time Editor-in-Chief (formerly Condé Nast Traveler, Martha Stewart Living, and Cookie Magazine) who started her career journey writing travel guides! From road tripping through Italy to having a front row seat to all things digital media in New York, Pilar worked in both print and multi-platform magazine focuses. She also co-founded The Swell, a global community and learning platform helping people navigate the second half of their lives. Listen to this episode for the career advice that solidified Pilar's path in creative endeavors. Plus, how she elevated awareness for women's health issues by crowdsourcing wisdom from new mothers.