WomenHeard New York Women in Communications

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!

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!

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!

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!)

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!

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.