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

Welcome to WomenHeard, presented by New York Women in Communications: a career-oriented podcast featuring candid conversations with women in communications. Host &amp; career expert Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich chats with successful, passionate guests about topics that are top of mind for working women: career advancement, equality in the workplace, compensation, &amp; more! Guests also share their advice on universal career topics, such as mastering the job interview &amp; time management. The goal of WomenHeard is to create a comfortable space to have the conversations that will help women succeed.

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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.  

Cate Luzio, Founder & CEO, Luminary

"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.

Changemakers: Kristi VandenBosch, President, OLIVER Agency

"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. 

Phoebe Gavin, Career and Leadership Coach, Better with Phoebe

"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.

Laura Brusca, Chief Communications Officer, Forbes & President, NYWICI

"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. 

Dia Simms, President, Combs Enterprises

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