Pilar Guzmán: Storytelling and Women’s Media
“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.”
On the latest episode of the WomenHeard podcast, host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Pilar Guzmán, editorial director at Oprah Daily, the eponymous media and membership community from Hearst Magazines and Oprah Winfrey. Guzmán oversees content strategy across the brand’s platforms.
Guzmán is a three-time editor-in-chief (formerly Condé Nast Traveler, Martha Stewart Living, and Cookie magazine) who started her career writing travel guides. From road tripping through Italy to having a front row seat to all things digital media in New York, Guzmán worked on both print and multi-platform magazine content. 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 Guzmán’s path in creative endeavors, how she elevated awareness for women’s health issues, and more. Here’s a peek at the conversation.
The Mental Load and Invisible Work of Women
One of the most striking topics discussed in this episode is the often-overlooked burden of invisible labor, particularly for women. From the mental load of balancing work and home life to the way tasks are divided, Guzmán acknowledges the unseen responsibilities that many women carry. By bringing these conversations to the forefront, she advocates for more representation and open discussions around topics like postpartum depression, helping remove the stigma around women’s health and well-being.
This ties into the broader role of women’s media. Women’s magazines and platforms have long been at the forefront of normalizing conversations around health, identity, and work-life balance. As Guzmán notes, these spaces have the power to blend serious reporting with lighter, everyday concerns, reflecting the real, complex lives of women.
“Women, on their dashboards, you can have a dying parent and be excited about a new eye cream in the same breath and those things are not mutually exclusive, you know what I mean?” she says. “One does not take away from the other. . . . We have an ability to kind of contemplate a simultaneity of thought and inspiration.”
Guzmán’s approach to media has always been about disrupting the status quo—whether in parenting, lifestyle, or broader women’s issues—by creating spaces where these realities are acknowledged and represented.
Storytelling and Embracing Change
A key takeaway from the episode is Guzmán’s belief that no matter how prepared you are, life has a way of surprising you. This applies not only to personal experiences but also to professional storytelling. The best narratives often emerge from unexpected moments, and embracing that uncertainty can lead to the most compelling and meaningful stories.
This philosophy extends to media itself. Guzmán emphasizes the importance of being open to new platforms, whether it’s digital media, social platforms, or AI-driven content. “Never be afraid of the new platforms or the new channels, or a good idea,” she says. “A good story is a good story. You have to find different ways of how to connect with different audiences.”
The core of impactful storytelling remains the same, even as formats evolve. She has watched brilliant colleagues struggle to adapt, underutilized because of their fear of change, while those who embrace new ways of storytelling continue to thrive.
Guzmán’s somewhat unconventional start in journalism also gave her an edge, making her more nimble than many of her peers. She credits her success to trusting her instincts, questioning the rules, and having mentors who believed in her ability to push boundaries. Her leadership style reflects this same ethos—encouraging curiosity and adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
The Evolution of Media and Women’s Magazines
As someone who has led major publications, Guzmán has had a front-row seat to the shifting landscape of media. She notes that while influencers have become primary sources of content, the demand for credible journalism and thoughtfully curated information remains strong. Magazines today must find ways to deliver content in formats that resonate with their audiences while still maintaining journalistic integrity.
Women’s media, in particular, has the unique ability to tell stories that matter, from investigative journalism to everyday lifestyle content. As Guzmán explains, the digital shift means publications need to meet audiences where they are while continuing to provide trusted, insightful content. The challenge lies in maintaining a balance between in-depth reporting and the conversational tone that modern audiences expect.
She also highlights the importance of disrupting traditional media categories—just as Oprah Daily, Martha Stewart Living, and Real Simple did when they first launched. Their predecessors were much more traditional, much like the early parenting media landscape, which often failed to reflect the realities modern audiences were seeking. Guzmán has always championed content that challenges outdated models to better serve its readers.
Advice for Aspiring Journalists
For young women looking to break into the world of publishing, Guzmán offers a reality check: The glamorous, movie-version of working in magazines is far from the truth. Instead, it requires deep curiosity, relentless research, and a willingness to be wrong. “Be honest about why you want a career in journalism, be clear-eyed about it,” she says.
She also emphasizes the importance of networking through informational interviews and peer-to-peer connections. Being proactive and prepared when reaching out to industry professionals can make a significant difference when seeking opportunities.
Thank you to Pilar Guzmán for joining us! For the full interview, listen to NYWICI’s WomenHeard podcast.
