The Power of Saying Yes: Career Lessons from Eleanor Reece
As the vice president of global communications and corporate relations at Whirlpool Corporation and a 2024 NYWICI Trailblazer Honoree, Eleanor Reece has built a career by embracing change and taking risks with new opportunities. From journalism to consulting, crisis management to corporate communications, she’s navigated change with a growth mindset. In her recent interview on the WomenHeard podcast, hosted by Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich, Reece touches on everything from her own journey to emerging trends and advice for young professionals. Here are a handful of the topics you can expect to learn about in the episode.
From CNN to Whirlpool
Reece started as an undergrad at Georgia Tech with dreams of becoming a scientist. But curiosity about how the world works led her to an internship at CNN, which sparked an interest in storytelling and international affairs. She went on to write and produce for international shows before pivoting to crisis communications consulting in Washington, D.C., after her marriage.
Each step in her career was guided by embracing new opportunities, even when they felt unfamiliar. “You get one life, so just see what happens,” she says.
Through a network, she eventually joined General Motors as chief of staff, and later landed at Whirlpool, right at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Facing another career pivot, she leaned into uncertainty with curiosity.
“I don’t think a career journey is linear,” Reece says. “If you can jump at it, why not?”
Trends & Relationships in the Industry
AI is popping up in almost every industry, especially in communications, and while it’s exciting, a lot of professionals are still figuring out the best and most efficient ways to use it. Instead of fearing AI, Reece sees it as a tool to amplify creativity. She believes that if AI can handle the more repetitive tasks, it frees up professionals to focus on the creative and strategic parts of their work. But with that excitement comes responsibility. She believes professionals should learn about AI’s potential and explore how to integrate it into their work.
Similar to how AI can be a powerful ally, so can your peers and professional network when you invest in building strong, supportive relationships. Throughout her career, Reece has valued mentorship in every form, from her parents to bosses to peers. She believes that mentoring is a two-way street: She turns to her mentees for advice as well, believing that the best relationships are built on mutual understanding.
Taking Risks, Avoiding Burnout, and Embracing Growth
From volunteering for a 5 a.m. video shoot to tackling unfamiliar projects, Reece has built her career by saying yes. “Sign up for the assignments that seem harder or something you don’t usually gravitate to,” she says. “Be challenged.”
But staying ambitious doesn’t mean burning out. Reece is vocal about how perfectionism can lead to exhaustion, especially for women. The pressure to do everything flawlessly often leaves little room for rest. She believes that being open and vulnerable is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that true success is about contributing value, not being perfect.
To stay grounded, she turns to the things that make her feel joy: spending time with her family, volunteering, going for a run, playing the piano, or watching a good rom-com.
She also encourages others to stay adaptable. A growth mindset is key to navigating change, whether it’s career moves, life shifts, or changes in the industry. “Things aren’t black and white,” Reece says. It’s about learning how to “address the grey” and finding new ways to grow through it.
Thank you to Eleanor Reece for joining us! For the full interview, listen to NYWICI’s WomenHeard podcast.
