New York Women in Communications has always been rooted in connection, mentorship, and the power of women supporting women. The friendship between Marisa Thalberg, EVP & Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Catalyst Brands LLC, and Ashley Miles, CEO of Franklyn West and former NYWICI President, is a reflection of exactly that.

On the WomenHeard podcast, host Georgia Galanoudis sat down with the two communications leaders to reflect on their friendship, career journeys, and the full-circle moment of Thalberg presenting Miles as an honoree at the 2026 NYWICI Matrix Awards. Their conversation explored mentorship, authenticity, leadership during times of change, and navigating the evolving role of AI in business. Here’s a taste of what you can expect to hear in the discussion.

The Beginning of a Sisterhood

The relationship between Miles and Thalberg began early in Miles’s career, during a pivotal shift in media and marketing. At the time, Miles was working as a sales assistant at InStyle magazine when she came across Thalberg’s name on an Estée Lauder organizational chart. Miles decided to cold call her. From there, the two shared a lunch that led them to the lasting friendship and professional partnership they have today.

“Early in my career, she took a chance on me and ended up challenging me to do really wild things in business,” Miles says.

The two met during what they described as the beginning of social and digital marketing. Thalberg, who was in a portfolio marketing role at Estée Lauder at the time, wanted to create a digital shopping experience that felt editorial and immersive. Miles’s background in magazine media made the collaboration feel like perfect timing. Together, they pushed their companies to embrace new ideas in creative and digital marketing during a period when many brands were still hesitant to experiment online. Over time, their working relationship grew into a mentorship built on mutual support and shared experiences of navigating a new marketing landscape.

Both women agree that the mentorship between them was never one-sided. Thalberg says that their relationship was shaped by supporting one another through both career highs and personal challenges. “There are times I’ve called her for advice,” Thalberg says, reflecting on how the authenticity and vulnerable moments strengthened their friendship over the years.

Leading Through AI and Change

When discussing the rise of AI, Miles describes the current moment as “a time of true transformation and change,” emphasizing that companies must approach AI thoughtfully.

“We have a huge opportunity to use AI as an empowerment tool for our teams versus a replacement strategy,” she says. She stresses the importance of upskilling employees, implementing proper change management strategies, and ensuring leadership teams clearly communicate the “why” behind utilizing AI before rushing into execution.

Having already experienced one major digital revolution earlier in their careers, both women acknowledge the similarities between the rise of social media and today’s AI evolution.

For Thalberg, while AI continues transforming how businesses operate, she believes the core of communications remains unchanged. Whether through digital marketing, social media, or AI, successful leadership still comes down to understanding people, building trust, and telling stories that genuinely connect with audiences.

“Feel the fear, but we’ve got to dive in and be curious,” Miles adds. She encourages leaders and teams to approach AI with a willingness to learn.

Community Inside and Outside of Work

For Miles, her connection to NYWICI has always centered around community. She recalls being introduced to the organization and immediately feeling a sense of belonging. “For me, it was the sisterhood,” she says. During some of the most difficult periods in both her personal and professional life—including serving as NYWICI president during COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement and launching Franklyn West—Miles says the organization’s support system became even more meaningful.

When asked what advice they would give younger women entering the industry, both emphasize authenticity, relationships, and staying open to growth. “Give and give back,” Thalberg says. She encourages young professionals to focus on meaningful connections rather than transactional networking.

“Plug into organizations like NYWICI,” Miles adds. “You’ll find your sisterhood. Figure out who you are and who you want to be and be that person unapologetically and authentically.”

Thank you to Marisa Thalberg and Ashley Miles for joining us! To hear more of the conversation, listen to the WomenHeard podcast.