Empowering the Next Generation: Insights from the 2024 NYWICI Communications Career Conference at Spotify
In the fast-paced world of communications and media, standing out can feel daunting for students and early-career professionals. Fortunately, NYWICI’s 2024 Communications Career Conference at Spotify, with its dynamic panels and inspiring speakers, focused on navigating the job market, building a personal brand, and fostering meaningful connections.
Tammy Tibbetts and Dana Canedy: Inspiring the Next Generation
Tammy Tibbetts, Co-Founder and CEO of She’s the First, and Dana Canedy, Managing Editor at Guardian US, reinforced essential themes in the communications landscape. Their insights highlighted the importance of resilience, networking, and skill development as keys to success in the industry. Tammy and Dana’s discussions illustrated that a successful communications career is built on hard work, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace opportunities.
Key Themes Discussed by Tammy and Dana:
- Diverse Career Paths: Tammy Tibbetts emphasized the variety of paths available for communications majors, especially in nonprofits, where storytelling is essential for impactful work. She noted that learning to be a great storyteller is significant for building relationships, driving change, inspiring others, creating a community, and motivating people to take action. “I want communications major students to see that they have so many options… the ethics that I learned as a journalism major… have always come back to being a great storyteller and communicator,” she shared. She also advised, “Make sure that you’re telling stories about the communities that you serve, that their voices are at the center, and that you’re portraying their strengths.”
- Making an Impact: Tammy highlighted that contributing meaningfully doesn’t require a job in nonprofits. You can volunteer, advocate, and raise awareness to begin making a positive impact within your community or in the organizations you believe in. She encouraged the audience by saying, “You always have something to contribute.”
- Mentorship Matters: Dana Canedy emphasized the role of mentorship in helping individuals grow and achieve their goals, both personally and professionally. “You can also volunteer to be a mentor.. So always think about the small ways that you can make a difference right now,” Dana advised.
- Mastering Your Craft: Dana also underscored the importance of skill development to advance your career, stay up-to-date with the latest innovations, and contribute effectively in your field. “Whatever you’re doing, get the basics of your craft… there are no shortcuts to success,” she noted, emphasizing the value of a strong foundation.
- Resilience and Persistence: Both speakers stressed that rejection is part of the journey. Tammy explained, “It’s all a numbers game… the more you put out there, the more you apply for jobs and network, the more ‘yeses’ you will get back.” Dana added, “It is a numbers game… you just have to keep going and understand that if something didn’t happen the way you planned, then it wasn’t your calling – that’s somebody else’s blessing, and something better is waiting for you.”
- Overcoming Networking Anxiety: Dana reassured attendees that it’s normal to feel uncomfortable in networking situations. “You’re going to feel uncomfortable and have that butterfly feeling for the first 10 to 15 minutes.. just do it.” Both speakers noted how satisfying it is to know that you did your best to put yourself out there rather than staying in your comfort zone.
Panel 1: Communications and Media Careers in 2024 and Beyond
The first panel explored the shifting dynamics of communications and media careers in 2024 and beyond. With industry leaders sharing insights into emerging trends, essential skills, and strategies for career growth, the discussion provided attendees with valuable guidance to succeed within the communications industry. Whether starting fresh or aiming to advance, participants gained actionable advice to help them adapt and thrive.
Lori Greene, Founder of LPG Edu and LPG Enterprises, set the stage with a thought-provoking question: “What makes you hire one candidate over another?” Trixie Ferguson Gray, Head of Content and Integrated Marketing Partnerships, emphasized that the best candidates are problem solvers with resilience. She explained, “Being able to solve a problem with grace and being able to tell stories about how you went above and beyond or dealt with failure is key.” Trixie also underscored the importance of asking insightful questions – a skill that requires thorough research into a company’s mission, competitors, and goals. She encouraged attendees to follow journalists on LinkedIn to stay informed about current trends and industry happenings.
Barbara Jean Kearney, Senior Vice President of Sales at PostWorks NY, advised early-career professionals to ask questions and take diligent notes, especially as they begin new roles. She highlighted the value of punctuality, meeting deadlines, and writing down tasks to ensure accuracy. Barbara added that job-seekers should reach out broadly for opportunities – even to friends, family, and neighbors – staying open-minded about potential career paths since connections often lead to unexpected doors.
When asked by an attendee about handling failure, Molly Tracy, CEO and Founder of VRAI Digital, shared: “It’s good to fail early in your career; fail early, fail often because that’s how you learn and grow the most.” Addressing imposter syndrome, Molly added, “Don’t underestimate the power of one-on-one relationships… My entire industry is built on networking, and I gave up on imposter syndrome a long time ago because – newsflash – nobody knows what they’re doing.” She left the audience with an inspiring perspective on rejection: “If you knew you were 20 ‘No’s’ away from your ‘Yes,’ wouldn’t you be excited to get through those rejections? This reminder that rejection is often a form of redirection resonated with the room, encouraging attendees to stay persistent.
Panel 2: From Job Search to Career Success – Navigating the Journey
The second panel delved into the journey from the initial job search to achieving meaningful career success. Featuring insights from industry experts, the discussion underscored the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic relationship-building for newcomers to the professional world. Attendees walked away with actionable advice on presenting their best selves and making a strong impact, even when starting from scratch.
Charlyn Okigbo, Business Strategist at Uber Advertising, kicked off the conversation with a pivotal question: “What can you bring if it’s not professional experience when you are just starting out in your career journey?” This question emphasized that early in a career, soft skills and personal qualities can often be as valuable as experience, setting the tone for a discussion about resilience, dedication, and growth-oriented mindset.
Claire Telling, EVP of Executive Recruiting at Publicis Groupe, shared her perspective on the power of agility and resilience, explaining, “Whenever I see somebody that has that quality, it really shines to me.” She urged attendees to illustrate their resilience and strength through real-life examples during interviews, as these qualities are often key to standing out in a competitive job market. Claire’s advice was particularly relevant for those facing early-career challenges; showcasing personal adaptability can sometimes outweigh experience.
Tess Quinlan, Content Planning Lead at the NBA, highlighted a frequently overlooked yet essential skill: active listening. “Being an active listener is such an underrated skill,” Tess shared, pointing out that true engagement in conversations can foster stronger connections with team members and make a lasting impact. Active listening, she explained, helps new hires understand their team’s needs better and contributes to a collaborative and positive work environment.
Jessica Ketterer, Marketing and Graphic Design Manager at Licensing International, encouraged attendees to remain open to unexpected opportunities. “Always be open-minded,” she advised, reminding everyone that a chance encounter or an unexpected project can sometimes be a milestone to something much bigger. Her perspective highlighted the value of adaptability and readiness to pivot, which are essential for seizing growth opportunities.
As the panel shifted toward practical strategies for thriving in new roles, Tess emphasized the importance of relationship-building. She suggested early-career professionals “Build a solid relationship with your team around you… Ask lots of questions, and schedule meetings.” Establishing trust and understanding team dynamics, she noted, is key to making meaningful contributions early on.
Panel 3: Crafting Connections – Building Your Brand and Network for Early Career Success
The third panel emphasized the pivotal role of building a personal brand and cultivating a strong network as foundations for career success. Speakers shared strategies for establishing credibility, leveraging connections, and taking ownership of one’s professional journey. For attendees, this discussion highlighted the value of personal brand and community-building from the start of their careers.
Taylor Trudon, Writer at theSkimm, underscored the importance of sharing one’s work openly. “Your work is a reflection of who you are, and people want to see it,” she said, encouraging attendees to use their output as a form of self-expression and connection with others. Taylor explained that sharing work – whether on social media, personal websites, or portfolios – offers invaluable feedback, deepens understanding of audience needs, and fosters a sense of community. These actions collectively enhance one’s brand, enabling professionals to establish a meaningful presence in the industry.
Erin Styles, Director of Global Communications & PR Lead at Spotify, spoke about the value of recommendations in building a professional reputation. “Don’t be afraid to ask for a letter of recommendation or anything that showcases what it’s like to work with you,” she advised, highlighting that a well-placed recommendation can reinforce an individual’s reliability and interpersonal skills. Erin’s insight underscored the role of relationships in career advancement, suggesting that having advocates within one’s network can open doors to new opportunities and connections.
Noelia de la Cruz, Director of PR and Communications at BritBox, reminded the audience of the excitement that comes with a steep learning curve. “It’s exciting to have so much to learn, and you need to understand that there’s an opportunity here,” she shared, reframing the often overwhelming feeling of being new into one of exploration and growth.
Aundrea Cline-Thomas, Founder and CEO of Mountain Court Media, encouraged panelists to share lessons that they’ve learned from their career journeys. In response, Noelia de la Cruz reflected on the importance of self-assurance, noting, “My voice is valuable, and I am in the room for a reason.” Her advice was a powerful reminder for emerging professionals to trust in their contributions, emphasizing that each person’s unique perspective can add significant value in any discussion or team setting.
This panel illustrated that building a personal brand and network is more than just self-promotion – it’s about sharing, connecting, and contributing. With insights on visibility, credibility, and embracing the learning journey, attendees left inspired to take proactive steps in defining their paths and establishing their influence.
Inspiring Careers, Building Community – The NYWICI Legacy Continues
The 2024 NYWICI Communications Career Conference at Spotify had an undeniable impact on young professionals just stepping into the communications and media industries. Through engaging panel discussions and inspiring conversations, attendees left with invaluable insights into networking, building a personal brand, and growing a meaningful career. The energy in the room was electric, with each participant encouraged to embrace their journey and find the courage to make their mark. Events like this one truly reflect the transformative power of NYWICI, where professionals gather, share, and uplift each other, creating a ripple effect of growth and empowerment.
Looking ahead, NYWICI events promise more opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers. Who knows? You might even find yourself on stage someday, just like Tammy Tibbetts, inspired by mentors who once seemed larger than life – only to later become part of your career journey. As Tammy recalled meeting Dana Canedy years ago at another NYWICI Communications Career Conference, her connection with Dana led to her being invited to The New York Times, a testament to the impact that a single NYWICI event can have. It’s a place where inspiration meets action and relationships become catalysts for professional growth.
Laura Brusca, President of NYWICI and Chief Communications Officer at Forbes, beautifully captured this spirit: “We support each other in so many ways, and you’ll feel that if you are a part of this community, so take today to connect, learn, and most importantly, have fun.” Attendees were encouraged to join future NYWICI events and to seize every opportunity to build their network and skills, inspired by the potential of relationships formed at NYWICI.
Erin Styles, Director of Global Communications & PR Lead at Spotify, reminded everyone to consider volunteering with NYWICI as a way to connect and grow professionally. “Being curious and finding out where people need support has been invaluable to me,” she shared, underscoring how curiosity and a willingness to help can open doors, hone new skills, and lead to unexpected opportunities.
Thank you to NYWICI, Spotify, and all the incredible speakers and participants for creating a truly inspiring event. This conference was a celebration of possibility, proof that when people come together to learn and support one another, magic happens.
