SPOTLIGHT: ERIKA SPEED
NYWICI Board Member Erika Speed shares inspiration and advice for turning a career into a true passion.
Written by Katrina Machetta
Some people spend a lifetime searching for a career that truly fulfills them. For Erika Speed, however, creativity has always been at the center of the work she was meant to do.
“I’ve always been a creative person at heart, and that seed started my love for knowing I wanted to be in a nontraditional job where I could use my creativity,” Speed says. “It’s about making magic happen—creating moments, memories, and experiences for people.”
With more than 20 years of experience in the events and communications space, Speed has built a career that blends creativity with meaningful connection. Her work has spanned from things such as programming high profile events for major market radio stations, creating unique fundraising events for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and developing high-impact lifestyle events for upscale social clubs, just to name a few. These experiences and more have been very influential in shaping her commitment to curating authenticity, community, and inclusivity in everything that she touches.
Today, she brings that same passion to her role as Director of Live Programming at Forbes, where she creates experiences that bring people together and spark conversation across a myriad of industries.
Throughout her career, Speed has embraced the opportunity to build community, amplify diverse voices, and help others feel seen and heard. She describes her role as being “a conduit to making magic happen”—using creativity and collaboration to create moments that resonate.
For professionals at any stage of their careers, Speed offers advice on how to build or transform a career into something meaningful and fulfilling.
Be a Lifelong Student
One of the keys to maintaining an exciting and fulfilling career is staying open to learning. Speed encourages professionals to always view themselves as students—remaining curious, flexible, and eager to grow.
New experiences, new people, and new perspectives can shape a career in unexpected and rewarding ways. Being open to discovery allows you to continue evolving and finding joy in your work.
Define Success on Your Own Terms
Success and happiness look different for everyone. According to Speed, it’s important to define what those concepts mean for you personally.
When you set your own goals and vision for fulfillment, you can build a career that reflects your values rather than someone else’s expectations. Lean into opportunities that move you closer to that vision.
Find Your Connection Point
For Speed, meaningful work often comes down to connection. Whether it’s building community, collaborating with others, or creating shared experiences, finding the point where your passions connect with others can make a career far more rewarding.
When people feel excited, included, and heard, the work becomes bigger than any one individual.
Be Authentic
Above all, Speed believes authenticity is essential.
Staying true to your values and embracing your unique talents allows you to bring your best self to every opportunity. Confidence in who you are—and what you bring to the table—creates space for both personal and professional growth.
By leaning into creativity, connection, and authenticity, Speed has built a career centered on creating experiences that inspire others. And through her work and mentorship, she continues to support women, amplify diverse voices, and give back to the community that helped shape her journey.