SPOTLIGHT: KATE WHITE
NYWICI’s 2003 Matrix Award Recipient, Former Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief, and New York Times Bestselling Author of 19 Novels
Written by Kayla Cunanan
New York Women in Communications members are known for their drive, ambition, and creative impact. Among them is Kate White, NYWICI’s 2003 Matrix Award recipient, former Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief, and New York Times bestselling author of nineteen mystery and thriller novels, as well as several books on career success. While Kate is well known for writing about suspense, today’s conversation focused on something equally compelling, how to think and act like a serial achiever.
NYWICI volunteer and member Kayla Cunanan recently sat down with Kate to learn what it really takes to stand out, advance, and build a career marked by bold moves and continual growth
Think Bigger: The 4 B’s
Kate believes that success comes from doing more than what’s expected. “The key isn’t just consistency,” she explains. “It’s about going big, generating bold, fresh, gusty ideas that make your boss say ‘Wow.’” She emphasizes being proactive, raising your hand for opportunities, sometimes breaking the rules, and always asking for what you want rather than waiting for someone else to offer it.
During her time running Cosmopolitan, Kate developed a simple but powerful framework she still uses today, the 4 B’s. For every article, photograph, and cover, she asked herself, Could it be better? Could it be bigger? Could it be bolder? Could it be more badass? That mindset, she says, didn’t just shape the magazine. It shaped her career and continues to guide her work and life.
Be Willing to Change the Course
Kate also stresses the importance of planning, especially early in your career. In her early 30s, she set a clear goal of becoming a magazine editor-in-chief. She studied the backgrounds of top female editors, intentionally built her editing skills, and even took public speaking courses. “That preparation helped me become an editor by my late 30s,” she says.
Plans aren’t permanent. Kate believes nothing has to be locked in stone. In her late 40s, she realized she still wanted to pursue a longtime dream, writing suspense fiction. Knowing she couldn’t make a living from it immediately, she wrote early mornings on weekends while raising her children and running Cosmopolitan. Her first mystery became a New York Times bestseller, and she went on to write seven more novels before eventually leaving the magazine world as the industry began to change. She built a second career she loves just as much as her first.
Build Your “Kitchen Cabinet”
No career is built alone. Kate strongly believes in surrounding yourself with mentors inside and outside your industry and even younger than you. Different perspectives, she says, can be invaluable. Rather than relying on one advisor, she recommends creating a “kitchen cabinet” of trusted voices. Equally important is being open to feedback. Success in one field does not automatically translate to another, and developing new skills takes humility and initiative. Kate also stresses the importance of gratitude. Following up, saying thank you, and recognizing that time and guidance are meaningful gifts.
Don’t Wait for the Perfect Moment
One of Kate’s strongest takeaways is not to wait. While balancing the demands of being an editor-in-chief, wife, and mother, she was also writing novels. “It was tiring,” she admits, “but I knew if I waited, it might be too late.” That persistence paid off. What began as a side pursuit became her full time career. During her magazine years, Kate also made a point to network, learn the business side of publishing, and build relationships with literary agents. These steps helped make her eventual transition possible.
Today, Kate spends four months each winter in Uruguay, where she maintains a disciplined writing routine while making time for family, friends, and herself. The flexibility of being an author allows her to travel, experience new cultures, and draw inspiration from the world around her. These benefits were earned through decades of bold decisions and hard work.
Kate White’s career is a testament to the power of thinking bigger, taking risks, and being willing to pivot. It is a life shaped by intention, curiosity, and courage, and one she continues to build for herself and her community. Readers can learn more about Kate and her work by exploring her latest psychological thriller, I Came Back for You, which will be released on March 1st!