Breathing New Life into a Brand
How did PHILLIP PICARDI convince the executives at Condé Nast that turning Teen Vogue into a politically-oriented publication would be a winning strategy? How did he later dust off Out Magazine to cater to an entirely new generation of queer and trans readers? And now, how is he managing to create new and dynamic storytelling at the largest LGBT non-profit in the world? In illuminating speeches and keynote conversations, Picardi shares his insights on tapping into the true soul of a brand, and how to honor legacy and history (even the complicated parts!) in order to chart the most dynamic path forward. Using anecdotes from his career and key metrics of success that will satisfy any business leader, Picardi helps executives and young professionals understand how to rebrand authentically and with success.
Pivoting Careers and Trusting Instinct
What compelled the youngest Chief Content Officer in Condé Nast's history to go to... Divinity School? In engaging and spirited talks, PHILLIP PICARDI reveals how his career in advocacy-based journalism helped lead him to the path of advocating for others full-time. Join him as he starts as an 18-year-old Teen Vogue intern all the way to the red carpet of the Met Gala—and how he then ended up as a 30-year-old on Harvard's campus. In this talk, Picardi helps audiences identify the difference between a job and a vocation—and how to apply vocational work to any career path in order to make life more fulfilling.
Doing the Radical Work
As any business knows, radical change can be difficult. What's less talked about is how it can be used as a driver of success. PHILLIP PICARDI uses his time at Teen Vogue, Allure, and in LGBTQ+ journalism to help reframe the narratives around inclusion, ethical work, and corporate advocacy as a means to galvanizing a workforce and creating tangible brand impact. He also connects with young audiences and students to inspire them to trust their instinct and authenticity (instead of shedding it) when they begin to navigate the workforce.
Beyond Inclusion: Empowering LGBTQ+ Employees and Audiences
We hope you know by now: Pride isn't just a month, it's 365. Whether it was convincing Anna Wintour to launch them, Condé's first dedicated LGBTQ+ brand, revitalizing Out Magazine, or taking the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer role at the world's largest LGBT nonprofit, PHILLIP PICARDI is an expert and a resource on LGBTQ+ topics for a whole range of audiences. He is also a gifted moderator for panels that are seeking to get to the heart of issues in an intersectional, inclusive, and dynamic manner.
Moderating Powerful Conversations
Award-winning journalist PHILLIP PICARDI is a gifted moderator, infusing humor, connection, and empowering insights into memorable conversations with cultural luminaries.
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Phillip Picardi talks authentic and impactful corporate strategies for inclusion
Award-winning journalist and editor PHILLIP PICARDI has consulted with global brands on digital storytelling, diversity, social impact initiatives, and more. The former leader of Teen Vogue’s headline-making transformation has also provided feedback on global DE&I initiatives for major corporations. He is frequently tapped to provide insights and feedback on LGBTQ+ consumers, and how to appropriately add charitable or justice-oriented layers to campaigns. With projects ranging from the 2019 and 2020 Nike #BeTrue ad campaigns, to pitching Netflix to launch a digital Pride event series that later became an in-person festival, to providing community insights to LEGO’s Global Marketing Team around LGBTQ+ inclusion, he masterfully strengthens storytelling, impact, and audience connection.
With a client roster that includes Nike, LEGO, American Express, Loewe, Ralph Lauren, and more, Picardi is a cultural expert whose vision and actionable takeaways are motivational for organizations and teams looking to elevate their impact. Picardi is an expert and a resource on LGBTQ+ topics for a whole range of audiences. He is also a gifted moderator for panels that are seeking to get to the heart of issues in an intersectional, inclusive, and dynamic manner.
Phillip Picardi – “the prince of Condé Nast” – makes headlines with his disruptive & innovative leadership
Dubbed “the prince of Condé Nast” by The New York Times, PHILLIP PICARDI is known for rebranding and reinvigorating iconic publications including Teen Vogue, Allure, and Out Magazine. Appointed to reimagine these well-established entities, Picardi revolutionized them by building empowered and diverse teams, creating disruptive content and digital strategies, and starting industry-shifting conversations. Within three months of his arrival, Teen Vogue went where it had never gone before, tackling politics, #BlackLivesMatter, sexual education, gun control, and more, becoming the fastest-growing women’s magazine in America year over year. During his tenure, Teen Vogue’s revolution was the subject of multiple media interviews, where the editorial strategy was discussed and dissected everywhere from 20/20 to The Tucker Carlson Show, The New York Times to The Guardian, to Good Morning America, and beyond. With each profoundly innovative strategy, Picardi continues to emphasize the power of building diverse and collaborative teams, sharing high-impact lessons and actionable takeaways in sought-after keynotes and conversations.
Phillip Picardi's new podcast, 'Unholier Than Thou'
PHILLIP PICARDI’s powerful podcast series, Unholier Than Thou, looks through lenses both saintly and secular. Picardi takes a look at everything from sex to climate change, and how religion informs those discussions. Listen to the latest episodes here >>
Phillip Picardi is an award-winning journalist and editor, best known for his role in helping to revolutionize Teen Vogue. Under Picardi's leadership, the digital audience of Teen Vogue grew from just 2 million unique visitors per month to over 12 million, making the Condé Nast title the fastest-growing women's magazine in America for two years running. While at Teen Vogue, Picardi was appointed by Anna Wintour to also oversee the digital operations of Allure, where he was in charge of raising metrics and affiliate revenue. It was there that he concepted "The End of Anti-Aging," an industry call to action for brands to eradicate the shame and stigma around getting older. Shortly thereafter, Picardi was dubbed "The Prince of Condé Nast" by The New York Times, and went on to launch a community-driven platform for LGBTQ+ youth called them, which amassed over 200,000 Instagram followers organically in under a year.
Picardi was later tapped to rebrand and relaunch Out Magazine, the largest and most influential publication for the queer and trans community. There, Picardi increased digital traffic by over 150% while leading the most diverse staff in the brand's history. His work culminated in the prestigious 2019 Out100, a multi-cover portfolio and reported series that was widely celebrated.
Most recently, Picardi graduated from Harvard Divinity School, where he was just one of 11 students selected for the inaugural Masters of Religion and Public Life program. His studies coincided with a podcast about religion from Crooked Media called Unholier Than Thou and a newsletter from Substack, titled Religiously Blonde.
During Picardi's career, he has contributed to brand campaign and experiential for clients like Levi's, Ralph Lauren, Lego, Burberry, and Nike. He is also the recipient of multiple awards, including Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People, the Forbes 30 Under 30, the AdWeek Hot List, a GLAAD Award, and more.
My Speaker List
