To find success, embrace what makes you different

Phillip Picardi is the Chief Content Officer and founding editor of the newly-launched THEM, Condé Nast’s first-ever platform devoted to the queer community. He is also the digital editorial director of both Teen Vogue and Allure, where he oversees audience, content and social strategy. When Picardi re-joined Teen Vogue in 2015 (he was formerly an intern and an assistant for the magazine), he launched the website’s politics and wellness coverage, shifting the brand’s focus from fashion and celebrity to themes of gender equality and social justice. In turn, TeenVogue.com traffic skyrocketed from 2 to 12 million monthly unique visitors in just two years, nabbing two Webby Awards, a GLAAD Award and Adweek nods along the way. Most recently, Picardi was named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People, and one of the 50 Most Influential LGBTQ People in Media by The Advocate.