Michaela Seewald: "One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing the impact Vogue has had."

In this spotlight from our interview series with inspirational female professionals across different fields, meet Michaela Seewald. Michaela is the Founder and CEO at V24 Media, the publisher of Vogue Czech Republic and Slovakia. We caught up with Michaela for a quick chat about her path from law into media, how Vogue was born in the Czech and Slovak markets, or what advice she would give to other female founders. 

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Please begin by telling us a bit about yourself and what you do.

As the CEO and publisher of Vogue in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, I am responsible for overseeing the operations of the magazine in these markets. My background is in law, specifically media law, which was a great foundation for developing my knowledge and business skills over the years.  

In addition to my legal background, I have also developed a strong understanding of the media industry through my experience as the publisher of Vogue in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This has included overseeing the editorial content of the magazine, as well as managing the business operations and partnerships.

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Before you founded V24 Media, your professional background was in law. What made you decide to branch out into media?

I have always been passionate about fashion and lifestyle, and saw an opportunity to bring a world-renowned brand like Vogue to the Czech and Slovak markets. The opportunity to build a company in this segment has been a tremendous opportunity.  

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How has your experience in law benefitted you in the media industry?

My experience in law has complimented my entrepreneurial and business skills that have proven to be a valuable combination when building Vogue CS over the past 5 years.  

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How was the idea born to bring Vogue to the Czech Republic and Slovakia and what were the most challenging aspects of this process?

The idea to bring Vogue to the Czech Republic and Slovakia was born out of a desire to provide readers in these markets with high-quality fashion and lifestyle content. The most challenging aspect of this process was building a team that shared our vision and could execute it effectively. When building the team at Vogue CS, we looked for individuals with a passion for fashion and lifestyle, as well as strong communication and organizational skills.

What would you say is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been seeing the impact that Vogue has had on the fashion and lifestyle industry in these markets. We have been able to showcase local talent and highlight the unique cultural perspectives of the Czech and Slovak regions, while also bringing international fashion trends and perspectives to our readers.

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Have you faced any specific challenges as a woman in media? How do you generally perceive the role of women in this industry?

As a woman in media, I have faced some challenges, but I believe that the industry is becoming more inclusive and diverse. I think it's important for women to support and uplift each other in this industry.

It is currently possible to say that positive changes and progress towards gender equality have been observed in the media industry. I believe that there is now greater recognition of the valuable contributions that women bring to the table, and more opportunities are being created for them to thrive. However, it is still important to acknowledge that there are certain challenges that women, even in the media, may face, such as gender bias, unequal pay, and limited representation in leadership positions. These obstacles can create an environment that is less conducive to women's professional growth and success.

Nevertheless, I firmly believe that women play a crucial role in the media shaping landscape. Their unique perspectives, creativity, and talents bring a fresh and diverse approach to storytelling and content creation. Women have the power to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and inspire change through their work.

It is crucial for the media industry to continue promoting gender equality and providing equal opportunities for women in all aspects of media, including behind the scenes, on-screen representation, and leadership roles. By doing so (including for us in Vogue and with Vogue Leaders) we can women's ensure that voices and stories are heard, valued, and celebrated.

Ultimately, the role of women in the media industry should be one of empowerment, where they can freely express themselves, contribute their unique talents, and be recognized for their expertise. Above all, I hope that the media industry will continue to evolve into a more inclusive and equitable space for all individuals, regardless of gender.

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As someone who has brought a world-renowned brand to a new market, how important were negotiation skills in the process? What kinds of situations did you have to negotiate in?

Negotiation skills were crucial in bringing Vogue to the Czech and Slovak markets. We had to negotiate with various stakeholders, including advertisers, suppliers, and partners. My advice to aspiring female founders would be to believe in yourself and your vision, and to surround yourself with a supportive team that shares your values and goals.

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To conclude, do you have any advice for aspiring female founders?

As a leader, I believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment, where individuals are encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives. I also prioritize ongoing learning and development, both for myself and for my team, as I believe that continuous growth and improvement is essential for success in any industry.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue growing and expanding the Vogue brand in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, while also exploring new opportunities and partnerships in the media industry. I am grateful for the support of my team and the broader community, and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the fashion and lifestyle space.