Show Notes
This week on the show, editor-in-chief of Architectural Digest Amy Astley reflects on her path from aspiring ballerina to journalist to leading some of the most influential publications in fashion and design, including Architectural Digest and Teen Vogue. She opens up working alongside Anna Wintour, navigating high-pressure creative environments, learning to trust her instincts, and her thoughts on what it truly means to be a “taste maker.”
Together, Maria and Amy talk about perfectionism, ambition, mentorship, self-doubt, and the pressure women often feel to prove themselves in leadership roles. They also discuss taste, storytelling, social media, creative risk-taking, and why curiosity may be the most important skill of all.
All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough.
Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.
Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform
Follow Maria on Instagram
Follow Maria on X
Follow Pretty Tough on Instagram
Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack
00:00:00 Intro: Redefining Taste in a Borderless World
00:02:18 The "Dutiful Daughter" Archetype in Business
00:04:00 Ballet Beginnings: Learning Discipline and Letting Go
00:08:24 Career Lessons from Anna Wintour
00:10:04 The Power of Saying "Yes" and Taking Opportunities
00:12:44 Transforming Architectural Digest
00:14:14 The Mission Behind Teen Vogue
00:17:15 The Strategy Behind Magazine Covers
00:23:18 The Digital Evolution of Legacy Media
00:28:48 Pretty Tough Tips: Visualization for Success
00:33:55 The "Open Door" Series: Connecting Through Content
00:43:24 Facing the Future: AI in Publishing
00:51:57 Moving Beyond the "Tastemaker" Label
00:55:00 Integrating Personal Life and Professional Practice
01:00:17 NYC Design Recommendations
01:04:12 Pretty Tough Questions: Lessons, Routines, and Perfectionism
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from Pretty Tough with Maria Sharapova
Are you feeling stuck? Maria Sharapova sits down with New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and life coach Marie Forleo to discuss building a successful life and career on your own terms. Together they unpack what it takes to overcome self-doubt and how to navigate life's biggest transitions.
Maria Sharapova sits down with celebrity designer Vera Wang. Before becoming one of the most recognized names in fashion, Vera trained as a competitive figure skater with dreams of making the Olympic team. When that dream fell short, she pivoted to fashion.
In this episode of Pretty Tough, host Maria Sharapova sits down with tennis sensation Alex Eala. At just 21 years old, Alex has carved her name in history as the first Filipino to ever win a WTA tour title, rocketing into the world top 20 after unforgettable runs at Wimbledon and DC.
Maria Sharapova sits down with Milk Bar founder, chef, and entrepreneur Christina Tosi. From getting her start writing food safety plans for David Chang to breaking the internet with Compost Cookies and cereal milk soft serve, Christina shares the raw, unfiltered reality of building a massive dessert empire.
Supermodel icon Carolyn Murphy sits down with Maria Sharapova to reflect on three decades in fashion, shooting 73 Vogue covers (and counting), and the pivotal moment she walked away from fame to live quietly in Costa Rica with her daughter. Carolyn opens up about the power of intuition, breaking up with perfectionism, navigating single motherhood, and why dedication always beats discipline.