You’ve had a distinguished career that’s spanned journalism, business, and politics. You were an investigative reporter for Israel’s largest newspaper; a television executive at Channel 10 in Israel; and now, a senior advisor to Ronald Lauder. How have you managed to reinvent yourself and move between sectors so seamlessly?
No matter where I’m working, no matter the role, I’ve been driven by the same set of core values—integrity, hard work, honesty, loyalty. Those values transcend sectors. Whether in a newsroom, a boardroom, or the halls of the United Nations, my desire to make the world a better place and be true to my values has animated my career.
You serve as Vice Chair of the Lauder Employment Center in Beersheba, whose mission is to create economic opportunities for young people living in the Negev. How much potential do you see in the region?
The Negev makes up over sixty percent of Israel’s landmass but contains just nine percent of the population. We’re developing the infrastructure to incentivize young college graduates to stay in the region and build a future there. It’s an ambitious project. But we would like to see the Negev’s population grow to one million in five years and two million in ten years.
In addition to the Employment Center, you’re very active philanthropically. You serve on the board of the United Nations Women for Peace Association, whose mission is to defend and empower women across the world. As a strong woman yourself, what issues do you have at the top of your agenda?
I hope to open more schools for women around the world, in places like Panama, Israel and Italy. I believe access to education should be seen as a tool to fight violence against women. Violence isn’t one-dimensional; it can take the form of psychological, emotional or physical abuse. We are spreading that message and effecting change.
Sticking with the topic of gender, you were a female media executive when there were far fewer than there are today. What kinds of challenges did you face as both an executive and a woman?
There were many challenges, especially early in my career when I was a single mom with two young kids. I overcame those obstacles by always giving 110 percent. By never taking anything for granted. By knowing there are no shortcuts to success. And I’ve always found it important to be humble and continue to study, to learn, to grow.
The #MeToo movement has had a larger impact on the media world than perhaps any other industry. What do you think of the movement to date and where do you see it heading?
Decades ago, as an investigative reporter, I exposed sexual misconduct by a leading Israel government official, which I consider one of my proudest achievements. I’m glad to see the U.S. finally catching up. The key priority going forward is to educate men and especially children about how to treat women. I believe the #MeToo movement will continue to evolve and generate awareness about other civil rights movements, too.
Last year you partnered with the International Emmy’s to launch the JCSI Young Creatives Award, honoring young artists making an impact on the world. What motivated you to create the competition?
The solutions to the world’s biggest challenges are in young people’s hands, and I believe art is one of the best ways for young people to express themselves and make an impact. Last year’s inaugural three winners—from China, Chile and Kuwait—set a great example by commenting on the theme “Women Peacemakers,” and I look forward to empowering young people through the competition for years to come.
Last week, you announced the winners of the second annual JCSI Young Creatives Award. This year’s theme was “Stand Up for Peace.” Could you tell me a bit about that?
This year’s three winners—two from India and one from Indonesia—made incredible digital short films about peace. They’ll soon spend a weekend in New York and attend the 46th International Academy of Television Arts and Science gala. After, we hope they’ll work to fulfill their dreams and bring about peace in their own creative ways.
They say that growing up in Israel, with the backdrop of conflict, makes Israelis especially resilient. Do you agree? And if so, does your upbringing in Israel give you an edge working in business in politics in other parts of the world?
I grew up with the backdrop of bus explosions every other week and reported on tragedy after tragedy as a young journalist. When I was 25, the newsroom I was working in learned that our colleague’s son had died in the conflict, and we had to keep it a secret until we found the right time to tell him. Those painful and trying experiences definitely helped make me the leader I am today.
You seem to never stop working. And I’m guessing that quality is passed on to your children. Where are they in their careers?
My daughter, Noa, is a fashion photographer and my son, Shay, is a singer and music producer. Both of them tremendous showed artistic talent from a young age and were deeply devoted to their passions—despite my best efforts to enroll them in business school! They make me proud every day, and I love having them in New York.
What can we expect next from you? What will be the next headline with Michal Grayevsky in it?
I will keep giving back through the United Nations, the Young Creative Awards, the Jewish National Fund, and the RAND Corporation. And most importantly, I will continue working with Mr. Ronald Lauder—fighting every day, with every ounce of energy, for the two-state solution and peace.
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