Lauren Moraski is an editorial leader and content strategist who has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, media, and technology. She’s Senior Director of Content Studio & Creative at PepsiCo, Global Communications, following leadership roles at Amazon, Merck, HuffPost, and CBS News. A former journalist and on-air host, Lauren brings a sharp editorial eye and a collaborative, creative spirit to every project. She also teaches at Parsons The New School and has served as a commentator on pop culture and entertainment.

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

I’m most excited to see the breadth of work across various industries and platforms. Not only am I eager to celebrate creatives, but I’m also looking forward to getting inspired myself. I thought this would be a great way to observe trends, connect with talented individuals, and build community.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

My first-ever job was as a guest booker for a radio network in Manhattan. I booked celebrities for national radio tours and interviews with major market morning show hosts. It taught me how to hustle, think creatively, and build relationships. It was a blast, too.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

I think excellence in video boils down to how well it connects, moves, and makes the audience feel. For me, strong storytelling, great pacing, and emotional impact are among the key pillars. It’s really the emotional impact of any given video—whether it be long-form or short-form—that sets it apart. Do you want to share it with a friend, for example? Are you thinking about it the next day? If it makes someone think differently, learn something, or have a fresh perspective, then that’s a good sign.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

I lead content and creative on the global communications team at PepsiCo, which means I work with an amazing team that designs and builds the content you see across social, digital, and more. I love that I get to pour my diverse multimedia background into this job every day.

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

Ever since I was a kid, I loved writing and storytelling. Music, entertainment, and news had me hooked for as long as I could remember. So, I did everything I could to get closer to that space. Countless internships, volunteer gigs, and side hustles solidified that for me—dating back to high school. And there’s been no turning back.