Jackie O has added another title to her long list of accolades – the most powerful woman in Australian radio now graces the cover of T Australia: The New York Times Style Magazine’s ‘Influence’ issue.
Released today, the latest edition celebrates game-changers and visionaries shaping culture – from fashion designers to media leaders – and explores how influence extends far beyond authority or fame.
For Jackie, co-founder of lifestyle brand We Are Besties and host of Her Best Life podcast, the issue lands at a time of personal reinvention. “It’s like shedding that final skin. I’ve definitely had a lot of growth in that time,” she told T Australia, reflecting on a year of self-discovery and transformation.
A year of change
With more than 1.5 million listeners tuning in weekly, Jackie’s voice remains one of radio’s most recognisable. But behind the mic, she’s been navigating sobriety – and confronting the scrutiny that comes with being one of Australia’s most visible women.
“[They say] the first year is the hardest… when I was reading comments that [my weight loss] was [due to the drug] Ozempic, I was quite relieved that that was the narrative and that’s what people were focused on,” she revealed.
Sobriety, she admitted, is “fragile,” but the experience has also brought clarity. “Realising that I didn’t treat myself very kindly or didn’t think I was worth a lot,” Jackie said. Now, she’s turning the page with self-acceptance and a renewed sense of purpose.
She even hints at a new chapter beyond the airwaves: “I know exactly where I’m headed.”
Inside the ‘Influence’ issue
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Katarina Kroslakova said the issue aims to capture the true, evolving meaning of influence – and why authenticity has become its most powerful form.
“This issue celebrates the true power of influence; authentic, diverse, and ever-evolving,” said Kroslakova. “
From independent designers redefining Australian menswear to startups turning waste into billion-dollar opportunities, the people driving these cultural shifts aren’t just following trends; they’re shaping the future.”
At its centre sits Jackie O – a figure who’s remained relevant and resilient across three decades of media change.
“Thriving in today’s media landscape is no easy feat, yet she continues to prove she has the smarts, humour, empathy, longevity and the passion to sustain her incredible career,” Kroslakova added.
“Jackie O is a true role model for women of all ages, not just for her flawless media path, but for the powerful way she’s embraced this next chapter of her life, inspiring others with her honesty, self-awareness and strength.”
T Australia’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Katarina Kroslakova
Culture, creativity, and change
Beyond Jackie’s cover story, the Influence issue explores the shifting cultural landscape – from sustainable business to the art world’s new power centres.
Independent designers are pushing Australian menswear beyond traditional norms, while startups are turning waste into profit, showing that sustainability and commercial success can coexist.
The issue also spotlights renowned chef Rick Stein, whose rise to fame was driven “by necessity,” tracing how his career – and the people, produce and values that shaped it – mirror broader changes in Australia’s creative industries.
Meanwhile, the art world’s compass is shifting toward new cultural hubs in the Gulf and Azerbaijan, where fresh perspectives are challenging long-held hierarchies.
T Australia: The New York Times Style Magazine launched in March 2021, bringing the prestige of The New York Times brand together with a distinctly Australian editorial sensibility through KK Press.
The Influence issue is available now in print and online.