Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Amy DuBois Barnett.
📝 Summary of the Interview
Amy DuBois Barnett, a trailblazing media executive and author, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss her career, her upcoming debut novel If I Ruled the World, and her insights on success, authenticity, and navigating the evolving media landscape. The conversation covered her historic role as the first Black woman to helm a major mainstream U.S. magazine, her experiences in media and publishing, the importance of Black voices, and her journey toward becoming a novelist.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Career Milestones & Legacy
- Amy made history as the first Black woman editor-in-chief of a major mainstream U.S. magazine (Teen People).
- She held leadership roles at Harper’s Bazaar, Ebony, Honey Magazine, and digital platforms like BET and The Grio.
- Her editorial style focused on humanizing success, sharing personal stories and lessons rather than just promoting content.
2. New Novel: If I Ruled the World
- Set in late 1990s/early 2000s New York, the novel follows Nikki, a woman navigating the fashion and music magazine world.
- Themes include misogyny in hip hop, professional ambition, friendship, and self-discovery.
- The title is inspired by the Nas and Lauryn Hill song, and Lauryn Hill was the first cover of Honey Magazine under Amy’s leadership.
- Amy envisions the novel as a TV series, and is actively working toward that goal.
3. Importance of Preorders
- Preorders are critical for debut novelists to hit bestseller lists.
- All preorders count toward first-week sales, which are essential for making lists like the New York Times Bestseller.
4. Authenticity & Black Media
- Amy emphasized the need for authentic Black voices in media, especially in today’s political climate.
- She praised independent platforms and figures like Roland Martin, Joy Reid, and Don Lemon for maintaining integrity.
5. Success Principles
- Success requires more than talent—it’s about energy, attitude, collaboration, and kindness.
- She highlighted the importance of networking through genuine relationships, not just transactional exchanges.
- Believing in oneself is essential: “The universe will not give you an opportunity that you don’t think you deserve.”
6. Pivoting & Resilience
- Amy’s career involved multiple pivots—from finance to fashion to media.
- She stressed the importance of recognizing when to pivot and manifesting goals through vision and hard work.
7. Print vs. Digital Media
- Print magazines offer permanence and thoughtful journalism, while digital media provides speed and volume.
- She misses the visual artistry of print, like cover shoots and fashion spreads.
8. Personal Notes
- Amy’s son is a music producer and DJ, studying at Drexel University.
- Rushion and Amy have a long-standing friendship dating back to 2012, when she was at Ebony and he was producing the Steve Harvey show.
💬 Notable Quotes
- “You have to believe that you deserve all of the opportunity.”
- “Networking is not about handing out business cards. It’s about building relationships.”
- “Magazines have a permanence that made you incredibly careful.”
- “I’m manifesting big things.”
- “We are out here flawed and just trying to find success, love, and fulfillment like everyone else.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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