#32 Nicholas Thompson, CEO at The Atlantic

In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former Editor-in-Chief of Wired, to explore his path from student newspaper founder to leading one of the most influential media organizations in the world. With a deep understanding of journalism, tech innovation, and business leadership, Nicholas shares his thoughts on editorial independence, AI’s role in publishing, and building resilient teams in a fast-changing media landscape.

From running newsrooms to navigating the future of AI-driven journalism, this conversation is full of thought-provoking takeaways. Nicholas also opens up about what keeps him grounded, the importance of trust in leadership, and why great content always comes first—no matter the business model.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• The Evolution of Modern Journalism – How Nicholas’s early experiences shaped his leadership at The Atlantic.
•  Business vs. Editorial – Why a clear line between content and revenue is key to maintaining trust.
•  AI & the Newsroom – The promise and perils of artificial intelligence in journalism.
•  Leadership Style – How Nicholas fosters a culture of open debate, autonomy, and values-driven decision-making.
•  Career Advice – Why mentorship, ambition, and meaningful work matter in shaping a successful path.

Key Topics Covered:
 [00:00] Introduction & Nicholas’s Background – From student journalism to the CEO seat
 [05:00] Lessons from The Thinker – Early insights into editorial debate and business strategy
 [10:00] Building Strong Cultures – How to manage rival teams and competing business goals
 [15:00] Trust in Journalism – Why editorial independence is non-negotiable at The Atlantic
 [20:00] Embracing AI – How Nicholas uses AI in his daily life and what it means for journalism
 [25:00] The Future of Media – Competing with TikTok, evolving revenue models, and building resilience
 [30:00] Career Reflections – Advice for aspiring journalists and early-career professionals

Whether you're in media, leadership, or just fascinated by the intersection of journalism and technology, this episode offers powerful insights from one of the most thoughtful voices in the industry.

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