In our latest episode of Earned, we sit down with Jason Wagenheim, President and Chief Revenue Officer at global media company Bustle Digital Group. To start, we dive into Jason’s long-spanning career in publishing at Condé Nast, including his time at Vanity Fair, Glamour, and Teen Vogue. Jason reveals how accurate “The Devil Wears Prada” was, then unpacks how digital publishing took the print world by storm. We learn about the triumphs and challenges of acquiring and integrating a portfolio of independent media companies under one roof, including Elite Daily, The Zoe Report, and Inverse, before Jason emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with change. We discuss how publishers were the original influencers, and why advertisers should continue to see their value. Next, Jason shares the learnings he’s applied from his background in sales, and explains why empathy is key to being a successful leader. We close the show with the origin story of Jason’s current side hustle and passion project: East End Cowboy barbecue sauce.

In this episode, you will learn:

+ How the evolution of digital publishing took the print world by storm

+ Why publishers are the original influencers

+ The qualities you need to be a successful leader

Key Takeaways:

[04:27] The rise of digital publishing and its impact on print media

[07:33] Why publishers are the original influencers

[15:58] The benefits and challenges of acquiring independent media companies

[26:54] Jason’s biggest learnings from his background in sales

[30:16] The key qualities of a successful leader

[35:32] Jason’s BBQ sauce side hustle

Resources:

69 - Jason Wagenheim, Bustle Digital Group