It’s a wild world out there, and the media? Well, it’s simultaneously the watchdog, the storyteller, and, occasionally, the chaos agent. But with more women taking on leadership roles at major global media brands such as The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Inc., and Fast Company, how is the media landscape shifting? And perhaps the bigger question: Has critical thinking gone the way of the fax machine?
These were just a few of the ideas I explored with Amy Bernstein, Editor of the Harvard Business Review. We covered leadership, critical thinking, multi-generational workplaces, the state of journalism, and that ever-elusive skill, owning your mic.
So, let’s break it down.
What Happened to the Lost Art of Critical Thinking?
Once upon a time, people read the news and asked, “Does this story add up?” They followed up with, “What’s missing here?” and, my personal favorite, “Wait, what’s the business model behind this?”
Fast forward to today, and we’re drowning in content with very little of that skepticism in play. Instead, we have:
✅ People accepting news at face value because it fits their existing narrative.
✅ A collective allergy to follow-up questions.
✅ The blurring of journalism and media because, no, they’re not the same thing.
Amy and I both agreed: Journalism’s job hasn’t changed. It’s still about surfacing the truth, holding power to account, and, despite popular belief, not pushing an agenda. But without an audience willing to engage in actual critical thinking, even the best journalism struggles to make an impact.
Which brings us to the reader’s responsibility. If you’re consuming content, be it news, social media, or business insights, you owe it to yourself to pause and ask:
- Who benefits from this story?
- Is there another angle I’m not seeing?
- Would this even pass a basic fact-check?
Because, let’s be real: If you’re willing to hand over your social security number because a text message told you a package is waiting for you, it might be time to sharpen those cognitive skills.
The Role of the Media: More Than Just Clickbait
The media industry is evolving, but the core mission of journalism should remain constant. According to Amy:
“It’s not because you saw it on TV that it makes it true. It’s not because you saw it on the internet that it makes it true.”
That means quality media outlets have a responsibility to go beyond headlines designed to outrage and actually dig into the substance. But audiences also need to demand more because if we reward sensationalism, guess what? We’ll get more of it.
It’s also worth noting that in today’s landscape, media outlets aren’t just competing with each other. They’re competing with YouTube, TikTok, Netflix, and every other way people spend their time. That means the expectation for engagement is higher than ever. If it’s not entertaining, it’s not getting eyeballs.
So what does that mean for the future of media? It means ideas, not just articles, need to be at the center. The best stories will be told across multiple formats such as podcasts, videos, long-form pieces that meet audiences where they are, not just where the publisher wants them to be.
More Women in Media: Will It Change the Stories We Tell?
One major shift happening across journalism and business media is the rise of women in top editorial roles. We’re talking about:
- Amy Bernstein at Harvard Business Review
- Meredith Kopit Levien at The New York Times
- Stephanie Mehta at Fast Company
And that’s just the shortlist.
Does this change how stories are told? Absolutely.
Because the lens through which we see the world is shaped by experience. Leadership teams that include different perspectives, whether gender, background, or worldview, are more likely to:
✅ Ask better questions
✅ Challenge long-held assumptions
✅ Tell stories that resonate with a wider audience
And if that’s not a win for journalism, I don’t know what is.
Owning Your Mic: Do You Know When to Speak and When to Listen?
One of the most compelling takeaways from my conversation with Amy was this: “Owning your mic” doesn’t always mean speaking. It also means knowing when to listen.
Ever been in a meeting where someone just had to add their voice to the conversation? We’ve all been there. But before jumping in, here’s the real question:
Are you making it better, or are you just making it different?
A simple but powerful distinction. Not every thought needs airtime. And sometimes, the most effective leadership move is knowing when to let others take the floor.
But for those who struggle to be heard, particularly women, younger professionals, or anyone in the early stages of their career, this works both ways. Speaking up is just as important as knowing when to hold back. The challenge is learning to strike the right balance.
The Future of Leadership: Navigating Multi-Generational Teams
With five generations in the workforce, leading a team has never been more nuanced. You’ve got:
- Boomers: The “work hard, pay your dues” crowd.
- Gen X: The “just get it done” pragmatists.
- Millennials: The “purpose-driven” workers who value flexibility.
- Gen Z: The “work-life balance or I’m out” crew.
Managing across these generational lines requires one key skill: humility.
Leaders today need to recognize that:
✅ Not every new idea is a revolution.
✅ Not every tradition is outdated.
✅ And yes, title promotions still need to be earned. Six months in, you’re probably not “due” for one yet.
As Amy brilliantly pointed out, we need self-awareness to navigate these spaces. The best leaders aren’t the ones trying to be the loudest. They’re the ones who listen, adapt, and elevate the people around them.
The Bottom Line
So, where does this leave us?
- The role of journalism hasn’t changed, but critical thinking needs a revival.
- Media outlets need to meet audiences where they are and compete with every other way people consume content.
- Women leading major media brands will shape the stories we see, and that’s a good thing.
- Owning your mic is about knowing when to speak and when to listen.
- And finally, leadership is about self-awareness. Because if you think you have all the answers, you probably don’t.
If you take one thing from this, let it be this: Your ability to think critically is your superpower. Don’t hand it over so easily.
And if you’re still waiting for someone to validate your seat at the table? Here’s your answer: You belong. Now, act like it.
Women Advancing Episode Blogs 2025