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

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

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

Making A Difference: A trailblazing media executive at Harper’s Bazaar, Ebony, Honey Magazine, and digital platforms like BET and The Grio.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a7ddad41-a169-473a-b5e8-b35f0165f9af/transcript

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