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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Amy DuBois Barnett.

 

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📝 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.

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🔑 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.

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💬 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.”

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#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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