The first female editor and vice president of the Buffalo News shared life lessons and industry tips with a small group in the Alfiero Center on Wednesday as part of the UB School of Management Executive Speaker Series.
As editor of the publication, Margaret Sullivan heads a newsroom staff of close to 200 people. Sullivan explained that there is no clear-cut way to be successful in a leadership position.
"I had this idea of what you had to be as a leader. I didn't think I had those qualities," Sullivan said.
According to Sullivan, leadership skills like leading by example and being willing to listen to other points of view are essential, both in and out of the journalism world.
"I tend to be consensus-oriented," Sullivan said. "I learned to listen to my own gut, and hear what other people have to say. The leadership quality I've come to try to cultivate...is trusting myself."
Sullivan began her career as a intern for the Buffalo News. A graduate of Georgetown University and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Sullivan went on to become the paper's first female editor in chief in 1999, and in 2001, became the company's first female vice president.
Sullivan encouraged attendees to follow their passions to find career success.
"It's very important to do what you love," Sullivan said. "Figure out what you're really good at, what you care about."
With the continual expansion of the Internet and by-the-minute blog updates, the future of print journalism is in question. Those whose dreams lie in print journalism need not give up, but according to Sullivan, it is wise to consider alternatives.
According to Sullivan, the Buffalo News is taking on the task of expanding media use. On election night, the Buffalo News' Web site featured a live chat feature. A reporter from the paper spent the evening blogging about the night's politics, while responding to comments posted throughout the night by online readers.
"[The Internet] is probably the biggest change in communications since Gutenberg invented the printing press," Sullivan said.
Sullivan stressed the importance of getting a foot in the door at the beginning of any career.
"Having any foothold at all in an organization is one of the most valuable things you can do," Sullivan said. "Talent goes a long way; brains go a long way... [but] you should understand what people need from a young employee."
Sullivan's words gave an honest portrayal of the business world, according to Alguire.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
