Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. Frequently we spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.
This Q & A is with Meredith Kopit Levien who is responsible for the generation of all advertising revenue from The Times’s multiplatform products and services and for leadership of the global advertising sales team. Before joining The Times, she was the chief revenue officer at Forbes Media, where she led the North American and European revenue operations for Forbes.com, the Forbes Magazine Group and Forbes Conferences.
She is part of a leadership team shifting the way The New York Times makes money from advertising: In addition to selling standard display ads, it’s working with advertisers to create bespoke ad campaigns and produce content. Her job might be one of the most high-stakes in the media business right now.
1) What was a pivotal momentum of reinvention for you?
There were two separate and distinct pivotal moments: The first was not being the obvious choice for a much-sought top job more than half a dozen years ago (they were right at the time), and the second was becoming a mother.
2) Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?
I’ve only worked a handful of places in 21 years, and have been lucky enough to have only worked directly for great people. My last boss, the CEO of Forbes, was a mentor, coach and friend, and also a genuine sponsor. He taught me the value of being human and warm while still holding people to an incredibly high standard.
3) What is your biggest goal right now?
To create an environment in which people can do extraordinary, game-changing work that they love creating, and to be part of a team that helps the world’s best journalism brand grow, prosper and fulfill its mission to society for the long haul. And to raise a happy child.
4) How did you get your first job? How did you jump to your second job?
It was through an on-campus interview at the University of Virginia, which led to multiple different jobs over a decade and half of my career so far, all working for the same chairman/owner. In other words, I lucked into it all! (Thanks David Bradley.)
5) What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?
Later than I should. Drink a venti iced coffee. Read The Times on my phone. Race.
6) How did you feel on your 30th birthday? What were you doing at that time?
Terribly confused. I took a mini sabbatical, went on outward bound, ended a 9-year relationship and fell in love with work.
7) How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?
Hanging with my son, reading great literature, seeing movies. I don’t do these things often enough.
8) What challenge / achievement are you most proud of?
Building a team of people who want to keep working together.
9) What was the last business book you read?
I never read business books. But I’ve learned a heck of a lot about business and life from reading great literature.
10) What cause do you most want to advance?
Lifting more people from poverty to help them come into better circumstances. I feel that some of The Times’s reporting coming out of hard-to-reach places and situations helps build awareness for some of these issues.
Check out Meredith Kopit Levin’s full 40 Over 40 profile here!
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