AWM Office Hours with Rashida Jones: Leading Through Change in a Digital-First Media Landscape
The September AWM Office Hours session featured Rashida Jones, CEO of Uncensored, for an engaging conversation focused on leadership, career growth, and the rapidly evolving media industry. As one of AWM’s exclusive member benefits, Office Hours sessions provide direct access to accomplished industry leaders, offering candid insights and real-world advice in an interactive setting.
Drawing from her experience leading major media organizations and now building a global, digital-first company, Ms. Jones shared how intentional career decisions have helped her navigate industry disruption. Reflecting on her own journey, she encouraged attendees to be strategic about every career move, advising professionals to “be very intentional about what you do, where you do it, who you do it for, what companies [you’re] associated with, and also have a clear idea of how you can tell your story.” She emphasized that today’s media leaders must focus less on where content has traditionally lived and more on how audiences actually consume information, reminding attendees that organizations must “follow where they already are and reverse engineer from there.”
The discussion also explored entrepreneurship, emerging platforms, artificial intelligence, and professional development. For students and early-career professionals, Ms. Jones highlighted the unprecedented opportunities available today to create and showcase work independently. “You have a camera on your phone,” she noted. “Go create the content yourselves. You can be much more entrepreneurial in this space.” She also offered encouraging leadership advice for women navigating professional environments: “No one is going to out prepare me, not one person. I’m always going to do the work.” Her message throughout the session centered on confidence, preparation, and embracing opportunities, even when they require stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.
One of the strongest themes of the conversation was the value of relationships. Ms. Jones encouraged attendees to actively seek mentors both inside and outside their industries, noting that many of the most influential people in her own career came from unexpected encounters. Her advice was simple but powerful: put yourself in the room, meet new people, and start the conversation. For AWM members, the session served as a reminder of the power of connection, learning, and access to leaders who are shaping the future of media. These meaningful conversations are just one of the many ways AWM helps members build their careers, expand their networks, and stay ahead in a changing industry.
For more information about the AWM Office Hours program, please email amy.burton@allwomeninmedia.org.