How debate training enhances leadership prospects, building a strong freelance career

Author

Victor Genova
March 20, 2025

Media People Newsletter
Written and curated by Victor Genova · March 20, 2025 · Issue #24

Welcome to the twenty-third issue of the Media People Newsletter. In this issue:

LEADERSHIP

Want to Lead? Try Debate Training

Debate training isn't just for aspiring politicians. It’s also a proven catalyst for career advancement. A recent study by MIT found that employees who underwent nine weeks of debate training were 12% more likely to ascend to leadership roles within 18 months, when compared to their untrained peers. The secret sauce? Enhanced assertiveness. By mastering the art of structured argumentation, individuals become more confident in expressing ideas and leading discussions. In today's competitive landscape, where effective communication is paramount, investing in debate skills could be your ticket to the top.

GROWTH

Five Proven Strategies to Fast-Track Your Career

Navigating the dynamic media industry requires a blend of adaptability and strategic action. But what does a successful plan actually look like? It varies from company-to-company and role-to-role, but Mediabistro outlines five key strategies to accelerate your career growth.

  1. Embrace Adaptability: The media landscape is continually evolving. Staying informed about industry trends and acquiring new skills are essential to remain relevant.

  2. Build Internal Networks: Cultivating relationships across departments can open doors to new opportunities and mentorship, facilitating career progression.

  3. Demonstrate Measurable Results: Quantifying your contributions with concrete data showcases your impact and aligns your efforts with organizational goals.

  4. Develop Soft Skills: Leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for advancement, complementing technical expertise.

  5. Advocate for Yourself: Proactively seeking new challenges and articulating your career aspirations can position you for growth within the company.

MEDIA PEOPLE PODCAST

Freelance Advice from Matt Manuge

Matt Manuge is the Founder & Creative Director at Table 9 Productions. Like most creatives, Matt spent the early part of his career moving between freelance gigs.

But how did Matt manage to parlay one opportunity into another? By building a strong network and an even stronger reputation. Matt summarizes his strategy below.

Our full episode is available here.