Simple strategies for impressing your boss

Media People Newsletter
Written and curated by Victor Genova · June 4, 2025 · Issue #25

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

• LEADERSHIP: Why slow is the new fast

• GROWTH: Simple strategies for impressing your boss

• PODCAST: M&K Media President, Jill McDonald

• HUMOUR: Zoom meetings are modern-day seances

• Subscribe to the Media People Podcast on YouTube

• Subscribe to the Media People Newsletter

LEADERSHIP

Why Slow is The New Fast

​Cal Newport's latest manifesto, Slow Productivity, isn't just a productivity guide, it's a rebellion against the performative busyness that defines modern work culture. He argues that our obsession with ‘inbox zero’ and ‘Slack pings’ has created a culture of "pseudo-productivity," where visible activity is mistaken for meaningful work. Newport proposes a three-part strategy: do fewer things concurrently, work at a natural pace, and obsess over quality.

By focusing on fewer tasks at a time, we can produce higher-quality work and reduce burnout. He draws inspiration from historical figures like Georgia O’Keeffe and Isaac Newton, who embraced seasonality and deep focus. However, Newport acknowledges that his approach may not be feasible for everyone, especially those without autonomy in their roles. Still, his call to redefine productivity challenges us to prioritize depth over speed in our work lives.​

GROWTH

Simple Strategies For Impressing Your Boss [From Goldman Sachs & Morgan Stanley Execs]

Goldman Sachs CFO, Denis Coleman, and Morgan Stanley tech dealmaker, Lauren Garcia Belmonte, aren’t sugarcoating the path to success.

Their advice? Say yes to the small stuff.

Coleman once stepped down into a less prestigious London-based role. While he was apprehensive to leave NYC for the UK, that move turned into a career rocket. It provided him with the opportunity to prove himself by growing something obscure into something big.

Belmonte’s advice is much more grounded and concise: If someone you admire tells you to sharpen pencils, grab the sharpener. Humility, hustle, and initiative still win, even in a world where AI is erasing grunt work. If you’re just breaking into the industry, don’t chase the spotlight. Instead, run toward the tasks no one else wants.

MEDIA PEOPLE PODCAST

M&K Media President, Jill McDonald

🎙️From competitive 🎹 piano playing to media agency leadership, M&K Media President, Jill McDonald joins Episode 117 of the Media People Podcast. We chat…

🎯 Running M&K Media’s day-to-day business
🎯 How an injury sidelined her music performance career
🎯 Studying Media, Information, and Technoculture in university
🎯 Teaching the next generation of media leaders
🎯 How working at Pizza Hut builds resilience & skills for a career in media

Our full episode is available here.

HUMOUR

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