The Antidote to Doom Scrolling and Negative Newsfeeds with Wendy Bounds

Lead at the Top of Your Game

IN THIS EPISODE . . . .

Here is another episode of our special series featuring perspectives from journalists and editors in the media. Today, we're excited to present an expert who leads news curation, focusing on reducing readers' information anxiety. We proudly feature Wendy Bounds, Vice President of Content and US Media Partnerships at SmartNews. SmartNews is an award-winning news discovery app downloaded by over 50 million readers in over 150 countries.

In this episode, you'll hear about Wendy's journey into journalism, how she was captivated by the storytelling bug from an early age, and how inspiration from family members in journalism paved the way for her career. Wendy shares her fortunate break right out of school, landing a job at the prestigious Wall Street Journal, which served as a launchpad for her career at other high-profile media outlets. Alongside her leadership story and valuable advice, Wendy discusses how her passion for obstacle course racing influenced her work-life integration perspectives.

Don't miss this fantastic episode, where Wendy provides insights into the evolving landscape of journalism, the importance of storytelling, and the integration of passion into professional life.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://LeadYourGamePodcast.com. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Wendy”)

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ABOUT WENDY BOUNDS:

Wendy Bounds is a prominent figure in media, journalism, and content strategy. As Vice President of Content & US Media Partnerships at SmartNews, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of one of the world's leading news and information curation platforms. With a blend of machine learning and human insight, SmartNews stands at the forefront of delivering quality content to its vast audience.

Before joining SmartNews in 2022, Wendy was Vice President & Chief Content Officer at Consumer Reports. During her tenure from January 2014 to August 2022, she spearheaded editorial strategies. She oversaw content creation and operations across various platforms, including magazines, websites, social media, podcasts, and video/TV endeavors. Also, her leadership was crucial in maintaining Consumer Reports' reputation as a trusted source of consumer information and advocacy.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Wendy leads an active and engaged life. As an avid Obstacle Course Racer, she has competed in prestigious events such as the Spartan Race World Championships in Lake Tahoe and Abu Dhabi in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Additionally, she dedicates her time and expertise to several nonprofit organizations. She serves as a board member for American Public Radio's Marketplace franchise, UNC Chapel Hill's Hussman School of Journalism & Media, the Highlands Current nonprofit community news organization, and the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center.

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WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:

1. What lessons in leadership can be learned from competitive athletics?

2. How does AI meet human conscience in news discovery?

3. What factors contribute to leadership and high performance?

4. What is the importance of balancing innovation and responsibility?

5. How can information anxiety be reduced through news consumption strategies?

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FEATURED TIMESTAMPS:

[04:54] From Boardroom to Barbed Wire: Leadership Lessons from Obstacle Racing

[06:58] A Journey through Journalism and Media Tech

[08:56] Smart News: Where AI Meets Human Conscience in News Discovery

[10:51] Smart News' Quest for Quality and Balance

[14:00] Balancing Innovation and Responsibility

[15:55] Breaking Barriers: A Female Leader's Perspective on Leadership and High Performance

[18:35] Lessons in Leadership from Competitive Athletics

[20:23] Signature Segment: Wendy's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Balancing Personal and Professional Priorities

[23:25] Signature Segment: Wendy's LATTOYG Tactics of Choice: Courageous Agility: Classroom Wisdom to Professional Resonance

[26:31] Learn about Wendy's Books

[32:42] Signature Segment: Karan's Take

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LINKS FOR [GUEST]:

• Website: https://www.gwendolynbounds.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolynbounds/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gwendolynbounds
• Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/gbounds
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/gwendolynbounds

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PEOPLE AND RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• American Press Institute Article: Journalists and Mental Health: An API Resource Guide
• American Psychological Association Article: Media Overload is Hurting Our Mental Health. Here are Ways to Manage Headline Stress
• CNBC Article: 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Health While Following the News

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR YOU:

Overview: The Lead at the Top of Your Game Leadership Development Experience