The QUANT Issue: Mathematical Modeling of Humanity

Leading up to the Symposium, we will periodically interview some of our speakers for The NetWork magazine. To kickoff, we have an an exclusive interview with Keith Clinkscales.

Fortitude.

Look in any dictionary and it will be defined as the "strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage." It's a word that you don't hear often, but whenever it is used, you must take notice. Most people possess at least the slightest of heart, and can exhibit at least some amount of courage. But how many possess fortitude?

Keith Clinkscales is one of the very few who embodies this highly-coveted quality. Indeed, much of Clinkscales's success in life up to this point can be marked by that single word - fortitude. It takes fortitude to continue working in Chemical Bank in New York City dressed in a business suit, while the sounds of late-'80s hip-hop (marked by brothers in baggy jeans and cross-colours shirts) serenade your evenings and weekends, tapping into what would later be your passion. It takes fortitude to start and run your own magazine at the age of 24, while you're a full-time student at Harvard Business School. And it takes great fortitude to endure the challenges of an entrepreneurial media venture, only to bounce back and lead the biggest entertainment conglomerate in the publishing world in a position that makes you the envy of all your peers.

Now as Clinkscales embarks on what will undoubtedly be a long road of success, I asked him some questions to get a glimpse of the man between the pages.......

Given your extensive background and proven success in Media, what role do you foresee Communications having in the music industry as legislators try to keep up with the constantly changing technology?

The biggest role of Communications is to change consumers' value perception of obtaining music. Technology is too advanced to try and use old paradigms of music / consumer commerce. It is the role of media and communications to enhance and alter the perception of the true value of music purchase in a consumer's mind.

Let's look back briefly. What lessons have you learned that you will use to further propel your dynamic career forward?

Always respect experience, however do not be constrained by history.

Embrace change.

Embrace innovation.

Embrace ingenuity but always make sure you have plans to execute.

When times have gotten rough, what (or who) inspired you to keep pushing forward?

My family and friends.

How do you think we can use Media as an avenue to command a more active role in our communities?

In the society we live in today, with the pervasiveness of media technology and communications, media takes a more intrusive and active role in all of our lives. Media is a tremendous force. The only question is will that force be used for good or evil.

When it comes to community activism and moving social agendas, nothing has helped spur more movement than media attention. From what we saw in the 60s with the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam to what we see today with Hurricane Katrina and Iraq, outrage, emotion, caring and human concern often find their source in what people see in media.

You train top companies on "Market-Focused Diversity Strategies". How can academic institutions and companies effectively use diversity to their advantage?

The biggest lesson of diversity is to understand that it is a big strategy that can yield bottom line results and not simply a social strategy that can yield emotional kudos. I would encourage all companies to assess their business objectives and find out what impact a diverse consumer base has on their business. Once that's determined, the big need for diversity becomes much more clear.

Who do you admire?

Quincy Jones

Warren Buffett

Bob Johnson

As a media professional, I appreciate Clinkscales's struggles and triumphs. I appreciate his journey. But when you look at his trials and tribulations, they are not much different from our own. We can all relate to obstacles, adversity, and the importance of family and friends. So if our journeys are so similar to those who are successful, than why should each of us not be as successful in our own right? If we endure the same adversities daily, then we can achieve the same victories eventually. If we were in my church, my pastor would say: "That's a moment to start praising God right there in your seat!" But a fist-pump will do just the same.

Thanks for blazing your own trail Keith and continue to walk that road. We're coming up right behind you.






Interviewed exclusively for The NetWork magazine. Questions provided by Chris McLeod, 2005 MBADiversity Fellow, who worked for MTV and BET before starting his own consulting firm, The Entertainment Consulting Group (ECG).

Keith Clinkscales is currently Senior Vice President and General Manager of ESPN Publishing and an urban marketing expert. Previously, Clinkscales founded Vanguarde Media, Inc. with a mission to give voice to the relevant issues, interests and concerns of today's urban audiences. Vanguarde Media published Heart & Soul, HONEY, impact! Weekly, and SAVOY magazines. Clinkscales is a Harvard M.B.A. and was the first African American named as a president at Time, Inc., where he served as president and CEO of VIBE magazine. Clinkscales will be a Keynote Speaker at MBADiversity's 2nd Annual Symposium & Social on Saturday, August 5th, 2006.

Copyright (c) 2006 by TMR Group, Inc. Contents may not be copied, syndicated, or reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

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