July 23, 2023
During a spring cleaning a few weeks ago I came across a treasured memory from my time at the University of San Francisco. It wasn’t my diploma, but rather the page proof of the last edition of the San Francisco Foghorn the year I was Editor-in-Chief. Though I enrolled at USF as a Journalism major, I was a latecomer to joining the staff of the weekly student newspaper. It wasn’t until my Junior year when I became News Editor, and then only at the urging of a friend who was Editor-in-Chief at the time.
I arrived with few expectations, but the minute I walked through the door I knew I was home. The two years on the Foghorn were my defining college experience, teaching me just as much as I learned in class (and in some ways more). Thirty years later, I still reflect on the lessons in journalism, leadership and finding your voice that I took away. Here’s what I remember.
Believe in yourself
I’ve always been a rather reserved person who doesn't crave the spotlight. But midway into my tenure as a News Editor, I knew I wanted the top job. To apply for Editor-in-Chief you had to stand before a council of faculty and staff and make a presentation on what you do with the paper and why you’re the best person for the role. At age 17, I’d never done anything close to that before. It was a huge step, and I was competing against a more experienced colleague. But I was confident I could do it, and I did.
When your team succeeseds, so will you
I’d never led a team before the Foghorn, especially one that’s not getting paid and works only part-time. But I learned quickly that earning their trust is critical to both your success and the organization’s. It was a crash course to be sure, and not something you can teach in a classroom. I still think about these leadership lessons today:

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Set your team up to succeed by giving them the tools, time and training to do well. Remember that you’re never too busy to help.
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Lead with empathy by sincerely listening to their challenges, goals and successes. Help when you can, and push them to find their own answer when it's needed.
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Ask, “What do you want?” Encourage them to tell you when they’re reluctant to do so.
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Earnestly consider all ideas and story pitches. Say yes to what could work no matter how unusual it is (like this amazing video a direct report later made at CNET). When something doesn’t work, explain why not.
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Don’t save the best stories or projects for yourself. Encourage them to reach their potential.
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Check your ego at the door. You’re there to make your entire team look good, not just yourself.
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Don’t be intimidated by managing more experienced people. You’re in the top role for a reason.
But you’re still the boss
For the most part, the staff got along well. But a diverse mix of strong personalities and the passions of youth could make for disagreements. There was a time when an editor had used a problematic adjective to describe a person in a story about a campus mugging. I cut the word during editing, but he added it back before sending the paper to the printer. Our faculty advisor was livid, and I got an earful. As a leader I dealt with that conversation, But then I confronted the editor and reminded him I was in charge. He may not like my decisions, but they’re my decisions.
Stand up for yourself
While I was News Editor I wrote a story about how a student group had misused funds from student activity fees to publish flyers with political themes. The group protested, accusing me of libel and demanding I lose my job. It became quite the scandal on a rather apathetic campus, and I suddenly found myself a public figure with vocal critics and supporters. I had to defend my story before USF’s ethics board to a room of hundreds of spectators (I was surprised that many people at USF showed up for anything) where I was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing. As an introvert, it was the most challenging period of my life up until that time. But I was grateful it happened. I defended myself and my reporting, and I found my voice.
Stay calm
Since the Foghorn published Thursdays we spent Wednesday evenings editing and doing layout. Usually we worked late into the night and slept in the office (I think there was only one night where I went home before daylight). Tempers could flare on little sleep, and that got in the way of getting the job done. I'm a composed person by nature, and I quickly realized the benefit of leading by example. Staying calm and focused in a crisis helps build a healthier, more productive environment for everyone.
Remember why you’re there, and enjoy yourself
Even with all of the work and stress that came with the Foghorn, it was all worth it when I’d pick an edition up from the printer. The feeling of holding something I had helped create in my hands was always a wonderful feeling, as was watching others read it on their way to class. I cherish that feeling even when publishing something online, and I suppose it’s what keeps me in this crazy business. I also remember the fun I had doing that work. The late pizza-fueled nights did build a camaraderie, and I count some of my colleagues as friends to this day. We were building something together. I was lucky enough to enjoy that culture at CNET, and I hope to experience it again in any future role.