Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to sit down with a former colleague, Warwick Sabin. We spent time talking about the media industry — where it was in the early 2000s, where it is today and where it is headed. It was one of those conversations that stayed with me long after it was over.
Warwick Sabin and Heather Baker | Credit: Jane Colclasure
Later in the week, I found myself rewatching The Devil Wears Prada 2. There was a scene that struck me: Miranda Priestly, the fearless, unapologetic editor who built her reputation on saying exactly what she believed, now had someone in her office filtering what she could and could not say because people might be offended.
Whether it is fiction or not, it felt familiar.
We have entered an era where people are often more concerned with avoiding offense than pursuing honest conversation. Somewhere along the way, we confused disagreement with disrespect.
Here is the truth: It is OK to disagree.
It is OK to have different political beliefs, different business philosophies and different perspectives on life. In fact, it is healthy. It is how ideas evolve.
One of the most powerful things any of us can do is step outside our own echo chamber from time to time by watching a news station that does not align with our beliefs or reading an opinion that challenges our own. In other words, we can learn to listen — not because we plan to change our minds but because understanding another perspective makes us more informed.
What concerns me is not that people disagree; it is that too many people have stopped listening altogether. Knowledge should never be limited to one viewpoint.
I have also noticed another shift, and it is one I see almost daily in business: Accountability has become increasingly rare.
Too often, people do not do what they say they are going to do, instead being content to leave the work for someone else. In such environments, deadlines become suggestions and excuses replace ownership.
The strongest people I know do not blame everyone else; they raise their hand, admit mistakes and get better. It is not complicated, but it is an incredibly powerful way to live.
Imagine what our workplaces and our communities would look like if more people simply took ownership, showed up, did their jobs, kept their word and prided themself on being people others can count on.
Then there is something many people dismiss as superficial, but not me: How you present yourself matters.
The moment someone meets you, they are forming an impression before you ever say a word. That is not unfair; it is human nature. Years ago, media professionals walked into meetings wearing pressed suits, polished shoes, blazers and, yes, even pantyhose. Times have changed. Thankfully, some dress codes have relaxed, but professionalism should not disappear simply because fashion has evolved.
Looking put together is not about wearing expensive clothes; it is about respecting yourself and respecting the people you meet with. It is about showing that the opportunity mattered enough for you to prepare. After all, if you do not appear to value yourself, why should someone else?
I also think we have developed an expectation culture. When employers do something thoughtful, letting the staff leave early, creating flexibility and investing in culture, it is more often than not treated as merely a perk to be expected rather than a gesture to be appreciated.
Gratitude seems quieter than it used to be, and so does loyalty. We have become incredibly good at asking what we are owed when maybe what we should spend more time asking is what we are contributing.
Like a lot of industries today, the world of media has changed dramatically since I started. Technology is faster, the platforms are endless, and news cycles never sleep. However, the principles that build trust have not changed at all.
Integrity still matters.
Relationships still matter.
Work ethic still matters.
Respect still matters.
Showing up still matters.
The future of media will not be determined by algorithms alone; it will be determined by the people creating it and, I believe, led by those who value truth over outrage, accountability over excuses, curiosity over assumptions and gratitude over entitlement.
Maybe the biggest change we need is not in media.
Maybe it is in ourselves.
