In this profile, we dive into the inspiring story of Kaylene Ladinsky, President, Editor, and Managing Publisher of Atlanta Jewish Times. Kaylene reflects on her remarkable path from corporate mediation to leading one of the most respected Jewish publications in the U.S. Her dedication to her community, leadership style, and innovative spirit have helped shape the future of Jewish journalism.
A Non-Traditional Path to Leadership
Kaylene’s career journey is anything but conventional. After starting her professional life in corporate mediation, she spent 17 years in a role that didn’t require a law degree, but instead, her paralegal background. However, as time passed, she began to realize that her work, although important, wasn’t as fulfilling as she had hoped. She was manipulating outcomes to serve her clients, and it didn’t feel honest.
At a pivotal moment in her life, after saving a significant amount of money, she decided to step away from her corporate career. This decision led her to start a nonprofit called Americans United with Israel, where she focused on community service. During this time, the owner of Atlanta Jewish Times approached her about temporarily taking over the paper, a role that quickly became more permanent. Over the next 14 years, Kaylene transformed the publication, leading it into a new era.
Shaping the Future of Atlanta Jewish Times
Taking over Atlanta Jewish Times was no small feat. When Kaylene stepped in, the paper was outdated, both in design and content. She faced considerable resistance, especially from those who questioned her vision and leadership. She recalls an early challenge when, after trying to collaborate with a fellow editor, he eventually left, and she had to take full control. The redesign she spearheaded not only modernized the publication’s look but also shifted its editorial direction to reflect a broader, more inclusive vision of the Jewish community.
Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic posed another significant challenge, but it was also a turning point for Atlanta Jewish Times. While many organizations were struggling to stay afloat, Kaylene and her team turned adversity into opportunity. They rapidly expanded their coverage, tripling their content, and were one of the few publications to get its staff back into the office. This quick pivot solidified AJT’s place as a vital resource for the community during a time of uncertainty.
A Defining Moment in Her Life and Career
Kaylene credits a personal turning point with truly shaping her career. When her son started speaking, she had a profound realization about her Jewish heritage and how she wanted to raise him. This moment sparked a deep reflection on her own identity and set her on a path to embrace her roots more fully. It was a wake-up call that pushed her to take her life and work in a more meaningful direction. Becoming a “woman of valor,” as she puts it, became a cornerstone of her personal and professional journey.
Pride in Building a Legacy
Kaylene’s proudest accomplishment isn’t just personal success but the transformation of Atlanta Jewish Times and its impact on the community. Under her leadership, the paper went from being a small, struggling publication to the leading Jewish newspaper in the U.S. This success, however, is not just about her. She credits her team for their creative input and hard work in making the paper a vibrant and essential part of Jewish life in Atlanta.
One of her most significant shifts has been moving away from micromanagement and fostering a culture of creativity and independence. This has allowed her team to thrive, pushing boundaries and innovating in ways that have kept AJT ahead of the curve.
Redefining Success
Over the years, Kaylene’s definition of success has evolved. Early in her career, she measured success in terms of personal achievements and financial milestones. Now, she defines it by the impact she makes on her community and how effectively she serves her audience. She’s less concerned with accolades and more focused on creating content that resonates with readers and meets their needs. A key example of this shift was her decision to introduce a sports section to AJT. Though she’s personally indifferent to sports, she understood that the community craved this content, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Innovating Through Digital Content and Community Engagement
Among the initiatives Kaylene is most proud of is the development of AJT’s podcast and its growing digital presence. Recognizing the importance of adapting to modern media, she encouraged her team to expand beyond print. The podcast allowed them to engage with the community in new ways, giving them an accessible platform to share important stories. Additionally, Kaylene led the charge in creating a nonprofit to host the Jewish Life Festival, bridging gaps between Jewish and broader Atlanta communities through a celebration of culture, faith, and shared values.
Guiding Principles and Values
Kaylene’s decisions are guided by the core principles of her Jewish faith: community, kindness, and service. These values are reflected not only in the editorial direction of AJT but also in the way she runs her business. She encourages her team to tackle difficult topics, from LGBTQ+ rights to anti-Semitism, with sensitivity and care, fostering dialogue and raising awareness in ways that spark conversation and promote understanding.
Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders
For young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Kaylene’s advice is simple but powerful: Be bold. She’s clear that women shouldn’t shy away from asserting themselves, even when faced with challenges. While her confidence may sometimes be mistaken for arrogance, Kaylene knows that standing firm and owning your ideas is key to success. She encourages young women to trust their instincts and not be discouraged by the barriers they might encounter. In an industry where women are often underrepresented, her journey proves that with perseverance and a strong sense of self, anything is possible.
Looking Ahead: Ambitious Goals for the Future
Looking towards 2025 and beyond, Kaylene has a clear vision for the future. One of her main goals is to build a national network connecting Jewish publications across the U.S. She’s already working on a platform that will allow readers to access news from Jewish communities nationwide. This initiative will expand her reach beyond Atlanta, creating a digital space where Jewish communities can stay informed and connected. It’s a bold step that reflects her commitment to making a lasting impact on the Jewish community—both locally and across the country.
In conclusion, Kaylene Ladinsky’s journey from a corporate mediator to leading one of the nation’s foremost Jewish publications is a testament to her resilience, vision, and commitment to community. Her ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire others has not only shaped Atlanta Jewish Times but also left an indelible mark on the broader Jewish community. As she continues to push boundaries and chart new paths, her leadership offers a powerful example of how one person’s dedication can transform an entire industry and inspire generations to come.
