In this interview, we explore the remarkable story of Kaylene Ladinsky, President, Editor, and Managing Publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times. Kaylene shares insights into her leadership qualities, the key trends and challenges shaping the media industry, and how her organization continues to thrive amidst evolving landscapes. She also provides a glimpse into the innovative steps her team has taken to adapt to change, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how Kaylene has transformed the Atlanta Jewish Times into a pillar of its community and what drives her passion for keeping Jewish Atlanta connected.
The Leadership Qualities that Contributed to Success
Kaylene attributes much of her leadership success to her determination and confidence in her team’s abilities. She believes that an attitude of never giving up has been crucial. In addition, being surrounded by a great team and helping to build their confidence has played a pivotal role in achieving success. Kaylene emphasizes the importance of fostering a team environment where everyone feels empowered, which in turn strengthens the overall success of the organization.
Key Industry Trends and Challenges for 2024 and Beyond
Reflecting on the challenges facing the newspaper industry, Kaylene identifies inflation as one of the biggest obstacles for 2024. Over the past few years, the cost of goods, particularly paper, has significantly increased—up to 35% since the onset of COVID-19. Additionally, a shift in the paper manufacturing industry, where paper mills are now producing more boxes than paper, has further complicated sourcing materials. These trends present ongoing challenges in the printing and distribution of newspapers. However, Kaylene remains hopeful that costs will stabilize in the future.
Adapting to the Changing Landscape
Despite the rising costs of paper, Kaylene and her team have made strategic decisions to ensure the Atlanta Jewish Times continues to thrive. Their digital and online presence has been significantly expanded, which is key to maintaining relevance in today’s fast-evolving media landscape. However, Kaylene is adamant that their printed newspaper will continue to be a vital part of the community. The Atlanta Jewish Times has become an essential resource for its readers, not only providing news but also connecting the Jewish community in Atlanta. This connection is reinforced through a variety of platforms including podcasts, video content, and social media engagement.
Additionally, in an innovative move, the Atlanta Jewish Times has transitioned to offering the newspaper free to the community rather than charging for subscriptions. This shift allows the paper to reach a wider audience, while relying on taxable donations to sustain the business. By doing so, Kaylene ensures that everyone in the community has access to important news and information, regardless of their financial situation.
Navigating Obstacles and Overcoming Challenges
When reflecting on how she has overcome major obstacles, Kaylene highlights creativity as a key factor. One of the most significant challenges the organization faced was the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many businesses to operate remotely. While many publishers struggled with getting their teams back to the office, Kaylene took a proactive approach. She implemented strict safety protocols, including regular testing for staff and their families, and maintained a close-knit team atmosphere. This creativity and adaptability helped the Atlanta Jewish Times continue its operations without significant disruption, allowing them to maintain the high-quality output they are known for.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
Innovation within the Atlanta Jewish Times starts with the team, and Kaylene places great emphasis on making her staff feel appreciated. Whether through gestures like buying lunch, organizing parties, or giving out event tickets, she ensures her team knows how valued they are. Kaylene believes that fostering a sense of pride and service to the community motivates her staff beyond just working for a paycheck. This sense of purpose and dedication fuels the innovative culture within the organization. The team is constantly looking for new ways to serve their readers and the larger community.
The Importance of Digital Transformation in 2024
Kaylene acknowledges that digital transformation is essential for businesses in 2024, especially in the media industry. The rise of AI and other technological advancements has drastically changed how businesses operate. In particular, AI has enhanced communication, making it easier to tailor messages and create an emotional response. For the Atlanta Jewish Times, digital transformation has been a game-changer, allowing them to reach readers all over the world and distribute content instantaneously. While the printed newspaper remains important for the older generation, the digital version ensures that younger audiences are equally engaged. The digital age has also allowed the Atlanta Jewish Times to bring stories to life through podcasts and video content, expanding the ways in which news and stories are shared. This multifaceted approach ensures that the Atlanta Jewish Times stays relevant in an increasingly digital world. Kaylene emphasizes that digital transformation is not only about keeping up with trends but about enhancing the connection with the community. By leveraging digital tools, the Atlanta Jewish Times has created new opportunities to engage readers, from social media to interactive online platforms. In this way, the Atlanta Jewish Times has successfully embraced the digital era while staying true to its roots as a printed newspaper that serves the local Jewish community.
Essential Skills and Qualities for Success in the Business World
Kaylene Ladinsky believes that hard work, dedication, and passion are the keys to success in any industry. She emphasizes that putting in the necessary time and effort is crucial to achieving your goals. Beyond hard work, Kaylene also highlights the importance of being well-researched and accurate in your work, as credibility is vital in maintaining a good reputation. Another essential quality she mentions is having a strong, supportive team. According to Kaylene, success is a collective effort, and her ability to build a professional, hardworking team has been instrumental in her accomplishments at Atlanta Jewish Times.
Why People Should Follow Kaylene’s Leadership Journey in 2024 and Beyond
Kaylene encourages people to follow her leadership journey if they aspire to become better leaders themselves. She believes that leadership is about creating an environment where success is possible for everyone. Leaders, in her view, need to mentor and motivate their teams, ensuring that they are aligned with the organization’s goals. She differentiates between supervising and leading, stressing that real leadership involves fostering an atmosphere of growth and empowerment rather than merely managing tasks. For Kaylene, the future of leadership lies in guiding others with integrity and vision, making her a role model for those looking to develop their leadership skills.
How Kaylene Sees Her Influence on the Business Landscape in the Future
Kaylene Ladinsky sees herself continuing to influence the business landscape by sharing her expertise with other publishers and editors across different industries. She believes that the strategies and creative approaches she has implemented at Atlanta Jewish Times can benefit not only Jewish publications but other media outlets as well. Kaylene is passionate about fostering creativity and developing environments where teams are motivated and respected. Her success, she believes, comes from treating her staff with dignity, which in turn results in better performance and loyalty. She hopes to continue influencing the industry by encouraging other leaders to adopt similar values in managing their teams and businesses.
Kaylene’s Most Significant Achievements and Milestones
Throughout her career, Kaylene has achieved numerous accolades and recognition for her work in the publishing industry. Among her notable achievements, she was awarded the Marquee’s Who’s Who award, recognized as a Woman of Influence and named Managing Publisher of the Year multiple times. Additionally, she has won first place awards for General Excellence from the American Jewish Press Association, as well as accolades for her editorial work and website design. Kaylene’s consistent recognition over the years reflects her commitment to excellence and innovation in journalism, making her a standout leader in the field.
In conclusion, Kaylene Ladinsky’s journey as a leader and visionary in the publishing world serves as an inspiring example of what dedication, hard work, and passion can achieve. As President, Editor, and Managing Publisher of Atlanta Jewish Times, she has continuously demonstrated the importance of building a strong team, maintaining integrity, and fostering creativity. Through her leadership, Kaylene has not only transformed her publication but also set a new standard for excellence in the industry. Her continued influence on the business landscape, coupled with her numerous accolades, positions her as a leader to follow and admire in 2024 and beyond.
Discussion about this post