Why Medium's CEO wants to bring back thought leadership

Smart in Public

Ever wonder what the CEO of Medium—the platform where millions go for real, thoughtful content—thinks about authentic communication in our AI-slop-everywhere world? Tony Stubblebine dropped some serious truth bombs on this episode of Smart In Public that every communications professional needs to hear.

While everyone's panicking about AI taking over content creation, Tony argues that authenticity and genuine thought leadership are becoming more valuable, not less. His hot take? Everyone has expertise worth sharing—you just need to stop trying to be everything to everyone.

Tony also shares his predictions for the future of business communication, including a potential shift toward more private channels and why adaptability is non-negotiable for professionals who want to thrive.

What makes this episode a must-listen:

🎯 The authenticity advantage - Why being genuinely yourself beats trying to sound like every other thought leader on LinkedIn

📝 Long-form content secrets - How deeper, more thoughtful content cuts through the noise (and why Medium built their entire platform around this belief)

💪 Strength over breadth - Tony's counterintuitive advice on why narrowing your focus actually expands your influence

🔥 Vulnerability as a leadership superpower - The surprising way showing your human side creates stronger professional connections

🤖 AI strategy that actually works - How to use AI tools to enhance your authentic voice instead of replacing it

The money quote: "Everyone has expertise in their own life"—a reminder that your unique perspective and experience are irreplaceable, even in an AI-driven world.

Perfect for: Communications professionals, content marketers, business leaders, and anyone trying to build authentic thought leadership in the digital age.

Ready to discover why your most authentic self might be your biggest competitive advantage? This conversation will change how you think about content, communication, and connecting with your audience in 2025.

Chapters

• 02:58 - Tony Stubblebine's Journey and Medium's Mission
• 05:58 - The Value of Long-Form Content
• 09:01 - Thought Leadership and Expertise
• 11:50 - Navigating Communication Strategies
• 14:52 - The Role of Differentiation in Thought Leadership
• 17:47 - The Importance of Niche Audiences
• 20:51 - Creating Impactful Messaging
• 23:41 - The Power of Authenticity in Leadership
• 30:31 - The State of Communication in the Digital Age
• 33:03 - Content Marketing and B2B Influencers
• 38:27 - Navigating AI in Content Creation
• 43:37 - The Future of Content: Slow vs Fast
• 48:55 - Vulnerability in Business Communication

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