George Cheeks

"On the diversity, equity, and inclusion front – and Evan alluded to this before – I think the challenge there is number one, you know, we're looking at a system that has been systemically biased for a very long time. So change doesn't come overnight. And I think that's part of the reason why there have been fits and starts in this space. So what I've tried really hard to do with my team is to start to lay out intentional targets and intentional plans to continue to move us forward, but to support them through accountability and to also remind people who are frustrated by the slow pace of change that this is a marathon. That if we really want to effectuate true, meaningful change, it's a process."

"Another really important pillar for me as a leader was to really focus on building a diverse and inclusive culture at our company. I mean, I walked into this job, my father's black, my mom's white, I'm an openly gay man, and I know how critical it is to bring your full self to work. And I know what it feels like when you don't feel like you could bring your full self to work and how you never reach your highest potential in any way: emotionally, in the job, et cetera, if you don't feel comfortable in your own skin. And so that also is a really important part of what I want to do as a leader. As a media company, it's about the culture you build at the company, it's about the kind of content you produce, it's about the kind of voices, creative voices you elevate and amplify."