How do you stay relevant, build community, and lead through massive industry change—without losing yourself in the process?

In this episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney sits down with powerhouse media executive and community builder Ann Shoket, former Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen Magazine and current CEO of TheLi.st. From the high-stakes world of legacy media to building a digital-first, purpose-driven network for women and non-binary leaders, Ann shares raw lessons on evolution, acquisition, and leadership in the face of disruption.

Together, they unpack:

• The collapse of the magazine industry and how Ann pivoted from editorial to entrepreneurship

• Why knowing what problem you’re solving is the most critical leadership skill

• How acquiring a brand (instead of starting from scratch) can accelerate your impact—and the pitfalls to avoid

• The business cost of loneliness in leadership, and how to build your personal advisory board

• The power of micro-habits to strengthen your professional support network
  

Whether you’re navigating a career shift, scaling a startup, or searching for your next bold move, this conversation delivers actionable insights for leading with clarity and building what matters.

🔗 Follow Ann Shoket:

• TheLi.st

• Instagram @annshoket

• LinkedIn
  

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