For one of his Withology episodes, host Brian Tierney chatted with Sherry Phillips, CEO of Forbes Global Media and the first woman to lead the iconic organization in its 107‑year history. Raised in the Philadelphia area, Phillips shares an honest and insightful look at the mentors, moments, and mindset that shaped her nearly 30‑year journey at Forbes. From navigating self‑doubt to embracing leadership during moments of industry transformation, their conversation underscores Withology’s central belief: success is never achieved alone. It’s built with others.
Brian Tierney: Who were the mentors who most shaped your career early on, and what advice has stayed with you?
Sherry Phillips: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have so many mentors—male and female—at every stage of my career. Even early on, when I was still figuring out my footing, there were people who pushed me forward before I fully believed in myself. That continues even today. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stay open to advice. Sometimes you don’t recognize it in the moment—but later, when you slow down and reflect, it really resonates.”
She credits teachers from Strath Haven High School, professors at the University of Michigan, professional mentors, and a deeply supportive family for shaping her confidence and worldview. “It’s often about listening—really listening—even when you’re busy. That’s where growth happens.”
If you could give advice to your younger self, or to emerging leaders today, what would it be?
“Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is—or at least it’s off for you. Timing matters, and not every opportunity needs to be taken right away. There were moments when mentors were honest with me and said, ‘If you want this, it’s going to require more.’ And I had to ask myself if I truly had that to give in that moment.”
She adds that leadership often requires patience, clarity, and self‑awareness. “We’re all up against time. Be honest with yourself about what you want, what you can give, and when it’s the right moment to make the leap.”
How do you think about AI at Forbes—both the opportunity and the concern—especially when trust in media is so critical?
“With anything like AI, there’s always fear, skepticism, and opportunity. For us at Forbes, trusted journalism is the center of our brand—it’s everything we do. So any use of AI has to be human‑centric. The trust has to start with people, with editors, and with journalists.”
She emphasizes that while the industry is moving quickly, Forbes has been intentionally thoughtful about its approach. “I don’t feel like anyone, including us, has fully figured this out yet,” she says. “And that’s okay. Sometimes it’s important to wait a beat to make sure something is right for your brand and right for your audience.”
Phillips explains that Forbes is currently focusing AI efforts more on internal processes and operational efficiency, rather than replacing journalism itself. “Where AI can help accelerate certain workflows or help tell stories in new ways, that’s where it becomes interesting. But it has to enhance, not replace, what humans do best.”
When it comes to content, she’s clear: “Anything we do with AI has to maintain accountability. We have to bring our audience along with us and be transparent, because trust is very hard to earn and very easy to lose.”
Ultimately, she views AI not as a race to make headlines but as a long‑term strategic tool. “A lot of people right now are trying to look like leaders in AI,” Phillips says. “But the real leadership will come from pairing innovation with the values you’ve always stood for and doing it in a way that’s sustainable.”
Want to hear more from Sherry Phillips?
🎧 Listen to the complete episode here: