Ep 11 - The Optionality Mindset: Redefining Success in the Media Industry

In this episode of Tech and Soul, we sit down with Elisa Camahort Page, a digital media trailblazer, co-founder of BlogHer, and now Optionality.

Elisa shares her journey from tech professional to media entrepreneur, offering invaluable insights into the changing nature of content creation, community building, and monetization strategies

We also explore the evolution of online communities — from the early days of Web 2.0 to today's complex digital ecosystem — but the conversation really gets going when we start to dig into the future of work … 

The Rise of the Multi-Hyphenate Professional

Remember when having a "side hustle" was seen as a cute little hobby? 

Well those days are long gone (as we’re sure many of our listeners know). Today, more and more professionals are embracing what Elisa calls "optionality" — the ability to have multiple irons in the fire and diversified income streams. 

But it isn't just about making more money (although that's certainly part of it). Optionality is about creating a work life that's resilient, flexible, and aligned with one’s personal values and goals — and we’re definitely here for it. 

The Generational Shift in Work Expectations

One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation was the stark contrast between how different generations view work. For example, as a Gen Xer, Lynne often finds herself caught between the "pay your dues" mentality of the Boomers and the "work-life balance" demands of the Millennials and Gen Z.

Elisa highlighted this shift beautifully:

"I'm old enough to remember when millennials were the entitled ones. Now it's the Gen Z's, you know? And we all have this tendency to create nostalgia around or valorize paying our dues when paying our dues was really being exploited."

It's a wake-up call for those of us in leadership positions. We need to recognize that the younger generations aren't being "entitled" - they're simply demanding what we should have demanded for ourselves years ago.

Thought-Provoking Takeaways:

1. Community Building: Successful online communities require more than just allowing comments; they need active engagement and moderation.
   

2. Monetization Ethics: We examine the fine line between community engagement and profit-driven strategies in social media platforms.
   

3. Future of Work: Elisa introduces her new project, Optionality, which aims to redefine work-life balance and career paths in the digital age.
   

4. Generational Shifts: We explore how younger generations are reshaping workplace expectations and values.
   

Join us for a conversation that bridges the past and future of digital media, offering valuable perspectives for content creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of online communities and work culture.