The New Republic: Sloan Eddleston

About The Company:

When The New Republic was founded in 1914, its mission was to provide its readers with an intelligent, stimulating and rigorous examination of American politics, foreign policy and culture. It has brilliantly maintained its mission for nearly 100 years. The New Republic covers issues before they hit the mainstream, from energy to the environment, from foreign to fiscal policy. By publishing the best writing from a variety of viewpoints–including those from arts and culture, with literary criticism that sets the standard in the academy and among general readers alike–The New Republic continues to be America’s best and most influential journal of opinion.

About Sloan Eddleston:

With experience in strategy and management consulting at Bain & Company, Sloan is applying his experience transforming leading companies across industries to The New Republic. After completing his undergraduate work at Harvard, Sloan spent time as a field organizer for the Kerry-Edwards Campaign, before kicking off his consulting career at Bain in San Francisco. Following his MBA from Harvard, Sloan returned to Bain’s New York City office before becoming Chief Operating Officer at The New Republic.

Q&A With Sloan

Why are you an entrepreneur?

The New Republic is a “startup inside of a turnaround.” The magazine was founded 98 years ago and, most recently, bounced around between multiple owners before Chris Hughes, the Facebook co-founder and 2008 Obama campaign social media strategist, purchased the magazine. In the years before Chris’s purchase, the vision and morale of the company was weak. He quickly brought Sloan on to revitalize the magazine’s business: shepherding a beautiful new product into the digital age, starting/improving classic (and still effective) direct marketing techniques like direct mail and newsstand, adopting best practices in digital acquisition efforts from ecommerce companies and tech startups, completely revamping social media and PR efforts, and building a collection of new and engaging events. Across literally every aspect of the company, we are building, improving, and serving users in a better, more accessible, and engaging way

What can a fellow learn from you?

I love people and my team’s professional development is very important to me. We conduct routine check-ins with all direct reports to discuss what interests them and where they want to be in their careers in two, five, or ten years. In working with/for me, a fellow will learn not just what it takes to be a small business person, but also how to think critically about business and how to grow in your career. And, there’s never a dull moment in the media world – particularly when you’re running the company like a startup.

What Will Your Fellow Be Exposed To?

The fellow will be a dedicated member of The New Republic business team, which will involve attending and participating in weekly meetings, brainstorms, and strategy sessions. They will be asked to research and/or project manage initiatives for the business-side of the magazine that may include advertising, subscription/acquisition, digital strategy/product/acquisition, events, marketing, and social media.

What do you expect out of a fellow?

Passion, proactivity and organization. I’m looking for someone that has a passion for business and media and is excited about working in a fast-paced, startup environment. I expect the fellow to be extremely organized, proactive about asking questions, and always eager for more responsibility.

What makes your startup unique?

Any Links To/ About Your Company?

Newly redesigned website (as of January 28, 2013): www.newrepublic.com
“Redesigning The New Republic” video, The New York Times: http://nyti.ms/WeMKc7
Catch me walking around at the 10th second
“The New Republic Reimagines Its Future,” The New York Times: http://nyti.ms/WeMKc7
“Chris Hughes Is About to Turn 100,” New York: http://nym.ag/Xg9Myv