Jeffrey Thompson embodies what it means to be a transformational leader in today's rapidly evolving media landscape. With remarkable clarity, he walks us through his journey from being the first Chief Diversity Officer at Disney to spearheading digital strategy at Condé Nast, bringing a unique perspective on navigating massive organizational change amid technological disruption.
Thompson's approach to diversity at Disney wasn't simply about representation but about authentic storytelling that resonated globally. "Media companies are creating culture," he explains, highlighting the special responsibility entertainment companies bear in showcasing the world's richness. This philosophy guided Disney's evolution from characters like Cinderella and Snow White to developing content featuring Princess Tiana and productions like Coco and Black Panther – moves that were both culturally significant and commercially successful.
The conversation shifts to his time at Condé Nast, where he faced the monumental challenge of transitioning a traditional print publisher into the digital age. Thompson reveals his methodology for driving change: building compelling data-driven business cases that help executives visualize market trends and consumer behavior shifts. He cautions against the fate of companies like Kodak and BlackBerry that failed to transform despite having the technology to do so, emphasizing that while being first isn't always necessary, intentional planning for what's next is non-negotiable.
As Commissioner of LA County Workforce Development, Thompson now tackles how technological advancement will reshape employment across industries. From mechanics learning to service electric vehicles to healthcare transformed by analytics, he envisions pathways for workers to adapt rather than be left behind. His documentary work, including "Scrum" and the upcoming "Gibraltar Project," demonstrates his belief in finding "riches in the niches" – stories with profound impact that major studios might overlook.
Join us for this masterclass in leadership during periods of massive change, and discover why Thompson's parting advice to seek perspectives different from your own might be the most crucial skill in an increasingly personalized digital world.

This podcast is proudly sponsored by USC Annenberg’s Master of Science in Digital Media Management (MSDMM) program. An online master’s designed to prepare practitioners to understand the evolving media landscape, make data-driven and ethical decisions, and build a more equitable future by leading diverse teams with the technical, artistic, analytical, and production skills needed to create engaging content and technologies for the global marketplace. Learn more or apply today at https://dmm.usc.edu.