As we look to the future, I want to share how the MediaVillage Education Foundation represents my ongoing philanthropic contribution to the advertising and media community. MediaVillage has long been a beacon of collaboration, diversity, and innovation. At a time when DEIB-branded programs face significant headwinds, despite their measurable successes, my personal commitment is to the sustainability of the investments made by our industry over the past two decades in MediaVillage and its mission.
This moment calls for resilience and reaffirmation of the values that have guided us -- values deeply aligned with the principles in my new book The Tao of Leadership: Harmonizing Technological Innovation and Human Creativity in the AI Era. These principles emphasize the essential role of human-focused leadership in a business environment increasingly dominated by technological innovation. As we navigate this transformative era, it is more critical than ever to ensure that our collective efforts in advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging remain integral to our industry’s growth and progress. (Order your copy now.)
Strengthening Our Legacy
MediaVillage Thought Leaders, the industry’s leading platform for innovative insights, and the Advancing Diversity Hall of Honors, which celebrates over 50 trailblazing leaders, have together advanced inclusivity and excellence across media and marketing. Their primary funding has been provided through the unwavering support of our community for the invaluable market intelligence delivered by The Myers Report.
These platforms stand as testaments to the power of collective action and shared purpose. Today, their growth and relevance will be sustained through financial support from corporate subscribers, contributors to the MediaVillage Thought Leaders self-publishing platform, and the MeetingPrep.ai content recommendation engine. Operational funding will be further supported by my personal investment, subscriptions to The Myers Report, and contributions from individuals and organizations.
Elevating the MediaVillage Education Foundation
The MediaVillage Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to ensuring the longevity of the industry’s commitment to nurturing talent, advancing diversity, and fostering innovation. Its mission reflects the foundational principles of The Tao of Leadership: harmony, flexibility, balance, stability, and integrity. These principles guide us to embrace change with a human-centric approach, ensuring that progress is rooted in empathy and inclusion.
Through the Foundation, we are committing to strategic enhancements that amplify the impact of MediaVillage’s platforms:
- MediaVillage.org will continue with philanthropic funding to evolve its mission to be the advertising community’s leading home for thought leadership, leveraging automation and AI-powered insights to provide dynamic, personalized content.
- The MediaVillage Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to investing in emerging leaders and fostering the next generation of talent.
- The Myers Report will integrate AI-driven analytics to provide sharper, actionable intelligence, ensuring leaders make informed, people-focused decisions.
- The Advancing Diversity Hall of Honors will evolve its branding and focus to expand its reach and amplify its impact, despite the challenges confronting DEIB initiatives today.
Looking Ahead: A Personal Commitment
As I transition to new opportunities, including speaking engagements, advisory services, and book projects, my personal focus remains deeply tied to the legacy we’ve built together. Guided by the principles in The Tao of Leadership, I aim to engage leaders across industries, helping them navigate the profound challenges and opportunities of the AI era while prioritizing human creativity and ingenuity.
This is a time to recognize that even as technology reshapes our world, the core of leadership remains grounded in empathy, inclusion, and the ability to inspire others. By aligning these values with the tools of technological innovation, we can ensure that our industry thrives in a way that honors its people and its principles.
Your Support Matters
The MediaVillage Education Foundation’s mission is clear: to empower the next generation of talent while preserving and advancing the industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. This work cannot continue without the support of our community. By contributing to the Foundation at www.MediaVillage.org, you directly fund initiatives that sustain progress, develop emerging leaders, and drive a human-focused approach to technological advancement.
I also encourage those interested in partnering with MediaVillage or exploring how The Tao of Leadership can inform your organization’s journey to reach out directly. Together, we can ensure that the progress made over decades is not only preserved but enhanced for the future.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
As we reflect on the extraordinary progress of the past two decades, we must also confront the challenges ahead with renewed determination. DEIB initiatives may face resistance, but their value remains unquestionable. Together, we have created platforms that inspire leadership, foster inclusion, and drive innovation -- platforms that will continue to serve as essential tools for navigating the evolving business landscape.
This is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a new chapter. By embracing an AI-first future while staying true to the principles of human-focused leadership, we can ensure that the MediaVillage platforms remain vital resources for the industry. Thank you for your continued partnership, and I look forward to shaping this next phase together.
Warm regards,
Jack Myers
To contribute to the MediaVillage Education Foundation, visit www.MediaVillage.org. For speaking, advisory services, or more on The Tao of Leadership, visit .