We’re kicking off the New Year with terrific advice, inspiration, and perspective from Cathy Merrill, CEO and President of Washingtonian Media, a company that has been in Cathy’s family since before she was born. 

Cathy’s ascension to the top of the company came under sad circumstances when she took over after her father passed away suddenly in 2007. At the time, her first son was only two-days old. Since then, she has expanded and evolved the company footprint. Today, Washingtonian Media includes not only the 54 year old Washingtonian Magazine (with a distribution of more than 400K), but also Washingtonian.com—the region’s premier lifestyle website with millions of pageviews per month and over 500,000 social media followers; Washingtonian Weddings; Washingtonian Welcome Guide; as well as Washingtonian Custom Media and Washingtonian Events.

Cathy talks with me about learning to find her own way, setting goals for the New Year, feedback – learning to hear it and give it, learning who to ask for which advice, and about the magic words she says everyone should know to get ahead: “Is there anything I can do for you?” 

I wish you a productive and inspired start to your New Year! Happy 2020!