Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, stands as a beacon of resilient and transformative leadership in the media industry. A proud alumnus of Harvard Business School’s prestigious Owner/President Management Program and King’s College London, where he is a fellow, Dev’s career trajectory exemplifies a fusion of theoretical insight and practical expertise. Before joining Newsweek, he led the UK edition of International Business Times (IBT) Media, honing his skills in digital media and strategic innovation.

When Dev Pragad took the helm at Newsweek, the publication faced near insolvency. Under his leadership, it was reborn as a digital-first powerhouse with a global readership of 100 million. This remarkable turnaround, which positions Newsweek as a leader in responsible journalism and workplace equality, is now a Harvard Business School case study, serving as an inspiration to leaders worldwide.

Lessons from Dev Pragad’s Leadership Journey
Dev Pragad believes that exceptional leadership requires questioning the status quo, embracing bold purpose, fostering collaboration, and taking calculated risks while maintaining authenticity and accountability. According to him, clinging to outdated models or resting on past successes hinders growth. He champions the courage to make transformative changes, even if it means discarding "sacred cows."

Three Pillars of Effective Leadership:
Purpose-Driven Approach
A strong purpose must form the foundation of any business. Dev emphasizes that a clear mission statement should guide operations and inspire teams to aim for ambitious goals while upholding integrity and inclusivity.

Opportunity-Focused Strategy
Great leaders excel at spotting and optimizing opportunities. Dev advocates for keeping an open mind and seizing opportunities in unexpected places.

Championing Change
In today’s dynamic world, adaptability is non-negotiable. Dev urges leaders to embrace change and foster a culture of innovation, ensuring their businesses remain agile and competitive.

Resilience and Empowerment in Leadership
Dev Pragad views resilience as a cornerstone of effective leadership. He encourages leaders to learn from mistakes, own their failures, and view obstacles as opportunities to grow. By listening to others and staying committed to self-improvement, leaders can build a reservoir of strength to overcome challenges.

“Resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about how high you bounce back,” says Dev.

Impact and Legacy
Through his visionary leadership, Dev Pragad has turned Newsweek into a top-ranked source of journalism, influencing businesses, governments, and communities worldwide. His ability to inspire change and empower his team reflects his belief that leadership is as much about developing others as it is about personal growth.

For more insights into Dev Pragad, follow his journey on LinkedIn and Twitter, and explore his leadership philosophies in Harvard Business School’s case studies.