Blavity Founder’s Framework to Being the CEO of Your Life

Blavity Founder’s Framework to Being the CEO of Your Life

As Founder & CEO of Blavity Inc., Morgan DeBaun has been at the forefront of creating platforms that amplify Black voices and experiences. Her latest endeavor, the book Rewrite Your Rules, encapsulates her journey and offers a transformative guide for individuals seeking to chart their own paths to success.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Morgan exhibited entrepreneurial tendencies from a young age. She pursued higher education at Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied Political Science with minors in Entrepreneurship and Education.

After graduating, Morgan ventured into Silicon Valley, securing a position at Intuit where she developed her skills in product management and business development. But, she recognized a void in media representation for Black millennials and, in response, she co-founded Blavity Inc. in 2014—a term she coined to describe the magnetic pull that brought Black students together in shared spaces and conversations—alongside Aaron Samuels, Jeff Nelson, and Jonathan Jackson.

At the time, the team’s objective was simply to get news out to the Black community during a time when there weren’t many trusted media outlets for disseminating Black news, and that started with a newsletter as proof of concept. That first spark of an idea has since scaled into a multi million dollar media empire.

Under Morgan’s leadership, Blavity Inc. expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, establishing itself as a leading enterprise in youth, culture, and technology. The company’s brand portfolio includes Blavity News, 21Ninety, Travel Noire, Shadow and Act, and AfroTech. Notably, AfroTech has grown into one of the largest Black tech conferences, creating spaces for startup founders and tech professionals to connect and thrive.

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Morgan’s latest venture, debut book Rewrite Your Rules, offers a look into the lessons and insights gathered throughout her entrepreneurial journey. The book encourages readers readers to redefine the guiding principles of their lives. Structured around a 3 part framework—”Master Yourself,” “Master Your Method,” and “Master Your Growth”—the book provides practical steps for individuals to become CEOs of their own lives and careers.

In Rewrite Your Rules, Morgan emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, intentionality, and adaptability. She shares personal anecdotes and professional experiences, illustrating how breaking away from conventional norms can lead to fulfillment and success. The book is a reflection of her journey but also a guide for others to navigate their unique paths.

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