Medium, the online publishing platform founded by Evan Williams, is deeply invested in DEI. This commitment holds true even as many of their counterparts at U.S. tech companies work to scale back their participation in these key initiatives. Under the leadership of CEO Tony Stubblebine, who took over in July 2022, Medium aims to foster an inclusive environment that benefits both its audience and its bottom line.
Evan Williams took on the role of chairman of the board in July 2022. Perhaps most importantly, he stated the vital importance of maintaining a diverse platform. Medium recently claimed more than a million paid subscribers. Every month, it adds 100 million users—both readers and writers—to its user base. The company believes that diverse voices enhance the understanding of complex issues and contribute positively to its community.
Tony Stubblebine’s View on Inclusion and Profit
Stubblebine stated, “Businesses shouldn’t have to choose between inclusion and profit.” He reiterated that the perspectives of individuals from marginalized communities are vital, adding that “to understand the full context of a situation, you need to hear from someone with a different life experience from your own.” This approach positions Medium as a counterpoint to competitors like Substack, which embraces a more “free speech” strategy in content moderation.
Sarah, a professional with extensive experience in IT across various industries—including banking, retail, and software—joined Medium after establishing her reputation as a reporter for TechCrunch since August 2011. Her previous position at ReadWriteWeb only deepened that expertise—she knows her technology journalism.
As many tech companies have quieted their DEI efforts in the face of political pressure, Medium continues to boldly promote their DEI work. This commitment is particularly significant given the Trump administration. Stubblebine believes that people on Medium are just searching for a deeper view of the world. They don’t consider diversity to be a liability, but rather a tremendous opportunity.
Last summer, Medium reported its first profitable month, indicating a successful business model that aligns ethical values with financial sustainability. Stubblebine’s leadership and commitment embodies a vision where the absence of like-minded thought protects and preserves discourse. Diverse opinions fuel passion, engagement, and profitability.
What The Author Thinks
Medium’s dedication to DEI stands out in an industry where many companies are scaling back on these initiatives due to political pressures. By remaining steadfast in its commitment, Medium not only upholds values of inclusivity but also demonstrates that these values can coexist with financial success. This strategy will likely set the company apart and encourage a richer, more engaged community on its platform.
