Morgan DeBaun, the trailblazing Founder and CEO of Blavity Inc., is adding another accolade to her impressive resume with the release of her first book, Rewrite Your Rules: The Journey to Success in Less Time with More Freedom. Set to debut on April 1, the book chronicles her evolution as a businesswoman and offers insights from her journey as a serial entrepreneur.
Blavity Inc., a digital media powerhouse focused on Black culture and millennials, has expanded under DeBaun’s leadership to include platforms like Blavity News, AfroTech, Travel Noire, and Shadow and Act. Her efforts have earned her numerous recognitions, including spots on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and America’s Top 50 Women In Tech lists.
In a recent interview with HOT97, DeBaun discussed her upbringing in St. Louis and how her Midwest roots instilled in her a strong work ethic. She also reflected on her early career in Silicon Valley, where she felt isolated as one of the few Black women in her field. That experience ultimately inspired her to forge her own path.
Talking about her journey, DeBaun emphasized the importance of having a supportive network, acknowledging her co-founders Jonathan Jackson, Jeff Nelson, and Aaron Samuels. She credited them for pushing her to grow as a leader and navigate the challenges of building Blavity.
Now, as Blavity continues to thrive amidst evolving digital landscapes, DeBaun acknowledges the ongoing challenge of staying relevant. “The internet is changing… Now digital is changing from search engines and platforms to artificial intelligence, with social media content creators and podcasters being the distribution channel,” she noted.
DeBaun’s decision to write Rewrite Your Rules came from her desire to help others navigate their own entrepreneurial journeys. The book serves as both a memoir and a guide, offering practical advice for those looking to break away from traditional paths and establish their own rules for success.
Reflecting on the writing process, DeBaun revealed that it took her four years to complete the book. Revisiting her early struggles reminded her of the grit and resilience she demonstrated as a young entrepreneur. Despite Blavity’s relatively small size—never exceeding 150 employees—DeBaun has led the company to remarkable achievements.
With Rewrite Your Rules, Morgan DeBaun aims to inspire others to define success on their own terms and pursue their dreams with confidence and creativity.
