• by Charlene Weisler , Op-Ed Contributor, August 9, 2023

Margaret Kim, founder of Future Now, set up her organization to facilitate mentorship with media’s next generation. Remembering her experiences 20 years ago when she struggled to find resources and people to advise her in her career, she expressed surprise that these issues remain an obstacle. “Shouldn’t things be different by now? There is lack of knowledge, lack of access and opportunity; lack of mentorship and sponsorship; lack of training; and lack of diversity and inclusion. It’s been going on too long, and it is time to change this,” she asserted.

To that end, Future Now recently held a Media & Entertainment Conference in New York. The conference began in 2017 in-person, shifting to online during the pandemic.  “We had incredible growth during the pandemic, because we remained committed to the students and the sponsors believed in us,” she explained, adding “2023 marks the seventh year of the conference, and we were back in-person for the first time since the pandemic.” 

So far, Future Now has had 800+ alumni who have attended the conference and  a mentoring program that is entering its fifth year.  “In the past four years, we have had 64 mentees matched with 64 mentors from the industry for one-on-one mentorship over a nine-month period,” she noted. In addition, alumni established the Future Now Media Podcast, syndicated on nine platforms including on Apple and Spotify, and established and contribute to The NOW monthly newsletter.

For those starting out, the opportunities for advancement, “are everywhere,” she stated. “It’s about seeing the possible and having the vision, courage, and determination to make things happen.” She advises students, “to engage with Future Now’s programming throughout the year, learn about the industry, connect with leaders as well as your peers, nurture those relationships, and volunteer with Future Now or other trade organizations to gain experience, hone skills, and gain mentors along the way.”

Yet, “There are the challenges of the current state of the industry which has been going through massive changes and stresses over the past few years,” she explained. “There have been major budget cuts, layoffs, reorgs, and just when you think the dust is settling, something else comes along to disrupt things again. Students need to be patient and use the time to hone their skills and build professional networks, so that when the opportunity finally comes their way, they are ready.” 

As far as AI is concerned, Kim believes that, “AI will be both a challenge and opportunity for future media leaders.  My hope is that leaders will be proactive, intentional, and rigorous in thinking through the applications and consequences of AI.  The ethics, morals, and accountability regarding the use of AI are extremely important to consider.  Future generations will be profoundly affected by the decisions we make today, and we cannot take this responsibility lightly.”

For companies, recruiting the best talent is pivotal -- and a true commitment to diversity  is required, she believes.. “Most people can tell when a company is paying lip service or being genuine about something. When we see diversity and inclusion throughout the ranks of a company, including in the C-suite and on boards, that is a powerful statement of walking the talk and is extremely attractive to future leaders.”

Kim remains optimistic, noting. “I imagine a new and bright future for the industry by building future leaders, connecting them with the industry, and helping them launch and soar…to go farther faster…and change the world…everyone winning.”