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When you start a project, it’s easy to get caught up in it. Then time passes, and suddenly it’s been half a decade or more. Equity, a podcast I co-founded when I wasn’t even working here, is one such project. Another project that emerged during this time was The Exchange.
I began writing a daily markets column shortly after leaving rehab in 2016. The project, then called "The Editor’s morning note," evolved over time. When I joined Crunchbase, I founded Crunchbase News. It was later rebranded as Morning Markets. Then, when I returned to TechCrunch, it underwent a name change without a new logo.
In late 2019, Henry Pickavet, a key figure at TechCrunch who worked behind the scenes, helped the series acquire its current identity. This transformation marked the birth of what we now know as The Exchange.
The podcast Equity also played a role in shaping this chapter of my career. It allowed me to explore topics I deeply care about while working on them full-time.
In 2019, I made an unexpected decision that reshaped my professional trajectory. Reflecting on the past six years since that moment, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for both the challenges and opportunities it presented.
One of the most significant changes has been the evolution of The Exchange’s leadership team. Anna Heim joined as editor-in-chief in 2023, bringing her wealth of experience in journalism and tech journalism specifically.
Heim’s tenure has brought about new perspectives on journalism, leadership, and storytelling within the tech industry. Her arrival marked a turning point for The Exchange, signaling a shift toward greater diversity in voices and approaches within our platform.
The decision to transition leadership was not made lightly. It required weighing the pros and cons of various options over an extended period. In the end, I concluded that there were no “right” or “wrong” choices but rather a need for clarity in my professional journey.
This pivot has allowed me greater freedom as an editor, enabling me to focus on areas where I feel most passionate about shaping The Exchange’s direction and content strategy.
Reflecting on this period has been enlightening. It has reaffirmed my commitment to maintaining high standards while embracing change. As we continue to evolve, I remain dedicated to providing readers with the highest quality of journalism possible in an ever-changing industry landscape.
The TechCrunch Exchange is here to stay, adapting to new challenges and exploring innovative ways to keep our audience informed.
