What Miranda Priestly Taught Me About Change Management

Dear SUCCESS family,

I recently watched The Devil Wears Prada 2, and once again found myself drawn to Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly—the poised and impeccably styled editor-in-chief of Runway. She’s a character that has always resonated with me, not just for her presence, but for what she represents: the weight of responsibility, the constant pressure and the expectation to see around corners before anyone else does. It’s a role I understand deeply because it’s one I’ve lived throughout my career: navigating high expectations, making difficult decisions and continually balancing vision with reality in an industry that rarely stands still. And right now, it’s moving faster than ever.

Publishing has always evolved, but the pace of change today feels different. With the rise of AI and the expansion of content creation into a broader, more democratized sphere, the lines around who creates, curates and leads are shifting. Barriers are lower, voices are more abundant and the landscape we once knew has become more dynamic—and at times, less predictable.

I feel that tension every day. The pull to uphold standards while embracing innovation. The responsibility to evolve without losing the essence of what makes this work meaningful. It’s both energizing and, at moments, deeply challenging.

In many ways, May mirrors this moment. It’s when change becomes visible and obvious. Across our business, we’re in the midst of a strategic realignment. Priorities are shifting, partnerships are evolving and how we define alignment continues to change alongside the world around us. Business alignment isn’t static; it’s a living, breathing process shaped by both our internal values and the external landscape.

With that comes a renewed commitment to transparency.

Transparency isn’t always easy (especially during times of change) but it is essential. It creates clarity where there could be confusion, trust where there could be doubt and connection where there could be distance. In fact, our new digital issue featuring Cassandra Worthy embraces the Change Management theme wholeheartedly.

As we move forward, my commitment is to lead with both honesty and strength—qualities Miranda Priestly embodies so well. Beneath the surface, her story reflects a reality many high performers know intimately: the weight, the trade-offs and the resilience required to stay at the top of your game. Because when change is met with intention and honesty, it becomes more than disruption. It becomes progress.

And May is a powerful reminder that progress is already in motion.

–Kerrie