When I first walked into Insight’s office in May 2022, a hopeful candidate for the editor position, I was already familiar with the magazine. In fact, I had admired it from afar for years while working for other publications throughout the region.
I knew Insight’s reputation for clean design, striking photography and thoughtful, in-depth reporting that served the business community well. But I didn’t know much about the people behind it — namely publisher Brian Rasmussen, who co-founded the business in 2007 and is now preparing to retire this month.
For some reason, Brian hired me that day and over the past three years, it’s been an honor to work alongside him and get to know the incredible community he’s built. There’s no way I could have known the adventure I was walking into when I accepted the job. The challenges have been real, but so has the joy.
One thing I’ve really appreciated about Brian is how he shows up, heart first. In doing so, he gives the rest of us permission to be more fully ourselves, too.
A few things I’ve learned from Brian that might also resonate with you:
- It’s OK to wear your heart on your sleeve. It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable, especially in business.
- Make friends before you make deals. Relationships are everything.
- Life can be absolutely brutal. You choose whether it makes you bitter or it makes you better.
- A cold beer, a little sunshine and maybe a karaoke mic can fix just about anything.
Brian has raised up this business the past 17 years and now that it’s nearly grown, it’s time he enjoys a well-deserved break, without a deadline in sight. (Read more about what he will be up to in this month’s Personalities feature on page 14.)
Cheers to your next adventure, Brian.
