Kyler Rodan, 30

Advertising Manager, The Daily News, Longview, WA Education: Washington State University, Vancouver, bachelor of science in psychology and human development

What advice do you have for other young professionals in the news industry?

Take pride in what you do. The news industry is essential to each and every community, and the constantly evolving nature of the industry can present challenges and provide incredible growth opportunities. Look at change as an opportunity to reach new heights; continually strive to learn and grow just as our industry does each day.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek the answers you need to succeed. In advertising, knowledge and understanding are critical components to success. If you want to help a business grow and thrive, you need to understand its goals. To find the information you need, you can’t be afraid to ask questions.

Remember that, from the newsroom to the sales department, we are all a part of the same team. While we each have our duties and responsibility and strive to reach our goals in different ways, we all have the same overall mission — to provide a reliable and credible news and advertising source for our community.

How do you deal with making tough decisions as a leader?

When making tough decisions, if possible, I take the time to think through the decision. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and determine what I believe is the most sensible choice. Then, I work to view the decision through an unbiased scope to make the best judgment for the company and my team. Once the decision has been made, I do my best to own it and be genuine and honest with the parties involved. Finally, I strive to present the answer with conviction and stand behind my choice. And remain confident in my decision, knowing that by taking the time to think about all aspects, it is, in my eyes, the best option.