Arianna Huffington, co-founder, president and editor-in-chief of Huffington Post, announced today that she will be stepping down from her role as editor-in-chief of the 11-year old publication. Huffington will be starting a new publication known as Thrive Global.
In a message to “HuffPosters,” Huffington explained that she thought Huffington Post would be her last act, but as she built Thrive Global, she realized she couldn’t continue leading Huffington Post as well. “When I wrote to you in June, I fully expected to be able to continue leading HuffPost while also building Thrive Global,” Huffington wrote on Facebook. “But it became clear that this was an illusion as Thrive went from an idea to a reality, with investors, staff and offices. One of the Thrive principles is knowing when it’s time for a new chapter to begin, and for me that time has arrived.”
Though she acknowledged that it was a difficult decision to step down as editor-in-chief, Huffington said in her status that it was also inevitable, given her commitment to building Thrive. According to the press release, Thrive Global “aims to change how we work and live by ending the collective delusion that burnout is a necessary price for success.”
Building something from scratch doesn’t get easier just because you’ve done it before. There is only 1 way to do it: w/ your full attention.
— Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) August 11, 2016
The well-being and productivity platform will provide e-courses, training and coaching based on scientific findings from psychologists, neuroscientists and more, the press release goes on to say. “Thrive Global’s approach is extremely practical and based on the principle of micro-steps so that people can more easily go from knowing what’s best for them to actually doing it.” By reducing the stresses of life, the health start-up seeks to improve the health of those around the world.
Some of Huffington’s recent books, including “Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder” and “The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time,” have focused on changing daily habits in order to lead a better, healthier, more successful (as redefined by Huffington) life.
Twitter Reacts to Arianna Huffington’s Departure
I’ve worked for 9 yrs w/ @ariannahuff. She’s been a mentor, friend, protector, visionary, life guide and much more. Amazing what she built
— Sam Stein (@samsteinhp) August 11, 2016
Arianna Huffington is stepping down as editor in chief of Huff Post to focus fully on Thrive Global. I’m very sad, but happy for her.
— Sam Stein (@samsteinhp) August 11, 2016
Thank you for everything you've done for women in media, @ariannahuff.
Best of luck.
— (((Steph Haberman))) (@StephLauren) August 11, 2016
So if Arianna @ariannahuff is leaving the Huffington Post, should it just be called Post? https://t.co/X8Dix53EJJ
— Roger Cheng (@RogerWCheng) August 11, 2016
Congrats, @ariannahuff. We're going to miss you! #ThankYouArianna https://t.co/tx2J9eqEOO
— Huffington Post (@HuffingtonPost) August 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/tinawargz/status/763734080655659008
I will pay tribute to Arianna Huffington with a four-hour nap after lunch today.
— Tom Kludt (@TomKludt) August 11, 2016
@ariannahuff did an awesome job at @HuffingtonPost here is wishing her the very best with Global Thrive!
— AAS (@adequnle) August 11, 2016
@ariannahuff really excited for Thrive Global. In its infancy, i already knew it was going to become a movement! Well done and best wishes.
— XRileyX (@RileyW_) August 11, 2016
Exciting news @ariannahuff New venture on health and wellness. I agree with her that burnout ≠ success! https://t.co/p2bQc1HGAs
— Anne-Marie Tomchak (@AMTomchak) August 11, 2016
What are your thoughts on Huffington’s exit? Sound off in the comments!
Photo credit: Rappaport Center, Flickr