Pattie Sellers is a respected journalist, interviewer, and speaker known for her deep insights into leadership and purpose. She graduated from the University of Virginia and began her career by creating a magazine called "Creator," which focused on profiling leaders and innovators.
Pattie started at The Washington Business Journal before moving to Fortune Magazine as a reporter. Over her 32 years at Fortune, she became famous for securing exclusive interviews and showcasing the human side of leaders. She co-founded the Fortune Most Powerful Women initiative in 1998, which grew from a list into a global conference series, greatly increasing the visibility of women in business.
During her time at Fortune, Pattie wrote over 20 cover stories, including profiles of notable figures like Warren Buffett, Melinda Gates, and Oprah Winfrey. In 2013, she received Time Inc.’s MVP award for her innovative work.
In 2016, Pattie co-founded SellersEaston Media with Nina Easton, focusing on creating engaging stories about exceptional achievers. The company produces multimedia content for various clients, including Fortune 500 companies and global non-profits. Pattie also serves as Co-CEO of SellersEaston Media and co-founded JOURNEY, a nonprofit aimed at increasing diversity among women in leadership. She chairs the annual Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit and oversees several MPW programs, including the Fortune-U.S. State Department Global Women Mentoring Partnership.
Pattie is known for her insights on leadership and promotes a collaborative approach among women leaders. She challenges the idea of the glass ceiling, suggesting that women often hold themselves back by feeling uneasy with power. Her philosophy encourages flexibility and adaptability in career paths, urging individuals to see their journeys as a jungle gym rather than a straight climb. Through her work, Pattie continues to empower women leaders and share meaningful stories of leadership and legacy.
