6 questions for Nick Friese

1. What gets you up in the morning?

My workouts are a must. I’m usually up at 5:30am for a morning ride outside. I live in a great area outside of New York City that’s ideal for cycling with quiet country roads, forests and many hills. If the weather is foul, then I'll do a spin class on my Peloton bike with a weight work out mixed in. It’s a great opportunity to for me to think through my work plan for the day, problem solve, and think about what the real priorities and opportunities are for my company. The quiet time alone when exercising helps me focus and prepare for the day.

2. What are you most excited about in the digital and tech space?

Building a modern media business in today’s wide open marketplace. It’s anyone’s game these days. You have as good a shot today being a one man start-up with a plan and drive, versus a giant global media conglomerate to build the next great media brand. If you are NewsCorp, Viacom, Disney, you may have resources and brands, but do you have the speed and adaptability and creativity coming from scrappy tech and media startups like NowThis, Cheddar, PopSugar, and Cycle media. The need to anticipate and get ahead of change is key to growth and survival for any media and tech company now. You can’t even coast for a day. At Digiday Media we are always thinking about what’s next and new for us to keep pace and surge ahead in this environment so we can serve our readers, advertisers and the community at the highest levels. It’s quality first for us with content, design, delivery, form, and product. And the daily challenges and opportunities we have are what excites me the most in the digital and tech space. It’s anyone’s game to go out and win.

3. If you were a piece of technology, what would you be?

The Shark Tracker app so I know where all the big toothy things are in the water. Just like in business, it’s good to know where the scary things are that can eat you.

4. What's your favourite quote/proverb/saying/mantra?

"Hell, there aren’t any rules around here; we’re trying to accomplish something!" Thomas Edison

5. Music: what's at the top of your playlist?

AC/DC always.

6. Look into your crystal ball - what do you see?

A terrific partnership with Digiday, Digital + Technology Collective and ADMA this year and beyond, which we are all so very excited about at Digiday Media. Thank you!