In this fireside conversation from Media Summit | NYC 2025, J.J. Colao sits down with Mike Hofman, Editor-in-Chief of Inc., to unpack how one of the most iconic founder-focused media brands is adapting to a radically different landscape.

Mike started his career at Inc. as a fact-checker, left for roles at GQ and Fast Company, and returned nearly 15 years later to lead the publication as Editor-in-Chief. In this conversation, he explains what’s changed, what hasn’t, and why Inc. is increasingly focused on events, community, and direct relationships with founders.

Rather than competing with other publications, Mike argues that modern business media is competing with Substack newsletters, founder podcasts, private group chats, and informal peer networks. That shift has forced a rethink of both editorial strategy and revenue models.

This episode is especially relevant for:

- Media operators and editors

- Founders building audience-driven businesses

- Investors interested in durable media models

- Anyone thinking seriously about the future of journalism and entrepreneurship

Topics covered include:

- Why the Inc. 5000 has become the company’s marquee franchise

- How events and recognition programs now drive a significant share of revenue

- The role of community and membership in stabilizing media businesses

- What founders want from media today—and what they ignore

- How Inc. is thinking about AI, data ownership, and editorial responsibility

- Why capitalism itself has become a more contested topic in founder culture

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and Mike Hofman’s background

01:45 – What the Inc. 5000 really is and why it matters

02:56 – Why events are now a major revenue driver

03:56 – Record-breaking attendance and sponsorships explained

05:32 – Who Inc. is actually competing with today

07:38 – Substack, podcasts, and founder group chats

08:18 – Revenue mix: events, direct digital, and recognition programs

08:47 – Community and the Inc. Leadership Forum

10:24 – Returning to Inc. as Editor-in-Chief: what stayed and what changed

11:55 – Capitalism, workplace tension, and founder identity

14:43 – AI, lean companies, and what keeps Mike up at night

16:07 – Is AI a bubble, a revolution, or both?

16:29 – Closing thoughts from Media Summit | NYC 2025