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Meet the Media: Sue Voyles, Executive Editor at Corp! Magazine

Sue Voyles is the executive editor at Corp! Magazine, where she works with the editorial and publishing teams to produce a bi-monthly print magazine and a weekly publication, participates in their advisory board, attends Corp! special events and works on special publications.

Can you tell us what types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?

We are currently working on a print issue focused on the talent gap in Michigan. Emerging issues around business leadership, generations in the workforce and of course, the rebirth of Detroit are on the radar. New technology and new automotive are usually of interest.

Describe the craziest or most fun story you have written.

The most interesting story would be the one-on-one interview I had several years ago with Matty Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge. We talked about the Central Train Station and why he acquired it. Now the Station has a chance to become a big part of the city’s rebirth.

What story or stories are you most proud of?

Besides the Moroun story, I also enjoyed interviewing Edsel Ford II about his involvement at the national level in the Salvation Army. The story behind how he got involved in that organization is really fun.

What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story?

Of course, having a solid news angle is important, but since we write business features and more in-depth stories, I want to see stories that are going to bring insights into business trends and topics, and at times, actionable strategies, to our C-suite readers.

How long have you been in journalism and how did you get started?

I say that I always knew what I wanted to be … a writer. I worked on the newspapers in high school and college, did some freelance work for local publications before Corp! and always kept on writing in a variety of jobs.

Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am …

Watching sports, reading a book or listening to music.

What advice do you have for PR people that want to pitch you?

Be really succinct about why your story is of interest to our readers. You should be able to explain it to me in 2 sentences.

Any pet peeves with PR people?

I get many press releases and pitches that have no relevance to our readers. What also may surprise you is that sometimes, when I respond positively to a pitch and assign it to one of our writers, the PR person does not come through on the story. That is really frustrating to me and my writers. So I would say, if you’re pitching the story, be prepared to deliver on it.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, interests, hobbies, background, etc.)

I grew up in the Detroit area and am very proud to tell people when I am traveling that I am from Detroit. I am a big Red Wings fan and also grew up loving Tigers baseball. Reading both fiction and nonfiction, and listening to a variety of music are some of my favorite pastimes. I exercise pretty much every day and have a life coach who keeps me on track.

You can follow Corp! magazine on Facebook and Twitter at: @CorpMagazine

You can check out some of Sue’s latest work here:

Change your corporate culture

Find the right fit with new college grads

Raising consciousness