Janet Robinson

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Janet Robinson

Suzanne Hoppough, 07.06.05, 12:01 AM ET

With 2004 revenue of $3.3 billion, The Janet Robinson, 55, took over upon the retirement of Russell T. Lewis as president and chief executive in December 2004. Before joining the Times Co. (nyse: NYT - news - people ) in1983 as an advertising sales account executive for Tennis Magazine, Robinson was a public school teacher for 11 years. She climbed through the Times Co. sales management ranks to become senior vice-president of newspaper operations in 2001 and chief operating officer in 2004. Robinson has overseen the completion of the Times' conversion to color, as well as section expansion.

Taking over as chief exec has been a challenge as the volatile print-advertising environment has dampened results for the company, as well as competitor Dow Jones (nyse: DJ - news - people ). However, things may be looking up as news of second-quarter profit predictions caused a 4.6% stock jump three weeks ago (Note: Stock is down 21% since Robinson took over, reaching a $30.30 low on June 16). The Internet remains the bright spot, with advertising revenue up 30% for the quarter in Times Co. digital properties. Some notable additions to Robinson's group include About.com, purchased in March from Primedia (nyse: PRM - news - people ), and Metro USA (Times Co. has a 49% stake), a free daily newspaper reaching a younger, time-strapped demographic.

Forbes.com recently sat down with Robinson to discuss her greatest accomplishments in both her professional and personal life.

What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Happy, determined, enthusiastic, disciplined, motivated. What was the first job you had after college? Public school teacher.

What do you consider your greatest personal accomplishment and why?
I am a fervent believer in the power of a strong education and, in particular, the power of words. Both are key to giving young people the opportunities they deserve to achieve their full potential. As a former teacher and now a media executive, I have tried to be a champion for education, literacy and young people. At The New York Times, we have a multidimensional program to reach children from kindergarten through college and graduate school. Outside of work, I am a devoted supporter of my alma mater, Salve Regina University, in Newport, R.I.

What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment and why?
Over the past ten years, we have transformed the Times from a primarily regional newspaper to a truly national publication. Having the opportunity to strengthen and expand a newspaper about which I feel so passionate has been one of the most satisfying and heartening experiences of my professional life. What was the defining moment of your personal life and why? After teaching public school for eleven years, I took a leap of faith, moved to New York City and started my life all over again in publishing. I learned that taking a risk is often the only way to move forward and to find your passion. I also learned that being daring--ironically--can be the best way to secure your future and your happiness. What was the defining moment of your professional life and why? Being named C.E.O. of The New York Times Co. in late 2004.

What was the greatest challenge you faced in your personal life and why?
Building a work life and a personal life that complement and enhance one another. Balance should be about finding harmony, not about weighing trade-offs. What was the greatest challenge you faced in your professional life and why? Over the past ten years, the media world has changed dramatically due to the technology revolution. This has been a challenge for everyone working in media, especially in print. But it has also been an extraordinary opportunity. It has allowed our company to expand across platforms, into television, onto the Web and beyond. The role that we play in the lives of our readers, users and viewers is growing exponentially. It is awe-inspiring and incredibly exciting.

What is you favorite activity outside of the office and why?
Collecting antiques. If you could excel at one sport, which would it be and why? Golf. It requires strategic thinking, patience and resolve, just like the business world. Plus, you get to take a long walk and get a tan.

What would you most like to be remembered for?
I'd like to be remembered for being a good friend and a strong and effective leader--a leader who was bold, imaginative, ethical, committed, open-minded and kind. I'd like to be remembered as a leader who understood and respected what a privilege it is to work for an organization like The New York Times Co. and who helped the company continue to fulfill its mission: to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.