Indiana 250: Robert Shegog

Robert Shegog oversees the day-to-day operations of the Recorder Media Group—the Indianapolis Recorder newspaper and the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. He is responsible for determining the overall direction of the newspaper and magazine and the publications’ community outreach efforts, devising the company’s goals and long-term agenda, making all business decisions relative to insurance and employee relations, and overseeing an annual budget of more than $3 million. The company hosts the Champions of Diversity awards. In his six years as CEO, the Recorder Media Group has won more than 80 state, local and national awards.

First job

My first job was in ninth grade, and it was at our local lumberyard (Taylor Lumber Co.). My high school had a co-op program [that] allowed me to go to school [a] half day and work from 1-5 p.m. during the weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Besides the United States military, this was probably one of my most physically demanding jobs ever.

Job swap

Nonprofit executive director: I would lead a nonprofit organization focused on media literacy, journalism education and community development, making an impact through outreach and advocacy.

Favorite thing about being a leader

As the president and CEO of a 129-year-old newspaper, it’s the ability to drive meaningful change and make a positive impact on both the Recorder and the community it serves.

Admires most

My grandfather. Imagine being raised on a farm in Mississippi in the early 1970s. My grandfather ran the farm of 90 acres and raised 12 children (nine girls and three boys). My grandfather stood at 6 feet 4 and 260 pounds, and to me, he was a giant at the time. I noticed how he would work 14 hours a day in the field farming, but mostly, he was kind, friendly, and respectful to everyone he
came across.

Toughest challenge

One of the toughest challenges I overcame was dealing with a severe speech impediment as a child. Growing up, I struggled with stuttering. Speaking in public, or even in small groups, was daunting. The fear of being misunderstood or judged because of my speech impediment often held me back. It affected my confidence and made me question my ability to learn.

Walk-up song

“Lift Me Up,” by Rhianna (from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”)

Favorite civic contribution

My joining the United States Navy in 1990, knowing we were about to go to war, is my greatest civic contribution.

Worries about

I often worry about the state of the world in 20 years. Where will my children be, and have we, as adults, made the correct choices to improve things? Have we, as a society, done enough to improve things?•