By Jennifer Millar
Junior, English and Professional Writing

Sally Preston

Department alumna Sally Preston, the senior vice president/publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine since April 2005, shared her keys to success in the publishing world during a visit to campus this fall.

Preston, B.A., 1985, admitted to not having the best grades or life plans while at Purdue. She said her experiences as pledge trainer in her sorority helped her to be encouraging and enthusiastic, two qualities she later listed as important interview characteristics.

During her speech to the Krannert Executive Forum, she was candid about her experiences in the advertising world and her interaction with homemaking tycoon Martha Stewart. Preston's responsibilities include overseeing all advertising sales and marketing efforts for Martha Stewart Living magazine, and she is involved in all multi-platform sales programs associated with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

She stressed the importance of taking each day as it comes and not thinking of your life in terms of what looks good on paper.

"A resume is not who you are, it's what you've done," she said.

Preston got her start in a low-end position in the ad agency Leo Burnett in Chicago. She followed that start with positions at People Magazine; TV Guide; O, The Oprah Magazine; and Better Homes and Gardens.

As she was climbing the corporate ladder, she was offered a higher position at Better Homes and Gardens. She followed her instinct and turned this down. Shortly after, she got the offer from Martha Stewart Living.

"For more than a decade, I have admired Martha Stewart Living magazine's achievements in the women's lifestyle category. It is thrilling to now be at the helm of this incredible brand. Martha Stewart Living magazine has an enormously loyal readership and editorial content of the highest quality."

Preston even said that Martha Stewart advises her employees, "If you don't like it, don't do it."

Preston helped her audience answer a final question she asked.

"What is standing between you and all you want to do?" she said. "You."