Optimism

Though we take it for granted today, email changed everything when it first came on the scene in the ‘90s. And Nicholas Pardon was there at the very beginning.

“I started working in the email space because it was the most radical change to global communications we’d seen since the telephone,” says Nicholas. “It not only changed the way people communicated; email became a core infrastructural component of the internet — and life — as we know it today. “In many ways, email and I grew up together.”

“While the internet has changed dramatically since the late ‘90s, email’s role as the central means of digital communication remains unchanged. Amid the rise of major social networks, AI’s disruption of search, the depreciation of cookies rocking the foundation of digital publishing, the inbox is the one channel where individuals still have full control. “Because we have to be invited into a reader’s inbox, the connections we make there are meaningful.”

Nicholas’ latest inbox-first endeavor was based around an enticing idea: what if we could make the web a brighter place, full of stories that inspire? Never one to overthink names, Nicholas settled on a name for his new portfolio of brands that perfectly summed up its mission: Optimism. Today it includes beloved brands like Better Report, Interesting Facts, Daily Passport, Unique Beauty and more.

“Optimism’s portfolio of over a dozen brands engages its readers with the facts, stories, and experiences that make time in the inbox more enriching, and time on the web more engaging. “I always wanted to be on the front lines of what was possible in email, and have continued to iterate and optimize within the platform as it has evolved” explains Nicholas. “Optimism is an inbox-first media company that serves inspiring content to millions of readers every day with the mission of building a brighter web.”

Google Ad Manager allows Optimism to align brands and advertisers with its quality content and, together, make the experience for its millions of readers–in and out of the inbox– more enriching.

“Our ad revenue has also enabled us to focus on other priorities such as philanthropy and the arts,” explains Nicholas. “I have always had an affinity for fine art, especially supporting emerging artists, and we have a variety of art initiatives in and adjacent to Optimism. Artists are the ultimate entrepreneurs and bringing art & design into our businesses is fundamental to why our readers engage with our brands.”

“We often have readers reach out about the way our brands have impacted their lives, in big and small ways,” says Nicholas. “For many of our readers, our publications have become a critical part of their daily lives: whether they wake up each morning curious what new word they’re going to learn on Word Daily or which article from Recommended Reads they’re going to read with their coffee.”

Because of this connection Optimism has with its readers, Nicholas has a clear roadmap for Optimism in which elevated design and editorial will continue to sustain email and the inbox as a thriving digital channel.

“It is very fulfilling to lead such a purpose-driven organization, and to have put together a world-class team of like-minded talent and partners like Google AdSense. I have worked with a lot of the team for many years, and I am continuously grateful for their hard work and dedication to our mission.”