Editorial Policy

These Editorial Policies, together with Thrive Global dba Felicia Ford & Co.®’s Privacy Policy, set forth the guidelines and standards (“Policies”) that apply to your participation in and contributions to Strategic Edge Magazine: Power Moves for Businesses + Nonprofits and Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford Podcast (“Publications”). “feliciafordandco.com” includes Felicia Ford & Co.® and its officers, directors, employees, consultants, affiliates, subsidiaries, and agents. The feliciafordandco.com services may include, but are not limited to, professional business consulting services, courses, magazine, podcast, content, and templates (collectively, the “Services”).

Mission and Vision

  • Strategic Edge Magazine: Our mission is to provide actionable strategies and insights to empower businesses and nonprofits to become industry leaders and societal change agents. We focus on strategic growth, innovative solutions, and impactful stories that inspire our readers to take meaningful action.
  • Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford Podcast: Our podcast aims to spotlight Change Makers and innovators who are making a significant impact in their fields. We share their stories, insights, and strategies to inspire our listeners to drive positive change in their own ventures.

Values

Our content and interactions are guided by the following core values:

  1. Integrity: We commit to honesty, accuracy, and transparency in all content. This means fact-checking all information, avoiding plagiarism, and acknowledging sources and contributors appropriately.
  2. Empowerment: We strive to empower our audience with actionable insights and strategies.
  3. Excellence: We uphold high standards of quality and professionalism in our work.
  4. Innovation: We encourage innovative thinking and solutions.
  5. Respect: We respect diverse perspectives and maintain a supportive and inclusive environment.

Content Guidelines

  • Types of Content:
    • Magazine: Articles, case studies, opinion pieces, interviews, how-to guides, and industry news.
    • Podcast: Interviews, panel discussions, case studies, and expert insights.
  • Content Standards:
    • All content must be original, well-researched, and accurately sourced. Contributors are required to provide references for any claims or data presented.
    • Submissions must align with our mission and values, offering practical insights and actionable strategies.

Contributor Guidelines

  • Contributor Selection:
    • We prioritize contributors who are industry experts, experienced professionals, and thought leaders whose values align with our mission.
    • We seek diversity in perspectives and backgrounds to enrich our content.
  • Submission Process:
    • Contributors must submit a proposal or pitch before submitting full articles or content.
    • Contributors interested in being interviewed must submit a completed interview request form, which will be reviewed by our editorial team.
    • Submissions undergo a review process for quality, accuracy, and alignment with our editorial standards. Accepted submissions may be edited for clarity and coherence.

Ethical Standards

  • Conflicts of Interest:
    • Contributors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest when submitting content or agreeing to be interviewed. Examples of conflicts include, but are not limited to, financial interests, personal and professional relationships, competitive relationships, and prior commitments that could influence the impartiality of the content.
    • If a conflict of interest is identified, it must be disclosed in the content, and steps will be taken to ensure that the integrity and independence of the publication are maintained.
  • Transparency:
    • We uphold standards of transparency. This includes clearly distinguishing between opinion and fact, acknowledging all sources of information, and avoiding plagiarism, copyright infringement and other such practices. .

Diversity and Inclusion

  • Commitment to Diversity:
    • We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our content and among our contributors. We aim to represent a wide range of voices and perspectives.
  • Inclusive Language:
    • We use inclusive language that respects all individuals and groups. Content that discriminates or marginalizes will not be accepted.

DEI Statement Specific to Religious Content

While we respect and value religious diversity, we maintain editorial guidelines that reflect our audience's interests and values. Our guests and contributors may come from various religious backgrounds and are predominantly of the Abrahamic faiths or other faiths that align with our core values. However, we do not include content or guests that promote beliefs or practices that significantly diverge from the values and interests of our readership.

Bias and Content Guidelines

  • Core Values and Mission: All content must align with the mission of providing strategic growth, innovation, and empowerment while respecting our core values.
  • Content Alignment: We do not accept content that conflicts with our core values and mission.

Audience Engagement

  • Interaction:
    • We encourage audience interaction through comments, social media, and events. Constructive feedback is welcomed and valued.
  • Guidelines for Engagement:
    • Comments and interactions should be respectful and relevant. Offensive or inappropriate content will be removed.

Legal and Compliance

  • Copyright and Intellectual Property:
    • All content must respect copyright and intellectual property laws. Contributors must ensure that any third-party content used is properly credited and authorized.
  • Privacy and Data Protection:
    • We adhere to privacy and data protection regulations, ensuring that personal information is handled responsibly and securely.

Brand Voice and Style

  • Tone and Style:
    • Our tone is professional, supportive, and empowering. We aim to inspire and motivate our audience through clear and engaging content.
    • We avoid jargon and overly technical language, making our content accessible to a broad audience.

Magazine-Specific Guidelines

  • Design and Layout:
    • Articles should be accompanied by high-quality images and graphics where appropriate. The layout should be clean, professional, and visually appealing.
  • Publication Frequency:
    • The magazine is published yearly or at the discretion of Felicia Ford & Co.®.. Each issue focuses on a central theme relevant to strategic growth and innovation in business and nonprofits.
  • Content Length:
    • Articles should typically range from 800 to 1,500 words, depending on the complexity of the topic.

Podcast-Specific Guidelines

  • Format and Structure:
    • Episodes are typically 30-60 minutes long, featuring a mix of interviews, panel discussions, and solo segments by Felicia Ford.
  • Recording and Editing:
    • Audio quality is paramount. All episodes are recorded using professional equipment and edited for clarity and coherence.
  • Distribution:
    • Episodes are released weekly and promoted across social media platforms, email newsletters, and our website.

Content Review and Approval

  • Editorial Review: All submitted content will undergo a rigorous editorial review process to ensure it meets our quality standards and aligns with our mission and values.
  • Final Approval: The final decision on publishing content rests with the editorial team. We reserve the right to reject any content that does not meet our standards.

Fact-Checking and Accuracy

  • Verification: All factual claims must be verified through credible sources. Contributors are required to provide citations for any statistics, quotes, or data used in their submissions.
  • Corrections: If errors are identified in published content, we will promptly issue corrections and notify our audience.

Guest and Contributor Conduct

  • Professionalism: Contributors and guests are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism in all interactions related to their participation in the magazine and podcast.
  • Conflict Resolution: Any disputes or conflicts will be addressed through a structured process, ensuring fair and respectful resolution.

Advertising and Sponsorship

  • Disclosure: All advertisements and sponsored content must be clearly disclosed as such. We maintain a strict separation between editorial content and advertising.
  • Standards: Advertisements must align with our mission and values. We do not accept advertising from companies or organizations that conflict with our core principles.

Privacy Policy

  • Data Protection: We are committed to protecting the privacy of our audience and contributors. Personal data collected will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and relevant data protection laws.
  • Usage: Personal data will not be shared with third parties without explicit consent from the individual.

Copyright and Plagiarism

  • Original Content: Contributors must ensure that all submitted content is original and not previously published elsewhere. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
  • Attribution: Proper attribution must be given for any third-party content used, including quotes, images, and data.

Inclusivity and Sensitivity

  • Respectful Content: All content must be respectful and considerate of diverse perspectives. Language or imagery that is discriminatory, offensive, or insensitive will not be accepted.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Contributors should be mindful of cultural differences and strive to create content that is inclusive and respectful of all cultures.

Digital and Social Media

  • Promotion: Content will be promoted across our digital platforms, including social media, newsletters, and our website. Contributors agree to participate in promotional activities as needed.
  • Engagement: We encourage respectful and constructive engagement on our digital platforms. Offensive or inappropriate comments will be moderated and removed.

Health and Safety Disclaimers 

  • Medical Content: Any content related to health, wellness, or medical advice must include a disclaimer that it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Example Disclaimer for Health Content:

"The information provided in this article/podcast episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition."

Trademark Acknowledgment

  • Felicia Ford & CO.®: Both Strategic Edge Magazine: Power Moves for Businesses + Nonprofits and Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford Podcast are products of Felicia Ford & CO.®, a registered trademark.

Disclaimer

  • The views and opinions expressed in Strategic Edge Magazine: Power Moves for Businesses + Nonprofits and Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford Podcast are those of the authors and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Felicia Ford or Felicia Ford & CO.®

Review and Updates

  • These policies are reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure they remain relevant and effective in achieving our mission and maintaining our standards.
  • For legal terms and conditions, including dispute resolution procedures, contributors are required to review and agree to the Contributor Agreement.

​Last updated: September 28, 2024