The New Op-Ed? It’s Right in Your Inbox.

High impact Substacks for executive thought leadership.

If you still think Substack is just a side hustle for writers or a hub for niche commentary, let me stop you right there.

In 2025, Substack is where influence happens. It’s where founders talk shop, journalists source ideas, and sharp executives build credibility—not just visibility.

With trust in traditional media declining and inboxes becoming the new front page, newsletters are quietly (but powerfully) shaping the conversation. And yes, I know I’m saying this on Substack—but the impact is real.

A New York Times op-ed may still be on every exec’s vision board, but today’s smartest publicists want to land the byline and the inbox. Many of the most trusted newsletters are written by former journalists and thought leaders with loyal, high-intent audiences—and unlike traditional outlets, they welcome smart, direct pitches.

Getting a CEO to carve out time for a newsletter interview can be a tough sell—but it shouldn’t be. Substack reaches over 20 million monthly readers, and the right placement lands in the inboxes of VCs, brand leaders, reporters, and tastemakers. These platforms drive industry chatter and shape perception.

Not just visibility. Real influence.

Below are a few high-impact newsletters where the right executive voice can really move the needle.