9 to 5ish with theSkimm

Latest Episodes:

Maria Shriver on Turning the Bad into Good Jun 22, 2022

Show notes

Maria Shriver never felt the pressure to go into politics like the rest of her family. Instead, her parents asked her: what moves you? She took that question and ran with it. Fascinated by storytelling, Maria led a decades-long career in journalism. But then she became first lady of California. And NBC asked her to leave. Looking back, Maria says: it was a blessing in disguise.

In this episode, Maria shares:

Why she started at smaller stations before hitting the big networks
How getting fired opened space for new opportunities for her
Why her Alzheimer’s work specifically centers the impacts on women
A quick skimm of her brain-healthy food company, Mosh

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Audie Cornish on Motherhood and Work Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

Before Audie Cornish made the jump to CNN, she was a longtime co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered. And while she made interviewing politicians and celebs look like NBD, she says she had to deal with a “professional identity crisis” after becoming a new mom. This week, we sat down with Audie to talk about how her professional life changed after she had kids, and how motherhood impacted her mindset at work.

In this episode, Audie shares:

How she figured out her own communication style
Why having kids allowed her to reframe her ideal career success
How recognizing her own accomplishments reframed her ideal career success
Why fostering work + personal relationships is the key to success in all aspects of life
Her go-to bagel order

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Beth Ford on Finding Success At Every Level Jun 08, 2022

Show notes

When you look at Beth Ford’s resume, you probably didn’t know the Land O’ Lakes CEO started out detasseling corn for $2 an hour and cleaning toilets as a janitor. And Beth told us she wouldn’t have ever become CEO without those jobs. Because being successful in business comes from learning about people – and celebrating wins at every level.

In this episode, Beth shares:

The string of odd jobs she did to get by as one of eight children in Iowa
How taking the job in the field helped her learn about business and people
Why she decided to grow her career laterally instead of vertically in her early career
The importance of asking for feedback regularly, and why it’s a gift
Why humility is key to being a good leader

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Victoria Eady Butler on Changing Careers After 30 Years Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

After a 30-year-career in law enforcement, Victoria Eady Butler did what most people do. She retired. But just days into relaxing and investing in new hobbies, she kicked retirement to the curb. And instead, opted for the chance to learn about what she says is in her blood: whiskey blending, at Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.

In this episode, Victoria shares:

Her favorite cocktail (hint: it includes Uncle Nearest whiskey)
How she started her career over after 30 years
How she connects to her great-great grandfather through her own whiskey blending
What it’s like being part of an all woman executive team in the spirits industry
Why her awards and accolades matter, but why being open to learning matters more

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Eva Longoria on Defying Expectations May 25, 2022

Show notes

As a kid, Eva Longoria dreamed of being a professional volunteer one day. Her mother’s response? That’s not a job, sweetie. Instead, she was a Texas pageant queen, became a headhunter, and moved to LA. And despite knowing no one in Hollywood when she first arrived, Eva became a household name for her role in “Desperate Housewives.” Now, Eva’s defied expectations again and expanded her resume to include: humanitarian and parent.

In this episode, Eva shares:

How her special needs sister taught her the importance of being in service to others
What it was like to become a household name in her 30s
How her Mexican-American roots shaped her activism
Why she feels lucky to have had her son later in life
A Skimm of her new podcast, “Connections with Eva Longoria”

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Fidji Simo on Integrating Work and Life May 18, 2022

Show notes

When Fidji Simo was an exec at Facebook, she discovered she had a chronic health condition. That meant: taking meetings from her bed, fainting at work, and awkward conversations with her bosses. That experience taught Fidji how to be a leader while taking care of herself and putting her health first. A lesson she now brings to her team at Instacart, where she’s the CEO.

In this episode, Fidji shares:

The must-have in her weekly Instacart order (hint: it’s a sweet treat)
Why being a woman in a male-dominated industry is actually an advantage
How she integrates work and life instead of separating them
Why sponsorship means more than mentorship in work relationships
How opening up about her chronic condition made her leadership stronger

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Cindy Eckert on Choosing the Harder Path May 11, 2022

Show notes

Cindy Eckert co-founded the company Sprout Pharmaceuticals, which created the first FDA approved drug for low sexual desire in women (read: female viagra). In a made-for-TV twist, she sold the company for $1 billion… but then, had to take the company back. Intrigued yet? Same. Now, Cindy’s the founder of the investment and management firm, The Pinkubator, with the goal of making other women “really f***ing rich.” Talk about a mission we can get behind.

In this episode, Cindy shares:

How to rethink the classic career ladder
Who inspired her to keep fighting for women’s health, in spite of FDA pushback
How she got her company back – for free
Why securing funding is not the golden ticket to entrepreneurial success
How one simple interview question can tell you a lot about a candidate

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Christine Chang on Leaving Your Desk Job May 04, 2022

Show notes

Every weekend growing up, Christine watched her mom and grandma go to the Korean bathhouses, rubbing things like tea and spoiled milk on their skin. And she’s been hooked on skincare ever since. Now, she’s the co-founder and co-CEO of the skincare brand, Glow Recipe. But before leading this new venture, she actually worked her way up the corporate ladder at L’Oreal. In this episode, Christine gives her advice on how to make the jump from corporate to startup, and what she learned at her desk job that she still uses today.

In this episode, Christine shares:

How she learned to lean on colleagues and mentors
How having a co-founder eases the growing pains of a new business
How her corporate experience helped in the startup mindset
Why she and her co-founder turned down an offer from Shark Tank investors
The important role that emerging technology like TikTok has played in her business

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After 5ish: Rathi Srinivas On Innovation May 02, 2022

Show notes

Before Rathi Srinivas became the co-founder and CTO of Droplette, she got her PhD in chemical engineering from MIT. NBD. And now, she’s developed an award-winning skincare device that’s grounded in science and backed by NASA. This week, Rathi joined us to share how she thinks about making stuff that’s never been made before – that can have a real difference for women everywhere.

In this episode, Rathi shares:

The differences between traditional fundraising and scientific grants
What it’s like to start a business with a friend
How becoming a mom changed her career

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After 5ish: Gargi Pal Chaudhuri on the Power of Mentorship Apr 29, 2022

Show notes

It’s no secret that more diversity is needed in the investing world. So as an immigrant woman of color, Gargi Pal Chaudhuri didn’t see a lot of people who looked like her or understood her background when she first stepped onto the trading floor two decades ago. Since then, she’s climbed the ranks, broadened her network, and become the Head of iShares Investment Strategy, Americas at BlackRock. Tune in for her advice on how to find the best mentors possible as you build your career.

In this episode, Gargi shares: