An interview with Gretchen Carlson about the biggest career decisions she’s made, standing against sexual harassment, being courageous, finding common ground, and her best career advice.

You’re listening to the 5 Questions podcast and I’m your host, Dan Schawbel. In fewer than 10 minutes, my goal is to extract the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions.

This episodes guest:

My guest today is former Fox News host turned author, activist and speaker, Gretchen Carlson. After hosting Fox & Friends and The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson, she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, which inspired the film Bombshell. Since then, Gretchen wrote Be Fierce, became one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and is on a mission to eliminate non-disclosure agreements. I caught up with her to talk about her experiences, learn more about where her courage comes from, and to seek advice for those who have suffered from sexual harassment for this podcast episode.

The 5 questions I ask in this episode:

1. You’ve had a unique career trajectory, starting off as a violinist in your childhood, then entering beauty pageants, then transitioning to hosting a TV show and now you’re an activist, author, and speaker. What were the biggest decisions you made that allowed you to make these career transitions, were they intentional, and why?
2. Sexual harassment like what you experienced during your tenure at Fox News was an example of abuse of power. How should people stand up to their boss when they feel suppressed, taken advantage of, or harassed knowing that they may lose their job by doing so?
3. When you filed your lawsuit against Fox News, you gave other women the courage to follow suit. And now, you’re doing the same with your mission to void nondisclosure agreements so the public can hear the stories of all these women. Where does your courage to stand up for yourself, and others, come from knowing that there may be a backlash or repercussions as a result?
4. We live in a time of radical social, racial, and political division that is exasperated by social media. What are some ways that we can find common ground, create connections, and be at peace even in social-isolation?
5. What is your best piece of career advice?

Follow Gretchen’s journey:

• Website
• Book
• Twitter
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram