Making Space with Hoda Kotb
Novelist and Producer, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, On Women Supporting Other Women and Following Your Path
May 7, 2025
Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas is an acclaimed Hollywood agent and film producer, recognized for working with stars like Jennifer Lopez. She discusses her transition from talent agent to novelist with her book, Climbing in Heels, delving into the challenges women faced in the 1980s entertainment industry. Elaine shares personal stories about grief after losing her mother, the importance of female support, and overcoming her breast cancer diagnosis. Her journey highlights resilience, ambition, and the vital bonds that shape women's lives and careers in Hollywood.
40:45
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Quick takeaways
- Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas shares her journey in a male-dominated Hollywood, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required for female success.
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of women uplifting each other, illustrated by Elaine's supportive relationships with stars like Jennifer Lopez during challenging times.
Deep dives
Behind the Curtain of Hollywood
The podcast features a deep dive into the experiences of a former high-powered Hollywood agent, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, now a first-time novelist. Elaine offers insight into her career journey, revealing the challenges female agents faced in the 1980s. She highlights the atmosphere of insecurity and competition prevalent in the industry, likening it to a mousetrap for women who aspired to succeed. The conversation uncovers not only Elaine's professional achievements with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Julia Roberts but also her personal struggles and how those experiences shaped her narrative in her new book, 'Climbing in Heels.'
