9 to 5ish with theSkimm

Lindsay Kaplan and Carolyn Childers were killing it as startup VPs. But as they put it: it gets lonely at the top. Especially for women. Enter: their company, Chief, a women’s exec network that takes networking beyond sticky name tags and awkward icebreakers. This week, we sat down with the Chief co-founders who tell us that everyone – even those with unconventional skill sets – has a place in a business. In this episode, Lindsay and Carolyn share: The moment Lindsay realized a network like Chief needed to exist  Carolyn’s unconventional rise to becoming an entrepreneur The conflict that taught them the importance of always assuming best intent How Chief thrived during the pandemic by democratizing access for members Advice on how to take networking to the next level and develop meaningful work relationships  PS: Keep up with Carly and Danielle between episodes. Follow @carlyanddanielle on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re throwing it back to one of our favorite episodes from last year.Brooke Shields has been a household name ever since she did her first commercial, at just 11 months old. As a teenage model and actress being managed by her mother, Brooke found her own image sexualized — but refused to play along with the media’s expectations. Since then, she’s acted on Broadway, starred in sitcoms and TV dramas, raised two daughters and written two memoirs. We spoke to Brooke about how to survive and stay sane amid intense public scrutiny.In this episode, Brooke talks about: Working with her mother — and choosing to fire her The small things she does to help her compartmentalize  Staying true to herself under pressure Not taking criticism personally Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From freelancing as a college student to logging tape, Dana Bash worked her way up the ladder at CNN. Now, she comes to us live on TV as CNN’s chief political correspondent, covering elections and the biggest political news. Dana says she wouldn’t have gotten there without luck– and some good old fashioned patience. This week, she spills the secrets of her career marathon, and how to pace yourself.In this episode, Dana shares: The show she’d most like to make a cameo on (RHONJ lovers, rejoice) How she went from freelancing to getting the FT gig at CNN The career-defining move she made – and why it looked like a step backwards Advice on how to talk to your boss about transitioning to a different role  Why being in the same workplace as her ex-husband actually isn’t so bad  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices