9 to 5ish with theSkimm

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

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

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

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:  How to start looking for a mentor The secrets to developing a mentor-mentee relationship The one piece of advice she gives her mentees now (hint: invest)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The day before Melissa Ben-Ishay started her famous cupcake business Baked by Melissa, she actually got fired from her job. But she’s proof that your worst moments can lead to some of your best. This week, we spoke to Melissa about how she found her confidence as she was getting started, and how she learned to embrace obstacles.  In this episode, Melissa shares… Her decision-making tactics  Her advice for people who lose their jobs How she got over her fear of cold-outreach Why the past two years were the hardest in her career The quality she looks for most when hiring  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robin Roberts has been in the anchor chair at “Good Morning America” for over 15 years. And while she’s covered some of the biggest news events of our time, she’s also gone through her own off-camera battles. This week, Robin told us why she decided to share her most personal struggles with millions of people – and how to make your own vulnerability your superpower at work. In this episode, Robin shares:  Why she pivoted from sports into news  How she exercises her “optimism muscle” How she reframes obstacles and learns from them Why vulnerability is her strength at work  How she mentors and supports her colleagues    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices