How She Does It

How does one go from being a college dropout to the CEO of a billion-dollar company with a role on “Shark Tank?” If you ask Kendra Scott, the answer would be a determination to understand her customer, a hunger to keep learning, and a grateful attitude. It’s been nearly a quarter century since Scott, then a new mom, started a small jewelry business in her spare bedroom. The focus was quality, stylish pieces that were also affordable. For 10 years, she “bootstrapped” the fashion accessories business on loans and debt until she landed her first investor. By 2016, the company was valued at one billion dollars. Scott, who had a failed retail hat business prior to launching her namesake business, grew her business by making smart hires, reinvesting wisely, and learning as much as she could along the way.   Kendra Scott has retained majority control of her business and has placed “family, fashion, and philanthropy” as the company's pillars. In terms of her own family, she has raised three sons and is newly engaged to country superstar Zac Brown. She describes their relationship—and the whole lives they lead, along with their blended family of eight kids—as “two comets, headed in the same direction.”     💬 In this episode, we explore:  Kendra Scott’s perspective on the future of her business, now that she’s back as interim CEO after serving as executive chairwoman since 2021 Kendra Scott’s reaction to seeing Pete Davidson walk into “Shark Tank” How the Great Recession gave Kendra Scott the impetus to innovate her business  Why Kendra Scott wants to create a corporate culture where her employees can give her bad news. The way Kendra Scott is raising her three sons to understand the importance of making their own money and creating their own success.  🔗 Visit Kendra Scott - Lifestyle & Jewelry Company 📸 Follow Kendra Scott - LIfestyle & Jewelry Company on Instagram  📸 Follow Kendra Scott on Instagram  📸 Follow Kendra Scott on TikTok 📸 Follow the show on Instagram: @hsdipodcast🎧 New episodes of How She Does It drop every Tuesday. Be sure to follow us so you never miss an episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anglea Buchdahl has been leading one of NYC’s most influential Reform Judaism congregations since 2014.  Not only is she the first female leader of Central Synagogue in its more than 185-year history, but she is also changing the expectations around what it can look like to be a senior rabbi.  In this episode, Rabbi Buchdahl joins Karen Finerman to discuss her memoir “Heart Of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging.” In it, she shares how her Buddhist Korean mother and Jewish American father shaped her outlook on life, faith, and God. She went on to become the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi. Building her career presented its own challenges: from navigating the realities of being a working mother to deciding when and how to pursue bigger opportunities.  Along the way, she even faced doubters who said she lacked the “gravitas.” She persevered and has established herself as a leading voice in the Reform Jewish community.   💬 In this episode, we explore: How Rabbi Buchdahl resists putting too much stock in external criticism - or validation  One of the craziest days in Rabbi Buchdahl’s career, which proved to be a perfect representation of the challenges of being a working mother How a coin toss helped Rabbi Buchdahl take one of the biggest leaps of her career  The role Rabbi Buchdahl says humility plays in being a good leader (and helped convince her to accept an invite to the White House).  The meaningful moment Rabbi Buchdhl was able to publicly thank her mother for her support and guidance 🔗 Visit Central Synagogue’s Website 🔗 Learn More about  “Heart Of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging” 📸 Follow Rabbi Angela Buchdahl On Instagram  📸 Watch Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s sermons on YouTube 📸 Follow the show on Instagram: @hsdipodcast 🎧 New episodes of How She Does It drop every Tuesday. Be sure to follow us so you never miss an episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicki Sheard, CEO of BBC Studios Brands & Licensing, has a fascinating background that spans science, brand management, and digital media. She discusses her bold decision to leave a Harvard PhD for a career in branding, highlighting lessons from her time at P&G and McKinsey. Nicki reveals how she identified Bluey's potential early on, leading to its expansive success, including its notable presence in Disney parks. She also explores the show's appeal for adults, the use of AI in content creation, and her personal strategies for balancing career ambitions with family life.

It was the role of a lifetime: Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway phenomenon “Hamilton.”  But Renée Elise Goldsberry turned down the audition. Not just once, but multiple times.   As she explains to Karen Finerman in this episode and in her new documentary “Satisfied,” it was at that same moment that the family Renée had fought so hard to create was finally coming together.  She and husband Alexis had just brought home their daughter Brielle, adopted from Ethiopia. She joined big brother Benjamin to make their family of four. After years of infertility struggles, Renée was ready to spend her energy being a mom to her very young children.  That was her plan, until her manager implored her to at least listen to the music from what was then called “The Hamilton Mixtape.”  In the moment that she first heard Lin-Manuel Miranda singing the demo for “Satisfied,” she knew she wanted the part.  She got it, and the rest is Broadway history.  Renée’s versatility as a singer and actress has served her well since then: she starred in the musical comedy series “Girls5Eva” and can now be seen in Oscar-winner Kathryn Bigelow’s new film “A House of Dynamite” on Netflix.  In it, she plays the first lady as the president, played by Idris Elba, is facing a nuclear crisis.   💬 In this episode, we explore: Renée’s memories of “Hamilton” from its workshop days to its recent 10th anniversary celebration  How Renée managed the demands of a mega-hit Broadway musical while raising young children Behind the scenes of her new documentary "Satisfied,' and how fellow actresses Kelli O’Hara and Audra McDonald supported her  Why her new album “Who I Really Am” is her most personal work yet  How Renée knew her husband Alexis Johnson was the right one for her The role faith has played in both Renée’s personal and professional life  The good advice her “Girls5Eva” co-star Paula Pell gave her about managing anxiety The coveted birthday present Renée gives to her friends and family  And the exciting text John Mulaney sent Renée and her fellow castmates of “Documentary Now! Original Cast Album: Co-Op” 🔗 Visit Renée Elise Goldsberry’s website 🔗 For Information on the SATISFIED Documentary  🔗 For information on Netflix’s A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE 🎧 Listen To Renee’s New Album, Who I Really Am  📸 Follow Renée Elise Goldsberry on Instagram 📸 Follow Renée Elise Goldsberry on TikTok 📸 Follow the show on Instagram: @hsdipodcast 🎧 New episodes of How She Does It drop every Tuesday. Be sure to follow us so you never miss an episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“My whole life, people have been saying you're funny,” recalled Zarna Garg. “But if you are an Indian person, what do you do with that? That means nothing to us. Like if you are good at math, you become an accountant. What do you do with funny?” Lucky for audiences, Zarna figured it out and has become one of comedy’s hottest acts.  She’s mined her upbringing in India and a say-exactly-what-she’s-thinking attitude into comedy success.   On this episode, both Zarna and her daughter Zoya, a Stanford graduate who is now working closely with her mom, chat with Karen Finerman about their approach to building the business of Zarna Garg.  That includes tours, a New York Times best-selling memoir, a robust social presence, a family podcast, and more.    But they’re not resting on their laurels.  “I am really focused on the mission,” Zoya shared.  “I really believe [Zarna’s business] is going to be a really big thing one day. And I find so much purpose in that.” 💬 In this episode, we explore: Zarna’s upbringing in Mumbai, and how she left for the United States to avoid an arranged marriage during her teen years  How Zoya convinced Zarna, a stay-at-home mom and serial entrepreneur, to give comedy a try  Zarna’s unapologetic expectations for her kids, and how they’ve been able to meet them  How Zoya handles having her mother as a boss Zarna & Zoya’s relentless drive to grow their business.  Resources: 🔗 For Tour Info & More, Visit Zarna Garg’s Website  🔗 Play Grades With Gargs  📸  Follow Zarna Garg on Instagram 📸  Follow Zoya Garg on Instagram 📸 Follow the show on Instagram: @hsdipodcast 💬 Enjoying the show? Follow How She Does It and leave us a review. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being an elite athlete like Chelsea Sodaro requires a unique level of commitment. It’s about training full-time, year-round, for a handful of marquee races. None is bigger than the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaiʻi, a grueling 140-mile triathlon (a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike race, plus a full 26.2-mile marathon). In 2022, her rookie year, Chelsea not only outperformed her professional competitors, crossing the finish line in just under 8 hours and 34 minutes, but she did so just 18 months after giving birth to her daughter Skylar. In the process, Chelsea became only the second mother to win at Kona.   On this episode, Chelsea joins Karen Finerman to share how she rose to the top of her sport while overcoming postpartum anxiety and depression, struggles that were compounded by her difficulty with breastfeeding and finding reliable childcare. Now, as Chelsea prepares for the 2025 Ironman World Championship, she is using her platform to make her sport a more welcoming and equitable place for new mothers.    💬 In this episode, we explore: How Chelsa is approaching her 4th Ironman World Championship Chelsea’s strategies and mantra for pushing through discomfort and pain  Why Chelsea views the triathlon’s swim as the toughest leg of the race, and how she trains for it  How Chelsea has embraced the role of boss of her team, which includes coaches, dieticians, equipment specialists, and more The sacrifices Chelsea’s family has made for her to compete at this level  Chelsea’s perspective on how professional athletes are changing the conversation about sport and mental health  Why Chelsea views her marriage as a key component of her professional success Resources: Visit Chelsea Sodaro’s website  🔗 For Information on the “Unlocking Yes” Weekend  🔗 For information on the 2025 Iroman World Championship 📸  Follow Chelsea Sodaro on Instagram 📸 Follow the show on Instagram: @hsdipodcast 🎧 New episodes of How She Does It drop every Tuesday. Be sure to follow us so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ballet’s biggest superstar, Misty Copeland, will be stepping off the stage as the Principal Dancer for the American Ballet Theater this fall after 25 years with the company.  So we thought this was a good time to revisit the conversation Misty and Karen Finerman shared during season 1 of the podcast.   To be a ballet dancer, you must be a dancer, an athlete, and a performer all at the same time. It is a competitive and complex hierarchy, with thousands of dancers funneling to just a small handful at the very top. There used to be an overwhelming lack of diversity in the professional ballet world, and Misty broke that barrier at ABT with her dedication and undeniable talent.  Since then, she has worked to increase the diversity of dancers on stage and widened the audience for this beautiful art form.  After retirement, she plans to continue using her voice as an author, producer, director of documentary films, and entrepreneur.  💬 In this episode: Misty shares the challenging circumstances she faced growing up How she was first introduced to ballet at the Boys & Girls Club at age 13 (which is late for those who turn professional)  Why she decided to stay with ABT after not being promoted as quickly as other dancers Her experience collaborating with Prince The unique public scrutiny she faced as she advanced in the company, and how she handled it  How being a dancer informed her role as a mom to her young son What she does if she forgets a move on stage (yes, it’s even happened to Misty Copeland!)  🔗 Resources & Links: 📲 Follow How She Does It on Instagram: @hsdipodcast👩‍💼 Learn more about Misty Copeland at mistycopeland.com 📸 Follow Misty on Instagram: @mistyonpointe 🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday. Hit “Follow” so you never miss a moment. 💌 Join the HerMoney community: https://hermoney.com/subscribe/https://hermoney.com/subscribe/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Boorstin, Senior Media & Tech Correspondent at CNBC and author of When Women Lead, dives into the evolving world of media and technology. She shares her journey from Princeton to Fortune, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset in leadership. Julia advocates for embracing AI rather than fearing it, revealing its potential in journalism. She also discusses her research on women's leadership qualities and offers valuable advice for young professionals facing workplace biases.

In an engaging and revealing conversation, Bonnie Hammer opens up to Karen Finerman about her decades-long career in media: from “surviving” Barry Diller, to greenlighting “Suits” and overseeing a hugely successful portfolio of networks that prompted The New York Times to proclaim her the ”Queen of Cable TV.”   She recently wrapped up her time as vice chair at NBCUniversal and is set to take on a completely different adventure in her next role.     On this episode of How She Does It, Bonnie shares stories, strategies, and secrets behind her hard-won success, including the key skill she credits with her ability to navigate multiple mergers and leadership changes.  She’s the author of the best-selling book "15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: ...And the Truth We Need to Succeed," and is a sought-after mentor for women in the media industry. 💬 In this episode, we explore: The types of projects Bonnie’s new endeavor, Bonkars, will take on (hint: it may mean great news for your designer shoes!) Bonnie’s perspective on Versant, the future home to most of NBCUniversal’s cable networks Why she thinks “fake it ‘til you make it” is always the wrong move What Bonnie misses most (and what she does *not* miss) now that she is not attached to a big media company The story behind “Suits” and how Bonnie’s guidance impacted the hit show Why she believes it is critical to understand the difference between “professional value” and “personal value.”  Resources: Find out more about Bonnie Hammer, including her book 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: ...And the Truth We Need to Succeed at www.Bonnie-Hammer.com Follow How She Does It on Instagram: @HSDIpodcast 💬 Enjoying the show? Follow How She Does It and leave us a review. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Weiner has a slew of bestselling novels to her name, including Good in Bed, In Her Shoes, Big Summer, and Mrs. Everything. The Breakaway and most recently, The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits. Her stories are filled with complex women and vital female relationships (think sisters, best friends, mothers & daughters, etc.). And she is on a mission to give her plus-sized protagonists “main character energy,” which includes plenty of romance - and never having them undergo some kind of redemptive, weight loss makeover.   On this episode of How She Does It, Jennifer shares with Karen Finerman her path to becoming a full-time author, her relationship with money (including why she never wants to be without money in the bank and what she did with her first big advance). Plus, she explains how the unfair scrutiny of young, famous women in the 1990s and early 2000s (like Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, and  Carnie Wilson) inspired The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits. 💬 In this episode, we explore: The influence of Toni Morrison on Jennifer’s writing Why Jennifer credits her career as a journalist for making her a better writer  Where Jennifer finds inspiration for her novels  The battles Jeninfer has fought with her publishers over her books’ cover images The cultural impact of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic on body positivity and acceptance  What Jennifer tells fellow authors when their books are optioned to be made into TV shows or movies  Resources: 🔗 Visit Jennifer’s website 📸  Follow Jennifer on Instagram 📸 Follow the show on Instagram: @hsdipodcast 🎧 New episodes of How She Does It drop every Tuesday. Be sure to follow us so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices