Skimm'd From The Couch

Bethenny Frankel grew up learning how to hustle. And for her entire career, she’s consistently bet on herself and her ideas. She joined us this week to talk about where that hustle comes from. And how she grew her business from the ground up, using her platform on “The Real Housewives of New York” to chart a new course for entrepreneurs.   In this episode, Bethenny shares how she got her foot in the door in the early days (7:28), why she chose to join “The Real Housewives” (13:50), and how she uses her instincts to make business decisions (22:31). 

While Eva Chen is known for her loyal following on IG (us included), she’s also known for carving out a career path that’s totally her own. She started off in editorial, and now she straddles the tech and high fashion worlds as the director of fashion partnerships at Instagram. And in case she wasn’t busy enough… she’s also a children’s book author. This week she told us that one of the biggest secrets to her success has been: her network. Because she’s stayed in touch with everyone she worked with.  In this episode, Eva shares how she went from being pre-med to being a magazine intern (5:03), her advice for growing your network (11:41), and why failing is okay (25:25).

Misty Copeland is the most famous ballet dancer in the world. Which means that throughout her career, she's had to consistently break down barriers. For background: Misty made history when she became the first Black female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. And now, her reach extends beyond the dance world through her books, philanthropy, and advocacy. Her new children's book “Bunheads” comes out this September.  In this episode, Misty shares how she gained confidence in herself (9:04), her advice for developing relationships with mentors (19:30), and her go-to dance song (34:41). 

Entrepreneurship runs in Monica Royer’s family. Her brother Andy founded Bonobos, the menswear company that changed the retail game. And Monica took notes on his journey before carving out a space of her own. She went on to found Monica + Andy, a company that makes organic baby blankets and clothing. This week, Monica joined us to share how she’s created a mentor network and how she got her business off the ground. In this episode, Monica shares how she pivoted from the pharmaceutical industry to clothing (7:27), when she knew she had to act on her idea (think: in the hospital) (8:24), and how she’s cultivated a network of mentors beyond her own family (17:14).

If you need some tips on advocating for yourself at work… Kim Cattrall’s got you covered. The actress and producer joined us to talk about how she learned to negotiate for herself from a young age. And how she trusts her instincts to choose new roles, including her character on the new show, “Filthy Rich.”  In this episode, Kim shares what drove her to acting (10:02), how she makes tough career decisions (18:33), and when she knew she needed to take a step back from work to focus on her health (20:50). 

Once Lilli Gordon found the beauty industry, she left her old career in finance and economics behind. After decades crunching numbers, Lilli wanted to solve different kinds of problems. Specifically, skin challenges. So she founded her own business, First Aid Beauty. She joined us this week to talk about how she knew it was time to change industries. And how she built her company from the ground up.  In this episode, Lilli shares her personal connection to the beauty industry (13:30), how she hustled to get the business off the ground (17:20), and why the company decided to launch FAB Aid (24:40). 

Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins has always been focused on creating change. She started as a leader in the labor and environmental movements, and she’s now using tech to create impact at scale. Her company, Promise, is a financial services tech platform tackling criminal justice reform. And this week, Phaedra joined us to share how she’s become a strong advocate by tuning out critics. It’s something she learned from the late musician Prince… who was also her old boss. More on that in the episode.  In this episode, Phaedra told us why she’s good at managing crisis (4:16), what she learned from her time as Prince’s manager (13:40), and her approach to fundraising (28:00).

Jeni Britton Bauer eats ice cream every single day. While that's become a quarantine habit for a lot of us, it's actually a key component of Jeni's job. That’s because she’s the founder and chief creative officer of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, an artisanal ice cream company she started after dropping out of Ohio State. Jeni joined us this week to tell us why dropping out was the best thing she ever did. And how her hustle in the early days helped her create an ice cream empire.  In this episode, Jeni shares why she knew she would be an entrepreneur when she was a kid (4:32), how her experiences starting out taught her how to run a business (11:27), and what it’s like to navigate a team through crisis (24:38).  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Sea Star Beachwear, a company making neoprene shoes and accessories so you can get your feet wet.

Leslie Blodgett is a trailblazer in the beauty industry. She is the former CEO and founder of bareMinerals, a product she grew into an almost two billion dollar business. She sat down with us to talk about how she built a community of loyal customers before the age of social media. And luckily, she's also put those tips into her new book, “Pretty Good Advice.” It gives some pretty great advice. Including: “lead with laughter.”  In this episode, Leslie shares how she hustled to break into the beauty business (5:32), why she built her television persona while being an introvert (12:39), and how she's leaned on a support system of girlfriends (22:10).  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Juju Supply, a company making jewelry, touchstones and totems to give you energy, spirit, resilience, and hope. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here. 

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot’s life changed in 2015. Because she received a cancer diagnosis from her doctor. Claire, a Walmart exec at the time, underwent treatment and realized she wanted to reconsider her career. She went on to become the CEO of Feeding America, the country’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. This week, Claire sat down with us to talk about how she found meaning in her career. And gave her advice on how you can do the same. In this episode, Claire shares how growing up with 107 (!) siblings impacted her leadership style (2:38), what goes down in that family group text (6:47), and how Feeding America is leading the fight against food insecurity (25:00). Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on The Yes, a new app that’s reimagining how you shop online. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.

Lori Gottlieb knows what it’s like to make a risky career move. Or four. Before becoming a bestselling author and therapist, Lori was a TV exec, then a medical student... and then a journalist. This week, Lori told us how she successfully navigated those transitions in her life. And how she helps her patients navigate those types of changes now.  In this episode, Lori shares how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable (12:40), why we need to humanize each other in the office (23:25), and how to know when you should stop seeing a therapist (19:15).  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on PUR Home, a company making green cleaning supplies for your home. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here. 

In an alternate universe, we’d be cheering in front of our TVs right now. Because the Olympics would be on. So while we wait for Tokyo 2021, we sat down with someone who knows a thing or two about winning a gold medal: Abby Wambach. She won two while she played for the US Women’s National Team. And the soccer star hasn’t slowed down in retirement. She’s now a bestselling author and an equal pay activist.  In this episode, Abby shares what it was like to play with her idols, including Mia Hamm (12:45), how she’s developed her leadership style on and off the field (19:33), and why one night at the ESPY awards changed the direction of her retirement (27:49).  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Babyation, a company that’s unapologetically for moms. Their first product: a breast pump that’s quiet and discreet. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.

Betsey Johnson joined us on a special bonus episode of Skimm’d from The Couch. She first took the fashion industry by storm in the 1960s and became famous for her instantly recognizable designs. And for her cartwheels down the runway. Her new memoir, “Betsey”, is on sale now and gives readers an inside look at the woman behind the iconic label.  And PS: she can still do a cartwheel and a split at age 77.

Judy Smith is the real-life Olivia Pope. Her life and career in crisis management inspired the making of ABC’s hit TV show “Scandal.” And Judy’s real-life clients include some of the most famous celebs, politicians, and Fortune 500 companies in the world. This week, she sat down with us to talk about how she tells it like it is. Even to some of the world’s most powerful people.  In this episode, Judy shares how she started organizing press conferences at age 11 (4:00), why she’s always taken risks (24:58), and whether she actually calls her employees gladiators (29:58).  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Effie’s Paper. It’s a company creating lifestyle products for your desk, travel, and even your coffee habit. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.

Tina Tchen is challenging companies to build better workplaces. As the CEO of Time’s Up, she’s focused on equality in the office. As a lawyer by trade, Tina has also been a political aide as chief of staff to former First Lady Michelle Obama, and the executive director for the White House Council on Women and Girls. She sat down with us this week to talk about how she creates impact at scale- and what it’s like to manage up when your boss is the First Lady.  In this episode, Tina shares how she grew her confidence in a corporate setting (10:08), what it was like to be a single parent working in the White House (23:42), and her strategies for creating meaningful impact (28:30). Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on arfa, a new consumer goods company that develops personal care brands based on close relationships with people who use them. And the customers aren’t just consumers - but actual stakeholders in the brands.

Welcome to a special bonus episode where we’re talking about one of our favorite topics: money. Claire Wasserman is the founder of Ladies Get Paid and host of John Hancock’s new podcast, “Friends Who Talk About Money.” This week, she sat down with us to talk about how she negotiates, the money myths she wants to dispel for women, and why you really need to start talking about money with your friends. Even if it’s awkward. 

Teresa Carlson has closed negotiations around the world. As the head of the worldwide public sector for Amazon Web Services, she convinces government and nonprofit clients to commit to a major technology upgrade. This week, she told us how every no can be turned into a yes. And her surprising pro tip for negotiating at work? Write your own job description. We’ll explain.  In this episode, Teresa shares why she actually switched her career from speech pathology to technology (3:50), how she deals with red tape (10:16), and her mindset going into every negotiation (18:07).  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Kanarys, a platform that fuels progress towards more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace culture. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.

Norah O’Donnell is the most-watched woman in news in the country. She is the anchor and managing editor of the 'CBS Evening News', making her the third woman ever to solo anchor a network evening broadcast. As she approaches her 1 year anniversary in the anchor chair, Norah sat down with us to talk us through the secret to her success. Think: a lot of preparation. And six newspapers a day.  In this episode, Norah shares how she made a name for herself in large companies (4:30), her strategies for building a support network (9:42), and her approach to leading CBS into a new era of news (17:33).  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Tea Drops, a company founded by Sashee Chandran. They make innovative, bag-less, dissolvable teas- with 20% less waste than a tea bag. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.

We all have questions about money. And Carmen Rita Wong had the answers for us on this week’s episode. She’s an author, personal finance expert, and the former host and co-creator of CNBC's On The Money, and has advised women around the country on how to take control over their finances. And in a total full circle moment, Carmen was also Carly’s first boss.  In this episode, Carmen shares how she’s used her inner strength to break down boundaries (8:18), why women need to ask themselves tough questions about money (12:14), and her best negotiating advice (31:52). Spoiler: always ask.  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Addison Bay, a company selling activewear fashion out of Philly. Because let’s face it - we’re all wearing leggings these days anyway. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.

Julie Greenwald is a powerhouse in the music industry. She started out in the business as an assistant in 1992, and worked her way up to help build Def Jam Records. Now, she’s the chairman and COO of Atlantic Records. And she’s helped advance the careers of some artists you may be familiar with. Think: Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson, and Ed Sheeran... to name a few.  In this episode, Julie shares why her work ethic set her apart (12:24), how she changed the culture at Atlantic Records (18:57), and her best negotiating advice (28:08). Hint: know your value.  Stay tuned for a spotlight on The Helm ABA, a behavior therapy company focused on providing families of children affected by autism with the behavior support that they need. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here. *This show was recorded on April 23rd*