Skimm'd From The Couch

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*

Tiffany R. Warren realized her calling early in life. She is the SVP, Chief Diversity Officer for Omnicom, one of the largest advertising and marketing networks in the world. She’s also the founder and president of ADCOLOR, an organization that champions and advocates for diversity in the creative and tech industries. But her work changing corporate culture actually began when she was a toddler.  In this episode, Tiffany shares how her childhood set the tone for her career (6:54), how she navigates the personal and professional aspects of her role (22:35), and her recommendations for allies at work (24:49).  Stay tuned for a spotlight on Golde, a health and wellness company founded by Trinity Mouzon Wofford. Golde makes products that look good, taste good, and help you feel like your best self. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.

Padma Lakshmi has our dream job. She’s the host and executive producer of “Top Chef” and the upcoming series “Taste The Nation.” And her career has taken her all over the world to try the best food. But it’s also thrown her a few curveballs. Padma sat down with us this week to tell us how she became a serious player in the culinary world, and why her activism fuels her work.  In this episode, Padma shares how she overcame imposter syndrome (13:30), why she’s a committed mentor (15:56), and how she brings her sense of activism into the culinary world (18:13).  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Dogdrop, a flexible dog daycare center. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.  Note: This episode contains mentions of sexual assault that may be triggering for some listeners.

This episode was recorded on May 28, 2020.  Loni Love brings effortless personality, confidence, and honesty to TV screens daily as the co-host of The Real. And the secret to her success: perseverance. Because her journey has taken many twists. She sat down with us to share how she's found her voice, onstage and off.  You’ll also want to pre-order her new book, I Tried To Change So You Don’t Have To, at lonilovebook.com.  In this episode, Loni shares how she learned perseverance from a young age (3:50), why she’s kept a journal throughout her life (5:35), and how to conquer self doubt (17:47).  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Jali Creatives, a digital marketing firm founded by Juana Jones. It’s providing free templates and resources to businesses who need it in the wake of COVID-19. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.

Ariane Goldman is no stranger to taking risks. She climbed the corporate ladder for years before quitting to dive into fashion. She started HATCH, a company creating style solutions for pregnant women. And it’s now changing the conversation about maternity. But she founded the brand when no one was paying attention to the category. This week, she told us why she risked it to be the first mover in a new space.  In this episode, Ariane shares her philosophy of leading with “human first” during the COVID-19 pandemic (4:20), her advice for turning your side hustle into your main hustle (10:06), and what it was like to start a company with a newborn (18:15).  Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a spotlight on Soapply, a company on a mission to get soap in the hands of everyone who needs it right now. Every 8 oz. of Soapply is tied to a $1 donation that helps fund water, sanitation, and hygiene efforts around the globe.

Lindsay Peoples Wagner is the youngest editor-in-chief of a Condé Nast publication. She’s also the only Black female editor-in-chief of a major US fashion magazine. She sat down with us this week to talk about how hard work really does pay off. And about the changes she wants to make in the fashion industry now that she’s at the helm of Teen Vogue.  In this episode, Lindsay shares how she leads with empathy (5:53), why she won’t stay complacent (22:36), and what the role of a mentor should be (23:56). Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Weezie Towels, the “towel whisperers” redefining how you shop for bath and towel products. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.

Jennifer Justice is an expert negotiator. As an entertainment attorney (for Jay-Z) and now as the CEO and founder of The Justice Department, she’s a pro at getting people what they deserve. Tune in for her best negotiation tips, and the number one mistake she thinks people make. Hint: don’t go in with your best offer.  In this episode, Jennifer shares how she overcame her imposter syndrome (6:22), why she quit her job with no plan as a single mom of two-year-old kids (15:58), and how you can be your own best advocate (26:38).    Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a spotlight on Orenda Tribe, a vintage and upcycled textile business that has pivoted to provide critical aid to Navajo Nation during COVID-19. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here.  This episode was recorded in February 2020, before theSkimm started working from home because of COVID-19.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Skimm’d from the Couch with a focus on small businesses. We’re talking to small business founder and CEO Kaylin Marcotte, who turned her nightly routine of puzzling into a business, JIGGY. And she was also employee number one at theSkimm.   In this episode, Kaylin tells us how she turned her idea from a hobby into a business, what it’s like to become the boss, and why it’s important to prioritize your time as a first-time founder.

Whether you’ve seen her as Donna on That ‘70s Show or as Alex on Orange Is The New Black, chances are Laura Prepon has been on your radar for years. But becoming a famous actress and director took serious hustle and determination. Laura sat down with us this week to talk about where that hustle comes from, and how she taps into her inner strength when she faces a setback.  In this episode, Laura shares why she pushed herself to learn to direct (11:59), how she handles being told to “stay in her lane” (18:20), and why we need to cut ourselves some slack right now (28:15). Stay tuned at the end to learn about Frame, a female-founded mental wellness platform that makes it easier to connect with therapists - both digitally and in-person (when COVID-19 guidelines allow). Frame’s mission is to change the way people think about therapy.  Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here. 

Right now, it’s hard to think about what will happen next week, let alone next year. Enter Adriana Cisneros, the CEO of Cisneros, who told us she’s always thinking 50 years into the future. At a minimum. This week, she sat down with us to talk about why thinking (really) big picture is integral to her leadership style, especially in times of change.  In this episode, Adriana shares what it’s like to balance personal and professional relationships in a family business (12:03), how she thinks about restructuring companies (16:43), and why companies need to lead by example during times of instability (26:04).

Ratana Stephens has always been fiercely loyal to her instincts and her employees. This week, she walked us through how she and her husband built Nature’s Path from a local food favorite into a global enterprise. And why investing in her employees has been the key to creating a sustainable business.  In this episode, Ratana shares how she brings empathy into the workplace (5:48), why common sense should not be overlooked (10:54), and what it’s really like to start a business with your spouse (19:01).

Meg Whitman is a three-time tech CEO (think: she’s been in charge of eBay, HP, and now, Quibi). So she’s had experience leading a team through times of crisis before. This week, she told us how her past experiences have made her a “situational” leader. And how she’s applying those lessons to launching a new business during COVID-19.   In this episode, Meg shares how she’s being there for her employees as they all WFH (8:56), why you need to ask questions to get ahead (10:13), and what it’s like to launch her newest venture during a global pandemic (29:46).

As one of the most prominent tech executives in the world, Sheryl Sandberg’s professional and personal experiences have taught her how to be resilient. Even in the most difficult circumstances. This week, she sat down with us to talk about navigating the uncertainty of COVID-19, and how to have perspective even when it feels overwhelming.  In this episode, Sheryl shares how to rally a team through hard times (10:39), her advice for building resilience at work and at home (14:15), and why it’s important to show emotion in the workplace (17:14). Plus, hear her best work from home tips and what TV show she’s binge-watching at home. 

What happens when we actually listen to our gut? Bestselling author and activist Glennon Doyle is no stranger to having deeply honest conversations with herself. And she sat down with Danielle this week to talk about her newest memoir, Untamed. She told us what happened when she freed herself of expectations others had for her. And how her life changed when she listened to her own inner voice.  Plus, hear from surprise guests including Glennon’s sister, Amanda, and her wife (and Olympian) Abby Wambach.  In this episode, Glennon shares what she learned about honesty from recovery circles (6:36), why companies should encourage “untamed” meetings (18:16), and what happens when we stop trying to please everyone (33:04).